Picture the scene: An endless hoard of exclusive Pokémon merchandise lies before you and you have a pocket full of savings. You pass one plushie, a playmat, a bag; before you know it, you’re at a checkout, paying thousands of dollars instantly. It’s all a bit of a blur.

I have been incredibly fortunate to go to Pokémon events before, including the past two World Championships. While Tokyo’s Pokémon Center was in a league of its own, nothing is better than a Worlds pop-up store, and Hawaii already had such amazing themes and teasers that I was ready to break the bank when I got to the shop.