In a groundbreaking mashup that’s sure to send ripples through the trading card universe, PSA, the gold standard in card grading, is joining forces with Burbank Sportscards to debut their first-ever retail store nestled within Burbank’s newly minted megastore. Set in sunny Southern California, this hybrid venture throws open its doors on May 30, inviting collectors to a space where the hobby’s history and future seem to converge.
Forget the days of solitary card shops stuck in the nooks of strip malls. This is the real deal — a 14,000-square-foot colossus designed to be more than just a store; it’s an experience. Here, the hum of anticipation meets the quiet reverence of cherished collections. The brains behind this operation, PSA, well-known for its immaculate card grading services, is making its first foray into a physical retail space right inside Burbank’s sprawling hobby wonderland.
Ryan Hoge, PSA’s President with a keen eye for tracking industry pulses, tells us that this new store is all about rendering expert, hands-on support to collectors. “We’re moving from those sporadic event interactions to a cozy storefront where the community can gather, day in and day out,” Hoge beams, confident in the store’s ability to revolutionize collector engagement.
Visitors to this hobby haven will find an impressive lineup of services awaiting them. From submitting standard trading cards for grading to handing over autographs, unopened packs, even those quirky Funko Pops, each item gets its chance under PSA’s meticulous gaze. And they’re not stopping there; a sleek Vault storage service is available, as well as eBay consignment options, all nestled under one roof for maximum convenience.
For Rob Veres, the visionary behind Burbank Sportscards, this new establishment isn’t merely a refresh of his old model; it’s a reinvention. The space births his concept of a “live card show” — a captivating environment that engulfs visitors the moment they step inside. “This is immersion with a capital I,” Veres enthuses. “Visitors aren’t flipping through displays — they’re stepping into the epicenter of the hobby.”
To transform this vision into reality, Burbank Sportscards will leverage a hi-tech kiosk system granting access to a mind-boggling catalog exceeding 40 million cards. Forget browsing endless aisles in search of that elusive gem — employees will diligently retrieve treasures from the digital cavern at collectors’ requests. Yet, the tactile pleasures of card hunting remain, with over 1 million cards displayed proudly, each just a quarter, systematically sorted by sport and year.
And Veres, traditional and trailblazing, aims for inclusivity. Whether you’re on a nostalgic quest to complete childhood collections or eyeing high-stakes vintage rarities, Burbank Sportscards wants to ensure there’s something for everyone. The message? The doors are wide open and welcoming, no matter your collecting dreams.
This venture rides the coattails of a sweeping move by Burbank earlier this year, as they pivoted away from eBay, opting instead to partner with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Unveiled at the illustrious 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, the announcement reverberated across the hobby landscape. And now, the buzz grows louder with the launch of this innovative retail chapter.
While there remains a tantalizing mystery around whether PSA envisions this as a pilot for more brick-and-mortar stores or simply a unique singular collaboration, what can’t be denied is the growing appetite for in-person expertise and service among hobbyists.
PSA’s services nested in-store, coupled with Burbank’s collector-centric design, speak volumes about the evolving narrative of card collecting. No longer is it just a solitary pursuit in the attic: it’s becoming a vibrant, more communal pastime, replete with interaction, accessibility, and above all, a sense of togetherness.
This isn’t merely a new storefront — it’s a beacon for where the hobby is heading. More immersive, interwoven with modern technology, staunchly anchored in community, it reflects the dynamic landscape of collectibles today. The doors are open, the future is here, and for trading card collectors, the game has changed.
