In a bold move that’s sure to excite hobbyists and collectors alike, PSA, the revered name in card grading, and Burbank Sportscards, a titan in trading card sales, are coming together to revolutionize the collector experience. Set against the sunny backdrop of Southern California, this partnership propels the trading card world into a new era, by introducing PSA’s inaugural physical retail presence, nestled within the expansive 14,000-square-foot Burbank Sportscards megastore.
As doors are flung open on May 30, this collaboration marks not only a milestone for both participating companies but also sets the stage for a transformative shift in how collectors engage with their hobby. PSA’s physical entry into retail is poised not just as an expansion but as a reimagining of what trading card grading and retail interaction can entail.
Instead of operating in isolation, PSA’s service within Burbank’s colossal facility will provide a seamless, integrated experience. The setup will be exclusively managed by PSA employees, equipped to handle a myriad of services that extend beyond standard card grading. Collectors will now have the luxury of personally submitting items for grading, encompassing a range from conventional trading cards to autographs, pristine unopened packs, quirky Funko Pops, and even collectible event tickets. Furthermore, PSA will facilitate Vault storage and convenient eBay consignment services, directly accessible from within this sophisticated store.
Ryan Hoge, PSA President, elucidates the rationale behind this venture: “This is about being closer to the customer.” Historically, collectors could interact with PSA’s team only during events; now, this brick-and-mortar presence offers daily accessibility and interaction, enhancing the client experience.
For Rob Veres, the mastermind behind Burbank Sportscards, this isn’t merely a spatial upgrade. Rather, it’s a deliberate reconstruction of the notion of a card shop. Veres envisions a hybrid environment, reminiscent of a lively card show, while exuding the dependability and organization characteristic of a prestigious retail operation.
Veres elaborates, “We wanted to create something immersive. 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.” This is brought to life as collectors will gain access to an enviable array of over 40 million cards, browsed via an intuitive kiosk system, which staff can retrieve on-demand. More impressively, on the shop floor itself, patrons will discover an extensive collection of over 1 million cards, priced affordably at a mere 25 cents each, immaculately organized by sport and year. This treasure trove is designed not just to entice steadfast collectors, but also to welcome newcomers and budget-conscious enthusiasts alike.
Veres’ goal is to craft a store atmosphere that universally says “yes” to collectors — from those aspiring to unearth rare, vintage gems to others aspiring to complete nostalgic sets started in their youth. The dual ambition of accessibility and sophistication finds firm expression in this enterprise.
This blossoming alliance comes on the heels of another colossal move by Burbank Sportscards earlier this year. In a significant departure from the norm, Burbank opted to withdraw all inventory from eBay, forming an exclusive partnership with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced during the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this strategic pivot redefined industry expectations. Now, the unveiling of this novel retail experience compounds the reverberations of Burbank’s earlier decision.
As PSA steps into this physical retail realm for the first time, speculation abounds regarding whether this represents the advent of many such locations, or perhaps stands as a singular, landmark collaboration with Burbank Sportscards, a venerable ally within the hobby sphere. What is unmistakable, however, is the sharp rise in demand for in-person, expertly curated experiences — a demand that this brick-and-mortar initiative is primed to satisfy.
Uniting the unparalleled prowess of PSA’s grading services with Burbank’s immense, collector-oriented landscape, this retail launch symbolizes more than a mere new store opening. It epitomizes the hobby’s evolution towards greater accessibility, heightened interactivity, and a deepening sense of community engagement. With the rising popularity and dynamism of trading card collecting, this pioneering endeavor reflects a fascinating new chapter in the story of a beloved pastime.