In a move set to revolutionize the trading card industry, PSA, the undisputed leader in card grading, has joined forces with the colossal Burbank Sportscards to open the hobby’s very first grading retail store. This innovative partnership promises not merely a physical storefront but a groundbreaking experience that marries vast collector inventory with hands-on service and unparalleled access to the sport’s premier grading authority. Get ready collectors, the door to this collectible haven swings open on May 30, nestled within Burbank Sportscards’ sprawling Southern California megastore.
No stranger to grand showcases, this latest venture will see PSA spreading its wings within Burbank’s eye-popping 14,000-square-foot retail space, bringing their grading expertise out of the shadows of faceless online interactions and into the tactile reality of in-person exchanges. The store is poised to be staffed by PSA’s own experts, ready to provide an immersive and responsive service experience akin to walking into the headquarters of trading card excellence.
“Opening this store is about strengthening our connection to collectors,” mused Ryan Hoge, PSA President, reflecting on the opportunities provided by face-to-face interactions. “Collectors derive immense satisfaction from engaging with our team during events. Now, we’re evolving their experience by offering such access routinely — basically every day.”
Indeed, enthusiasts frequenting the new locale will have the privilege of submitting an array of collectibles for grading — transcending traditional trading cards to encompass autographs, unopened packs, Funko Pops, and even tickets — all under the discerning eyes of PSA graders. Plus, aficionados will enjoy PSA’s pioneering Vault storage and eBay consignment services administered straight from this revolutionary retail nucleus.
Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, advertises this sprawling new space not just as a business upgrade but as a reimagining of what a contemporary card shop can symbolize. His ambition is for a hybrid environment that evokes the excitement and dynamism of a live card show, while maintaining the dependability and tranquility of a first-class retail sanctuary.
“We aimed to manifest an environment that’s nothing short of immersive,” Veres expounded. “Our goal is for collectors to walk in and feel the thrill of being at the epicenter of the hobby — to transcend flipping through cards to engaging with the hobby wholly.”
This pioneering approach is embodied in the interactive design of the store, featuring access to a staggering catalog of over 40 million cards via a kiosk system. Furthermore, a treasure trove of more than a million cards will be laid out within the store, with each ready for purchase at just 25 cents, conveniently categorized by sport and year for easy gem-hunting that caters to both budget-conscious and serious collectors.
Veres aspires to make every collector feel welcome at Burbank, whether they’re chasing elusive vintage memorabilia or piecing together nostalgic childhood sets. His vision is one of inclusivity, creating a warm and vibrant environment for collectors of all stripes.
Notably, this collaboration is a follow-up to Burbank’s noteworthy decision earlier this year to migrate its entire inventory away from eBay, opting instead for an exclusive allegiance with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. This strategic shift, announced at the coveted 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, sent ripples through the community — and now, this pioneering opening chapter only adds to the momentum.
Questions linger regarding PSA’s plans for this brick-and-mortar format — whether it acts as a solitary venture or the first cornerstone in a series of retail rollouts remains a mystery. However, what’s irrefutable is the mushrooming appetite among collectors for expert interaction and in-person services, and this groundbreaking step satiates that demand ingeniously.
PSA and Burbank’s combined efforts transcend simple logistics in retail evolution. This collaboration signifies how the collecting hobby is metamorphosing: becoming more accessible, stimulating, and community oriented. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a passionate newcomer, the PSA and Burbank Sportscards retail project heralds a new era of card collecting excitement — face-to-face with all the nuances and tactile experiences that have long been a dream for enthusiasts. Welcome to the future of card collecting!
