You come in rushing into a store, looking for the latest Pokemon stuff. However, you only got let's say, ten bucks. You see the shelf stocked full of new stuff. Most of it, however, is packs of Pikachu figurines. Now here's were intuition works. If you know which Pokemon are the most popular, you know which one will be sold out first. Amid all of the Pikachu, you spy a 3 1/2" figurine of Mewtwo. You only see a few. Now, which do you choose to buy? A Pikachu, or a Mewtwo? You only have enough money for one. I would go for the Mewtwo. Stores tend to think that EVERYONE wants Pikachu. People do, but stores stock up too much on them, making the endless line of Pikachu very common and easy to come by. If there is a Mewtwo there, you should probably get it, for they're a rarity, and you might not have a chance to get it.

Let's say you're entering a Babbages. On the counter, they have Pokemon items lined up for everyone to see: wind-ups, little figurines, keychains, and all that. But the thing to look for is that if they were imported from Japan, or if they were produced for America. You can easily tell this with the difference in prices. Japan imports are more expensive due to the money the importers spend on air fairs and such. Be sure to look at the package carefully. If it looks torn up (like it's held together with paper) or cheap-looking, then avoid it at all costs. But if it looks decend (mainly it has the TOBY signature on it) then you should try and get it. Be sure to always save some money on the side for moments like these, you never know when the store is going to get another shipment!

I never stop laughing to myself whenever I hear a little kid go up to the counter and ask "Do you have any Pokémon cards?" And there like a sign on the wall clearly saying that they're all sold out. It really cracks me up. But really, I can relate to the story. I go around asking stores if they have any Pokémon stuff yet. You should always take the time and ask the people if they have any stuff. For if you do, there might be a slight chance that they got a shipment that day and have yet to open it up! Then BAM your rolling in the Poké-merchandise baby! Please, be as friendly as you can... You wouldn't want to be kicked out and banned from the store would you?

First of all, I recommend that you go to the web and look around... you should find that there are TONS of Pokémon stuff! But you don't know where to start looking huh? Well don't fret, I'm here to point you in the right direction! Here are some good, reliable sites:

• AnotherUniverse.com - A great selection of Pokémon stuff, both American and Imports. Some other stuff too.
• PocketMonsters.com - The official store for Japanese Pokémon stuff! Get the cards, toys and even the (dare I say it?) movies!
• EBay.com - Look up 'Pokemon' and look at the huge list of Pokémon stuff up for sale! Get in on the action! There are some great bargains here!
• ActionAce.com - Some way top quality items to be found here! Check it out!
• ToysRUs.com - You want the Pokémon games? Then buys some here!
• Amazon.com - Find some Pokémon books at this great online store! If you don't feel like looking for any in there, go to my little Pokémart where I'll forward you to some of their great stuff!

When looking online be sure to look at ALL the stuff... you don't want to buy something now and then find out later that another place has the same thing, but at a lower price!

Now if you don't like to shop online, then I'll refer you to some great stores. They might not be in your local area however, so I'm not gaurnteeing anything.

• Another Universe - I love this place. They always have a great stock on comics, imported stuff like anime, Star Wars products, and of course Pokémon!
• Toys 'R Us - Get your Pokémon video games here! And maybe some Pokémon toys! Sorry no imports.
• Babbages - Get some Pokémon video games, toys. Imports here. Cards here.
• Electronics Boutique - Get some Pokémon video games, toys here too. They also import. They sell cards.
• Kay Bee Toys - Maybe you'll get lucky and get some Pokémon toys here! And maybe some cards!
• Walden Books - Find some Pokémon books... and maybe some Pokémon cards.
• B. Dalton - Get Pokémon books, and some cards.