The world of trading cards, a realm often driven by the elusive thrill of acquiring rare gems, just upped its game. Two titans of the industry, PSA and Burbank Sportscards, have thrown a dazzling spotlight on this cherished hobby by creating a groundbreaking experience that combines high-end service with an expansive collection that any card enthusiast would dream of.
Unlike anything seen before, PSA has decided to dip its toes into the retail waters by teaming up with the lauded Burbank Sportscards. The result? A glistening 14,000-square-foot megastore located in Southern California, opening its doors to eager collectors on May 30. More than just a relic warehouse, this initiative marks a significant leap for both companies and an even larger leap for card aficionados everywhere.
Setting up shop in Burbank Sportscards, PSA is not just renting a corner. No, they are deploying a fully-staffed brigade to offer face-to-face interactions and opportunities that collectors previously encountered only at grand events. Instead of waiting for the next card convention, trading card enthusiasts can now enjoy daily access to PSA’s treasure trove of expertise and services.
Ryan Hoge, President of PSA, encapsulates the venture with a simple yet striking sentiment: “This is about being closer to the customer.” The warmth of intricate conversations around the world of collectibles is no longer confined to rare encounters. Instead, it’s available every day, capturing the spirit of engaged community interaction.
Direct submissions have never been this easy. As visitors meander through the store, their treasures, ranging from regular trading cards to the more unique Funko Pops, are eligible for grading. Adding a modern twist, PSA offers Vault storage and eBay consignment services—ready at the drop of a hat for interested collectors.
Then there’s Rob Veres, the veritable pioneer behind Burbank Sportscards, who articulates a radical vision for this fresh endeavor. Embracing a fusion of card show excitement with the predictability of a premier retail environment, Veres envisions a realm not merely traversed by window shoppers but by enthusiasts riveted in the throes of trading card camaraderie.
The sense of immersiveness Veres seeks isn’t left to imagination. Watch as the space flourishes with more than 40 million cards available through a sleek kiosk system. Employees will deftly furnish requests while over a million cards beckon from the shop floors, each priced at just 25 cents. Whether for the casual digger or the seasoned prospector, sifting through these cards could unearth a new edge to their collection.
Rob Veres adamantly states that this venture is an open invitation to every spectrum of collector. It’s a haven where completing a childhood set or even stumbling upon extraordinary vintage cards is always within reach. The notion of saying “yes” resonates just as sharply as the foil imagery on any rare deck.
But Burbank’s ambition doesn’t coil neatly into one dimension. Earlier this year, the shop made a jaw-dropping decision to withdraw its inventory from eBay and align exclusively with Fanatics Collect marketplace—a declaration that rattled the fabric of the collector community at the National Sports Collectors Convention.
The alliance with PSA adds another layer to this daring transformation. Is this just a solitary venture or the first of many? While the future remains unwritten, the premise that spurred this original retail rendezvous is unmistakable: a crescendo in the demand for in-person, expertise-laden service. Neither PSA nor Burbank Sportscards intends to fall behind in answering this clarion call.
The union of PSA’s trusted grading acumen and Burbank’s extensive access marks more than just a storefront opening. It’s a movement—a shift toward reimagining the hobbyist experience. By embracing community, interaction, and accessibility, this collaboration sets the stage for a revelatory opportunity in the trading card world, taking once solitary pursuits and turning them into shared spectacles of collector intrigue.
As collectors flock to partake in this innovative experience, one thing remains certain: The game is on, and it promises to be more exhilarating, more engaging, and more vibrant than ever before. The only question left to answer is how you’ll play your hand.
