In an audacious and savvy move, titans of the trading card industry, PSA and Burbank Sportscards, have concocted an innovative retail experience, a first of its kind for the hobby. This union promises to weave together an immense inventory, in-person expertise, and direct access to PSA’s celebrated grading services, transforming the way collectors interact with their favorite pastime.
The hallowed halls of card collecting are set to echo these changes as PSA—the veritable benchmark for card grading—throws open the doors to its inaugural physical retail outlet. Nestled within the new 14,000-square-foot Burbank Sportscards megastore in sun-drenched Southern California, this enterprise marks a daring stride forward for both purveyors and enthusiasts of the beloved pastime.
This tactile engagement grounds the typically ephemeral thrill of card collecting in a more personal touch by offering collectors an environment both tangible and useful. Rather than venturing solo into physical locations, PSA’s presence will be vibrantly interwoven with the expansive offerings of Burbank’s collection behemoth. Staffed by PSA veterans, the store promises hands-on aid and immediate submission opportunities, turning card appraisal into an accessible daily adventure.
“Our goal is proximity to our customers,” said PSA President Ryan Hoge with enthusiasm. “Collectors cherish face-to-face interactions with our experts, and we’re setting the stage for that conversation to happen every day.” Gamble no more on putting your prized memorabilia in the mail; instead, walk in and watch the magic happen.
Collectors who pass through these doors can present a veritable cornucopia of collectibles for grading. From standard trading cards to autographs and beyond to the eccentric like Funko Pops and long-love ticket stubs, nothing is out of bounds. For those who worry about housing such treasures, PSA will proffer vault storage alongside eBay consignment services right from the store, soothing concerns of preservation and profit.
Burbank Sportscards’ legendary owner, Rob Veres, envisions this location as more than a mere facelift. Instead, think of it as a thorough reinvention of the quintessential card shop experience. Picture a lively card show itself, elevated to a highly structured retail heaven, where reliability meets excitement head-on.
“We aimed for an immersive paradise,” explained Veres, sparkling with the joy of a wizened wizard unveiling a new potion. “Collectors should sense they’re at the epicenter of the hobby—not merely flipping through cards but engaging deeply with the experience.”
True to Veres’s vision, the store will cater to every collector’s whims through a kiosk system granting access to over 40 million cards. Clever employees will efficiently gather the chosen relics from a vast digital archive for the eager hands of collectors. For the budget-savvy, over 1 million cards offered on the floor, each just a quarter, promise unearthing of diamonds in the rough, perfect for thrifty treasure hunters keen on amassing hidden gems sorted meticulously by sport and year.
Veres emphasizes inclusivity, aspiring to a store reputation built on accommodating as many aficionados as possible—whether they’re pursuing elusive vintage cards or piecing together fragments of childhood nostalgia.
This new retail chapter emerges shortly after Burbank’s previous bold maneuver: removing its entire stock from eBay to strengthen ties with the burgeoning Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced at the illustrious 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, that pivot sent ripples across the hobby’s landscape. With this fresh retail endeavor, the buzz has reached a thunderous crescendo.
For PSA, the potential expansion of this physical retail strategy remains shrouded in mystery. Whether this marks the dawn of numerous such locations or is a singular dalliance with Burbank, one fact rings clear as a bell: there’s a palpable thirst for expert-level service, tethered to in-person fellowship, driving this enterprise forward.
With PSA’s service offerings and Burbank’s towering collector-centric environment, this launch is far more than just another brick-and-mortar establishment. It ushers in an evolutionary phase for the hobby itself. One where accessibility, interactivity, and a kinship with the community are illuminated with fresh vigor. The world of card collecting is relishing a transformation—where old-school charm meets modern magic under the Californian sun, a sanctuary where collectors’ dreams are not only realized but celebrated.