In a bold maneuver that promises to reshape the landscape of card collecting, PSA, the venerable giant of card grading, has teamed up with Burbank Sportscards, a titan in the trading card domain, to create an unprecedented collector’s haven. Set in the sprawling expanse of Southern California, this pioneering partnership has led to the birth of a hybrid retail store where collectors can revel in an immersive experience, harmonizing the thrill of discovery with the assurance of expert valuation.
On May 30, the curtain rises on this new era as PSA officially throws open the doors to its inaugural brick-and-mortar outpost, situated within the expansive 14,000-square-foot abode of Burbank Sportscards. This store is not merely a retail site; it represents a colossal step forward for both companies and the entire collecting community, merging tradition with innovation in a manner that feels both inevitable and revolutionary.
For years, PSA has stood as the paragon of excellence in the grading universe. Now, rather than existing purely in the ether of online engagements or scattered convention appearances, PSA has planted its flag in the physical world. Yet, it hasn’t opted for isolation. Instead, it’s chosen to make its stand in the bustling heart of Burbank’s card mecca, a location meticulously designed to offer collectors real-time support and coveted grading submission opportunities.
“This is about being closer to the customer,” PSA President Ryan Hoge articulated with fervor. “Collectors love the personal touch of discussing their treasures with our team at events. We’re providing them a venue where that interaction can happen every day—every conversation, every submission, just a drive away.”
The synergy between PSA and Burbank Sportscards is more than transactional; it is experiential. Within this extraordinary space, visitors are beckoned to submit a diverse range of collectibles, extending beyond the conventional trading cards to autographs, sealed packs, cherished Funko Pops, and even memorabilia like tickets. PSA’s offerings also include Vault storage and an eBay consignment service right from the store, providing a comprehensive suite of options for the passionate collector.
For Rob Veres, the visionary captain steering the Burbank Sportscards ship, this novel venture symbolizes a reimagined blueprint for card shops. “We wanted to craft something immersive,” Veres conveyed with palpable enthusiasm. “A place where visitors are not just flipping through cards but are transported into the pulsating heart of the hobby.”
To deliver this ambitious vision, the store has implemented a dynamic kiosk system that gives collectors digital access to over 40 million cards. This labyrinthine catalog holds treasures for the discerning collector, while over a million cards physically reside on the floor, inviting enthusiasts to scour through stacks sorted by sport and year—all available for just a quarter each. It’s an homage to the thrill of the chase, balanced perfectly with affordability and accessibility.
Burbank’s commitment is to be the enchanting store that says “yes” to all collectors—from those seeking the rarest of vintage gems to others yearning to complete an unfinished childhood series. This ethos highlights Veres’ deep appreciation for the spectrum of collector desires.
Earlier this year, Burbank shook the foundations of the collectibles world by voluntarily withdrawing its entire inventory from eBay. This audacious move favored an exclusive alliance with Fanatics Collect marketplace—a shift announced at the illustrious 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, further enhancing Burbank’s reputation for bold maneuverings.
While PSA’s venture into retail remains far from conclusive as to whether it signals the dawn of a franchise or a unique alliance with a cherished ally, one aspect is irrefutably clear: the hobby is hungrier than ever for hands-on, authoritative service. This new development brilliantly meets that soaring demand in a way that feels both timely and timeless.
As both PSA and Burbank Sportscards cut the ribbon on this landmark enterprise, they’re unveiling more than a store. They are opening a portal to the future of collecting—where spaces are designed for inclusivity, fostering interaction, and propelling the community spirit. It is a demonstration of the evolving ethos of the hobby world: more open, deeply engaging, and proudly community-centric.
This initiative is poised to redraw the boundaries of collecting, championing a model where tradition and innovation coalesce in the most elegant of symphonies—a model that promises to resonate well beyond the periphery of Southern California, inspiring new possibilities in the enchanting universe of trading cards.