In a thrilling twist for trading card enthusiasts, two titans of the hobby, PSA and Burbank Sportscards, have decided to turn the world of collectible cards quite literally on its head. They are on the brink of opening a fresh kind of retail experience, merging the approachable camaraderie of a card show with the cutting-edge services of card grading leader PSA. All this enthusiasm and innovation is set to be unveiled on May 30th inside Burbank’s expansive new megastore, ideally located in Southern California.
Imagine wandering into a space that feels like Disneyland for card collectors. Instead of handing over your tickets at the gate, you’re submitting your trading cards, autographs, and even those quirky Funko Pops for the ultimate grade with PSA. Yes, this is the brand synonymous with the highest caliber of card grading, and their new store is manned entirely by PSA employees ready to offer patrons their vault-like knowledge.
Ryan Hoge, the seasoned President of PSA, encapsulates the impetus behind this remarkable venture with a single resonant idea: “This is about being closer to the customer.” At heart, collectors thrive on the richness of in-depth conversations, something traditionally experienced only at large-scale events. Now, that exchange of ideas and expertise will become part of the everyday cafe-like chatter, providing an all-access platform for collectors seeking direct, personal interaction with experts in the field.
Meanwhile, Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, is determinedly reshaping the traditional card shop blueprint. His doctrine? A card store shouldn’t just be a pitstop on a shopping trip; it should be an immersive pilgrimage welcoming collectors to the vibrant epicenter of their passions. Picture walking into a live card show every day, where you’re enveloped in an energizing flood of colors, statistics, and history—all mixed with the excitement of discovery.
This ambitious concept even extends to practical innovation. The store introduces a kiosk system linked to a seemingly boundless digital catalog boasting over 40 million cards. Not to mention an actual treasure trove of more than 1 million physical cards perched enticingly on the shop floor for just a democratic 25 cents each. Every card is meticulously categorized by sport and year, offering both novice and veteran collectors the ultimate bargain-hunting bonanza.
But don’t mistake affordability for a lack of prestige. Veres wants his domain to be a sanctuary for everyone, addressing a wide range of quests—from elusive rare vintage cards to the satisfaction of completing a long-loved childhood set. He envisions Burbank as a venue that always says “yes,” answering and accommodating every possible collector’s whim and fancy.
Adding to this whirlwind of intrigue is Burbank’s earlier bold maneuver: a grand departure from listing on eBay in favor of forging an exclusive deal with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. The ripples of that announcement, made at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, have only just begun to ebb, and now the retail community is eagerly buzzing with this exciting new chapter.
As for PSA, the whispers in the arcane corridors of card collectors ponder whether this retail store is a singular endeavor or the heralding of a new chain of shops. One thing is certain: the yearning for accessible, in-person expertise in the world of collectibles is pulsating through the community louder than ever.
In a delightful blend of old and new, PSA’s peerless grading services, combined with Burbank’s collector-centric retail space, mark a turning point in the evolution of the hobby. The entire experience is more than just another glossy entrance and exit through automatic doors; it is a tangible step toward a more interactive, inclusive, and community-driven collecting universe. Whether one is an ardent veteran or a starry-eyed newbie, this collaboration emanates the universal allure of collectibles — a promise of discovery, nostalgia, and camaraderie that only such an ingenuous combination could orchestrate.
