In a move set to revolutionize the card collecting scene, PSA, the revered titan of card grading, has partnered with Burbank Sportscards to craft a new kind of haven for hobbyists. Nestled within the sprawling expanse of Burbank’s impressive new 14,000-square-foot megastore in Southern California, PSA is opening its first-ever physical retail location on May 30. This inaugurates a novel era of collector experience, merging vast inventory, insightful in-person guidance, and direct access to top-tier grading services.
Imagine walking into a collector’s paradise. Here, the tranquility and thrill of finding a treasured piece dance in harmony. PSA’s presence within Burbank’s newly revamped space doesn’t merely symbolize cohabitation but speaks to an integration aiming at enhancing the collector’s journey. Staffed entirely by PSA professionals, this store seeks to provide collectors with intimate, hands-on support and a direct channel for submission to the hobby’s most prestigious grader.
Ryan Hoge, PSA’s enthusiastic president, exudes a passion that reflects the broader vision of PSA’s strategy. “This is about being closer to the customer,” he explained with excitement. “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day.” This heartfelt commitment to fostering closer connections is set to transform the traditional retail model, immersing hobbyists in a supportive environment.
Collectors visiting this innovative store can expect an array of services that extend beyond mere grading submissions. Whether it’s trading cards, sought-after autographs, untouched packs, or more niche collectibles like Funko Pops and rare tickets, PSA offers a comprehensive grading opportunity. Moreover, the integration of services like Vault storage and seamless eBay consignment directly from the store adds extra layers to the collector’s decision-making process.
Meanwhile, for Rob Veres, the passionate owner of Burbank Sportscards, this project signifies not just growth but a complete re-imagination of a card shop’s potential. Veres envisions a vibrant, hybrid space that encapsulates the energetic essence of a live card show, yet operates with the reliability of a finely-tuned retail setting. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres enthusiastically shared. “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.”
To translate this vision into reality, the store will offer an ingenious blend of digital and physical. A smart kiosk system unlocks access to over 40 million cards, allowing customers to explore their passion with unprecedented access and convenience. Meanwhile, treasure hunters can enjoy sorting through over a million cards available on the shop floor – each priced at an enticing 25 cents. These cards are neatly categorized by sport and year, making it simple for collectors to pursue their passions without breaking the bank.
Veres’ ultimate goal is a store that welcomes all shades of enthusiasm, where casual fans and die-hard collectors alike find joy and fulfillment. Whether individuals are on a quest for a rare vintage card or simply piecing together a beloved childhood set, Burbank Sportscards is designed to accommodate their needs and aspirations.
This groundbreaking partnership follows on the heels of Burbank’s major strategic shift earlier this year when they transitioned their entire inventory away from eBay. Choosing instead an exclusive partnership with Fanatics Collect marketplace sent waves through the hobby community. Announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this bold maneuver is indicative of Burbank’s forward-thinking ethos.
For PSA, the current venture presents an intriguing prospect. Whether this is a pioneering step towards a series of future retail locations or a specialized alliance with a trusted industry partner remains to be seen. What’s indisputable is the surge in demand for genuine, expert in-person service, and this initiative meets that growing desire head-on.
Beyond just another brick-and-mortar establishment, the new store signals a shift in the landscape of collecting. It’s about elevating the hobby, making it more accessible, dynamic, and encompassed by a spirit of community involvement. As PSA and Burbank Sportscards pave these new avenues, collectors are invited to engage in a realm that is as much about sharing passion as it is about discovering new treasures. This fresh chapter invites everyone to partake in a more interactive and community-driven experience, reflecting the evolving nature of the cherished hobby.
