Tom Brady, the gridiron great who has led teams to victory in seven Super Bowls, has now turned his attention to an entirely different field—retail, to be exact, right in the heart of East Hampton. The star quarterback has opened CardVault by Tom Brady, a high-end trading card and collectibles store nestled among the chic boutiques and beachfront properties of one of New York’s most elite enclaves.
Brady, ever the crowd-pleaser, surprised fans by showing up at the grand opening on a rather dreary Thursday afternoon, undeterred by the rain that threatened to dampen the spirits of those gathered. The NFL icon delighted everyone as he lobbed footballs and sealed card packs into the throng, stood for selfies, and took the ceremonial scissors to the ribbon, marking the official unsealing of his latest venture.
As the drizzle mingled with excited chatter, Brady addressed the crowd, “We had a vision to bring the best hobby shop in the country right here to East Hampton. This place means a lot to me.” And from the look and feel of the shop, it’s clear that Brady has poured just as much passion into this project as he did during his illustrious football career.
The store is housed in a pristine white brick building that proudly bears Brady’s name at the entrance. Once inside, collectors and casual fans alike will be greeted by an array of treasures ranging from the beloved Pokémon cards of childhood nostalgia to ultra-rare gems in the sports collectible realm, some commanding six-figure prices. At the back, a large vault door adds a touch of mystery and exclusivity, leading to a section reserved for autographed memorabilia and a cozy lounge designed for negotiations and nostalgic storytelling.
In attendance at the launch were luminaries such as Robert Kraft, the affable owner of the New England Patriots, who stood shoulder to shoulder with Brady behind the counter, sharing laughs and enjoying the electric atmosphere. Also spotted was Michael Rubin, Fanatics’ top executive, underscoring the close-knit nature of Brady’s new venture with the elite circles of sports and memorabilia.
Far from a superficial celebrity endeavor, Brady’s foray into the trading card industry is rooted in genuine investment and involvement. Earlier this year, the legendary quarterback acquired a 50% ownership stake in CardVault. The brand already boasts stores in Boston, Foxborough, New Jersey, and Connecticut, each strategically located near prominent sports venues. But this East Hampton outlet veers in a new direction, blending the laid-back luxury lifestyle of its surroundings with the fervor of sports collecting.
“This store is different,” noted Chris Costa, CardVault co-founder. “It’s not just for the hardcore collector. It’s for anyone who’s ever loved sports or collecting. We wanted to create an environment where someone can walk in and rediscover the excitement of the hobby.”
Costa praised Brady’s enthusiasm and active participation, underscoring that the quarterback is more than just a figurehead. “Tom’s texting, emailing, checking in constantly. He’s hands-on, creative, and cares deeply about what we’re building,” Costa shared, painting an image of Brady as deeply invested in each detail of the venture.
Stocking items from sports realms near and dear—yes, even those emanating from Brady rivals—becomes a delightful talking point, as Costa quips about the presence of Eli Manning gear in the store, an ode to the former Giants quarterback who twice defeated Brady in the Super Bowl and is a notable Hamptons resident.
For Brady, CardVault is about more than just transactions. It’s about forging bonds through shared passions. “Collecting brings people together. It’s fun, it’s personal, and it builds community,” Brady stated with conviction. “And this town? It’s a perfect place for that.”
As the long-awaited summer season dawns, CardVault by Tom Brady is poised to become a landmark for visitors and locals alike—an inviting stop not just for card enthusiasts but for anyone intrigued by the vibrant universe of sports memorabilia. With Brady at the helm, it’s evident this venture is not merely a detour but a meaningful stride into a new story chapter. This store, much like its charismatic founder, promises to seamlessly meld the harmony of sport, community, and nostalgia in a place where all seem to converge under the gentle hum of the Hamptons sun.
