In a world where the digital and physical often exist in separate spheres, PSA and Burbank Sportscards have decided to blend the two into a space that promises to be a true haven for trading card enthusiasts. This unprecedented collaboration has given birth to a retail concept that has collectors buzzing with anticipation, as PSA unveils its debut physical retail store housed within the colossal Burbank Sportscards megastore in Southern California.
The curtain rises on this novel venture on May 30, drawing back to reveal a space that sings with the promise of unrivaled collector experiences. Like finding the rarest card in mint condition, the union of PSA, the esteemed leader in card grading, and Burbank Sportscards, a giant in trading card retail, signals a remarkable evolution in the hobby.
The grand new abode of PSA won’t stand apart as a lone wolf; rather, it will nestle within the expansive 14,000-square-foot ecosystem of Burbank. Here, PSA employees won’t just be fixtures behind a counter; they will be active participants in an interactive collector’s journey, ready to assist with submissions on a daily basis. This shift from sporadic event interactions to daily accessibility is more than a convenience; it represents a bridge between collectors and experts that has rarely been this tangible.
Ryan Hoge, the President of PSA, captures the essence of this new venture by saying, “This is about being closer to the customer.” The winds of change are blowing steadily in the right direction for collectors who crave the direct human connection and expertise that only comes with face-to-face interactions.
In this new playground for collectors, a trip to the store is much more than a shopping venture; it is an odyssey into the epicenter of the hobby. Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, dreams of a hybrid format that isn’t merely a march through aisles of inventory, but a vivid walk into a live card show atmosphere. His intention is clear and ambitious: create an experience that captivates the senses and the imagination of every collector who walks through the door.
Concrete plans are in place to achieve this grand vision. The store will offer access to over 40 million cards via a cutting-edge kiosk system. This virtual library allows collectors to summon any card their heart desires from the depths of a vast digital arena. Yet, the tactile thrill remains at hand with over 1 million cards physically present on the shop floor, each priced at an enticing 25 cents. Arranged meticulously by sport and year, these cards present budget-friendly treasure hunts that could lead to unexpected finds and newfound joy.
Veres envisions a welcoming environment that accommodates a diverse range of collector pursuits, whether they involve securing a rare vintage piece or completing a favorite childhood collection. This spirit of inclusivity continues to solidify Burbank’s position as a trailblazer in the marketplace.
Burbank Sportscards is already fresh from a significant pivot earlier this year when it chose to remove its inventory from the vast eBay marketplace in favor of a bespoke partnership with Fanatics Collect. Announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this decision sent ripples through the hobby, reinforcing Burbank’s commitment to being at the forefront of alternative and superior collector options.
As PSA takes this bold step into the retail space, it’s unclear whether their Southern Californian escapade is a preliminary chapter in a broader retail expansion strategy or a one-time collaboration with a trusted ally. Regardless, the demand for in-person, expert-level service is undeniably on the rise, and PSA is firmly planting its flag in this evolving landscape.
Paired with Burbank’s collector-driven setup, the inauguration of this store transcends the simple act of opening a new retail front. It underscores a paradigm shift within the hobby: an increasing emphasis on accessibility, interaction, and community engagement.
The partnership is a testimony to the dynamic nature of collecting in the modern era—an era where the past meets the present in innovative ways, where technology serves to enhance the tactile joy of collecting, and where the long-standing tradition of card collecting finds new ways to resonate with enthusiasts of all ages. As the doors swing open, there’s an anticipation of finding not just memorabilia, but a slice of community, nostalgia, and connection—each as collectible as the cards themselves. The hobby, it seems, is ready to enchant us once again.