In the ever-evolving universe of trading cards, where enthusiasts cherish mint-condition collectibles and adrenaline spikes at the thought of uncovering a holy grail hidden within a stack, a new landmark is set to shine on the West Coast. Envisioned by two giants in the trading card domain, PSA and Burbank Sportscards are teaming up to introduce a retail store that marries extensive inventory, personalized service, and the prestigious touch of the hobby’s premium grading service.
Come May 30, the doors to this pioneering establishment will swing open, nestled within Burbank Sportscard’s awe-inspiring 14,000-square-foot megastore in Southern California. This isn’t just a ribbon-cutting event for the local community but a hued milestone for both PSA, the eminent bastion of card grading, and Burbank Sportscards, a visionary retailer daring to reshape the card-shopping experience.
Instead of venturing out on its own, PSA has parked its inaugural retail venture snugly within Burbank’s expansive space, appointing its team to serve collectors who seek more than just a transaction. “This is about being closer to the customer,” proudly states Ryan Hoge, President of PSA. “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day.” Such personalized engagement is often a rare delight in today’s fast-paced, digital age—and one that avid card enthusiasts will relish, knowing that their questions can be met with expert answers in real-time.
Beyond the typical bounds of card grading, the store will widen its embrace to include everything from standard trading cards to autographs, unopened packs, those quirky and collectible Funko Pops, and even tickets! Not content with mere grading services, PSA will also introduce Vault storage and facilitate eBay consignment transactions; a delightful fusion of modern commerce and age-old trading rituals.
Rob Veres, the dynamic mind steering Burbank Sportscards, envisions this store not simply as an augmentation but as a fresh interpretation of what a card shop can represent. For those accustomed to the nostalgic shuffle across card show floors, Veres’s ambition is clear: a hybrid space that feels like a live card show, with the structural integrity and dependability of a state-of-the-art retail environment. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres expressed passionately. “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.”
And the immersive experience he promises does not stop there. With a bold integration of technology, the store will boast access to over 40 million cards, all indexed within an interactive kiosk system that empowers employees to retrieve requested items from an expansive digital catalogue. For bargain hunters, an impressive 1 million cards will grace the store’s open floor at a modest price of 25 cents each, sorted by sport and year. Such initiatives aim to entice a broad spectrum of collectors, from those questing for elusive vintage treasures to individuals piecing together reminiscent childhood collections.
This novel concept isn’t simply about selling cards; it’s about saying “yes” to as many collectors as possible, embracing the various needs and whims of a devoted community. Earlier in the year, Burbank added another monumental chapter to its history by transitioning its inventory from the colossal digital marketplace eBay to an exclusive alliance with the Fanatics Collect platform. That strategic move sent ripples through the collector community, invigorating interest with each savvy pivot.
Whether PSA’s bold venture into retail is a blueprint for future stores across other regions or a unique foray into a cherished partnership within this hobby remains a tantalizing mystery. Nevertheless, it is unmistakable that the thirst for in-person, knowledgeable service is intensifying. PSA’s collaboration with Burbank Sportscards is an astute response to that burgeoning need.
Together, PSA’s unparalleled in-store services and Burbank’s extensive, collector-centric layout herald not just the arrival of a new retail locale but a progressive evolution in the trading card arena. It’s a lively emblem of how collecting is transforming—making the pastime more approachable, more interactive, and fundamentally more driven by the vibrant community spirit at its core. Such an initiative reinforces the belief that collecting is not just about cards, but about the shared stories and connections sparked by each flip and find.
