In the dynamic realm of trading cards, enthusiasts often find themselves on quests for the holy grails of card collecting: the most sought-after rare gems that glitter like mythical treasures in showcase draws. As it turns out, two titans of the trade, PSA and Burbank Sportscards, have conspired to forge a new path for collectors—one that’s not just treading on old grounds but venturing into uncharted territories of retail innovation and hands-on service.
Set to open its proverbial vault on May 30, PSA is making history with the debut of its first-ever retail outlet nestled within the expansive 14,000-square-foot behemoth that is the new Burbank Sportscards megastore in sunny Southern California. This collaboration is more than an alliance marked by signatures and strategic plans; it’s a harmonious marriage of unparalleled inventory, expert grading services, and interactive customer engagement that transcends your average card shop experience.
Typically etched into the annals of card grading as the gold standard, PSA’s foray into physical retail speaks volumes about the evolving nature of the hobby. President Ryan Hoge illuminates the vision behind this venture, emphasizing the need to be closer to their clientele. “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day,” he states, underscoring the personal touch that PSA aims to deliver.
The store isn’t just a shrine to cards and collectibles. It’s designed with meticulous attention to create an environment where enthusiasm is tangible and exchanges are not merely transactional but instructional. Collectors will have the luxury of submitting items for grading right on site, from the beloved trading cards to autographs, unopened packs, those pop culture icons known as Funko Pops, and even historical event tickets. As an added boon, PSA will offer Vault storage for safekeeping and eBay consignment services, allowing collectors to sell their treasures without leaving the portal.
For Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, this isn’t merely an upgrade. It’s an avant-garde reimagining of the card shop, a place where the walk-in feels akin to a live card show radiating structure, innovation, and an undeniable sense of reliability. Veres elaborates, “We wanted to create something immersive. 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.”
The store’s unique ambiance is accentuated by a cloud of over 40 million cards accessible via a sophisticated kiosk system, facilitating requests through an extensive digital catalog. Meanwhile, collectors can sift through over a million cards in person, each priced at a modest 25 cents, cheerfully sorted by sport and year for ease of exploration. It’s a haven for the strategic bargain hunter or the sentimental seeker piecing together fragmented childhood memories.
The promise of embracing collectors, whether they’re in hot pursuit of elusive vintage cards or reminiscing through a familiar set from yesteryears, remains a steadfast commitment for Veres. “Yes” seems to be the motto here, a simple yet profound word that opens doors to dreams and desires within the collector community.
Earlier this year, Burbank stirred the waters of the card trading sea with its monumental decision to withdraw its inventory from eBay, aligning exclusively with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. This groundbreaking announcement at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention electrified the hobby world, a prelude to the current buzz surrounding the retail store collaboration with PSA.
While the horizon remains uncertain for further physical expansions by PSA, whether this store is a singular sapphire or the first of many is yet to be discerned. Nevertheless, this venture represents the crystallization of a growing demand—for in-person, highly specialized service, wrapped within an atmosphere of interactive community engagement.
Within the heart of PSA’s and Burbank’s venture lies a vibrant pulse reflective of a more accessible, more inclusive, and more profoundly connected hobby. It’s a venture that dares to dream beyond the confines of conventional commerce, signaling not the quiet ticking of time past but the symphony of progress echoing in the halls of what was once quiet cardboard realms.
