In a groundbreaking fusion of retail ingenuity and collector passion, PSA, the foremost authority in trading card grading, is partnering with Burbank Sportscards to debut a pioneering retail store model that promises to redefine the card collecting experience. Nestled within the expansive 14,000-square-foot Burbank Sportscards megastore in Southern California, this new venture marks a novel chapter for aficionados of cardboard treasures. Collectors, mark your calendars—May 30 signals more than just an ordinary store opening; it heralds a new era for the hobby at large.
The innovative setup will house PSA not as an isolated entity, but as an integral part of the vibrant ecosystem Burbank is cultivating at its state-of-the-art venue. Staffed with knowledgeable PSA employees, the location promises to be a bustling hub of activity where collectors can not only browse an extraordinary inventory but also directly engage with the hobby’s premium grading service. In doing so, PSA brings its stellar reputation and unparalleled expertise directly to the consumer, right where it counts.
PSA President Ryan Hoge elaborates on the strategic move by saying, “This is about being closer to the customer. Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day.” The endeavor positions PSA’s grading services in a high-footfall environment, turning what was once a transaction defined by mail and wait times into an immediate, tactile interaction. Collectors can bring in items for grading that range from the typical trading cards and autographs to unopened packs, Funko Pops, and even collectible tickets. Moreover, PSA augments its in-store offerings with Vault storage and eBay consignment services, thereby providing comprehensive support to enthusiasts looking to both safeguard and cash in on their beloved collections.
For Rob Veres, the visionary owner behind Burbank Sportscards, this strategic collaboration and the novel store model are much more than an expansion—they represent a wholesale transformation of convention. His goal is to craft an immersive space that integrates the frenzied excitement of a live card show with the dependability and structure one expects from a premier retail environment. “We wanted to create something immersive,” says Veres. “Collectors should be able to walk in and feel like they’re in the heart of the hobby—not just flipping through cards, but fully engaged.”
To deliver on this vision, the store will employ an advanced kiosk system giving access to an astounding selection of over 40 million cards. Behind the scenes, a deeply integrated digital catalog ensures that any collector inquiry, no matter how esoteric, can be fulfilled. Add to that a prodigious array of over one million cards available on the floor at just 25 cents a pop—carefully organized by sport and year—and you inspire both seasoned and novice collectors to uncover cherished gems within their budget constraints.
Veres and his team aim for Burbank Sportscards to become a haven for all types of collectors. By catering to those on the hunt for elusive vintage rarities, as well as those completing beloved childhood sets, the store firmly establishes itself as an inclusive domain that champions the diverse goals and aspirations of its clientele.
This pioneering opening also trails another trailblazing decision by Burbank earlier this year—the choice to migrate all of its inventory exclusively to the Fanatics Collect marketplace, abandoning the longtime association with eBay. That bold move, announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, made waves across the collecting community. Now, this collaborative venture with PSA continues to generate deserved buzz, drawing eyes to what might become a template for the future of trading card retail.
As for PSA, while it remains ambiguous whether this partnership foreshadows a wider rollout of similar physical stores, what it unquestionably highlights is an unyielding demand for in-person expertise and service. This venture adeptly meets that mounting need, drawing collectors into a tactile environment where they can interact, inquire, and explore directly with the industry’s top-grade professionals.
By amalgamating PSA’s expert-level in-store services with Burbank’s sprawling, collector-centric setup, this innovative launch delivers more than just another retail outlet. It stands as a testament to the broader evolution of the hobby: becoming increasingly accessible, interactive, and deeply community-focused. It’s a visionary step that not only serves today’s collector landscape but sets the stage for its vibrant future.
