In a move that highlights the ripple effects of international trade policies on small businesses, Vic Nava, the owner of Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop, has announced an impending price hike that’s sure to send shockwaves through San Antonio’s community of collectors and hobby enthusiasts. Nestled within the vibrant heart of the Alamo City, Boomtown has long been a cherished local establishment where the clinking of dice and the rustle of card packs create a soothing background symphony for its devotees.
But come Friday, April 18, this cherished slice of San Antonio life is set to become a bit more costly. Nava broke the news on Thursday, April 17, via a heartfelt Facebook post that mingled gratitude, frustration, and resignation. Saddled with a 100% increase in costs for essential supplies—thanks to trade logistics that make no allowances for the intricacies of Pokémon fandom or sports card collecting—Nava had to make the tough choice: introduce higher prices or risk sinking the business.
Expressing his appreciation for the staunch support of the Boomtown community, Nava kicked off his announcement post with a gracious nod to the clients who’ve made the venture’s success possible. “First and foremost, thank you all for being a part of the shop’s growth and success,” he stated, before shifting to the more troubling news. He recounted how global trade policy entanglements have begun seeping into local hobbies, leaving even the most hobby-focused enterprises unable to ignore “the real world and all its BS.”
With the unceremonious arrival of two distributor emails informing him of doubled upcharges on essential plastic supplies—items no card shop can function without—Nava found himself at a crossroads. “Yeah…100%….we are pissed too,” his message conceded with a candidness few business owners muster when contemplating a price surge. The stark math was unavoidable: maintaining the current pricing while costs soared simply wasn’t sustainable. “I don’t agree with it and I don’t want to do it. If I keep prices the same, this could really hurt our business,” he explained.
For Boomtown patrons, the news was met with understanding and loyal support—a testament to the strong bond between the shop and its community. Customer JD Nash encapsulated the prevailing sentiment: “Do what you gotta do, brotha. We’ll still support no matter what. Always a pleasure coming into the shop.” Fellow enthusiast Rey Jimenez shared a more personal note about the shop’s positive influence, saying, “Because of you guys, my two little boys love collecting. Every time we go into San Antonio, that’s our first stop. Keep the hobby alive, brother!”
In the arena of collectible card trading—a microcosm of competitive delight where blister packs are akin to treasures in a dragon’s hoard—maintaining customer loyalty amidst rising prices is no small feat. Yet Nava’s transparency about the financial conundrum, paired with the genuine rapport he’s fostered with his clientele, has engendered a steadfast solidarity.
This scenario at Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop is reflective of a broader economic landscape where businesses must navigate the murky waters of international policy that unfurls consequences on a local level. The world may seem vast and indifferent, but here is a clear illustration that decisions made in lofty trade corridors echo through the aisles of neighborhood shops.
As supply costs creep upwards, Boomtown remains committed to the core joys and camaraderie that define collecting. What’s particularly striking is how this small business has become emblematic of resilience and community within San Antonio’s hobbyist circles. The shop, with its walls lined with shimmering cards and collectibles, doubles as a sanctuary where customers can momentarily escape the challenges of the outer world—be it through the strategic plays of a Pokémon battle or the discovery of a rare rookie card.
For now, Boomtown will continue to welcome collectors through its doors, albeit with slightly tweaked price tags. And while a part of the thrill of collecting is the search and serendipity, the loyal patrons of Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop know that their treasure-hunting home isn’t just a store; it’s a hub of creativity, connection, and shared merry obsession amidst San Antonio’s sprawling landscape. As they adjust to the new pricing realities, it’s clear they intend to stick with Vic Nava and Boomtown, through thick and thin. After all, much like in the games they love, perseverance and community are what truly help beat the odds.
