In an era where digital convenience often reigns supreme, two titans of the trading card world are daring to create a space for tangible experiences. PSA, renowned for its prestigious card grading services, and Burbank Sportscards, a beloved name in the card retail landscape, are teaming up to unveil the first-ever physical grading retail store. Nestled within Burbank’s sprawling 14,000-square-foot megastore in Southern California, this fresh take on a card shop promises to transform how collectors interact with their beloved hobby.
Set to officially open its doors on May 30, this groundbreaking store is more than just a new location; it’s a radical departure from tradition, complete with hands-on experiences and unprecedented access to expert grading services. Brimming with possibilities for every trading card aficionado, this venture marks a milestone that oscillates between innovation and nostalgia, promising a unique blend of inventory richness, expert service, and a dash of good old-fashioned retail magic.
Ryan Hoge, the dynamic president of PSA, captures the essence of this bold move with a straightforward ideology. “This is about being closer to the customer,” he advocates. While collectors have had the opportunity to engage with PSA’s team at various events, the new store provides a permanent stage for such interactions. Here, avid collectors can immerse themselves in a one-stop-shop not just for buying, but for learning, engaging, and elevating their hobby to new heights.
PSA’s grading expertise will be right at the fingertips of enthusiasts as they submit their treasures for scrutiny, whether they be traditional trading cards or more novel items like Funko Pops and vintage tickets. Beyond grading, PSA is expanding its in-store services to include Vault storage and eBay consignment, effectively consolidating an array of collector needs under one roof.
For Rob Veres, the visionary proprietor of Burbank Sportscards, this new collaboration is not merely about growth or physical expansion; it represents a philosophical shift towards what a modern card shop should embody. His reimagining of Burbank Sportscards as a hybrid haven of commerce and community is set to redefine the collector’s journey.
“We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres ardently explains. “Visitors should feel like they’re not just in a store, but at the epicenter of their passion.” To realize this vision, the store integrates cutting-edge technologies like a kiosk system that grants immediate access to over 40 million cards through a comprehensive digital catalog. Not to mention, the thrill of the hunt remains vibrant on the premises, with more than a million cards spread open on the floor, each priced at just a quarter. Organized by sport and year, this array ensures that no collector’s budget bars the entry to potential hidden gems.
Burbank Sportscards’ dedication to inclusivity is evident in the ethos that it strives to replicate. Veres articulates a clear commitment to accommodating the diverse desires of collectors—be it the quest for rare vintage relics or the joy of piecing together a lost childhood collection. Every visit is designed to be an adventure, with Burbank committed to a simple yet powerful principle: always finding a way to say “yes.”
This store opening coincides with another significant and somewhat daring maneuver by Burbank earlier this year: their choice to remove all inventory from eBay, opting instead for an exclusive partnership with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this strategic pivot sent ripples across the collecting community, prompting curiosity and enthusiasm for what was to come.
For PSA, this collaboration signifies a curious leap into the retail domain. While it remains to be seen if this is just the first of several physical outposts or a unique collaboration with an old ally, one thing is crystal clear: the appetite for in-person, expert-level service within the community is on the rise.
As the new partnership between PSA and Burbank Sportscards rolls out, it’s set to do more than just vend cards or grading services; it signals a tangible shift in how collections—and by extension, passions—are handled. With an accessible, immersive, and community-centric approach, this venture stands as a testament to the evolution of the collecting hobby, pointing towards a future where the tactile joy of collecting is more interactive and community-driven than ever before.
