In the vibrant, ever-evolving world of trading cards — where nostalgia and passion meet potential profit — two titans of the industry are shaking things up once more. PSA, renowned as the benchmark for card grading services, is teaming up with Burbank Sportscards, a leader in collectible retail, to launch an innovative, community-centric retail experience. Aficionados of cardboard treasures should mark their calendars for May 30, when this novel concept is set to come to life inside the new Burbank Sportscards megastore in Southern California.
PSA has long been considered the preeminent entity in grading services, a necessary authority with the power to authenticate the myriad of collectibles that pass through the hands of the eager and the discerning. This collaboration marks the company’s brave venture into physical retail territory, an unprecedented move further cemented by its choice to partner with Burbank Sportscards. More than just a business expansion, this is a leap into creating a direct touchpoint for consumers, complete with the promise of hands-on service and instantaneous submission opportunities.
The strategic placement within Burbank Sportscards’ expansive 14,000-square-foot space ensures that customers will not only have access to PSA’s cardinal grading services but will also be emboldened by an atmosphere teeming with excitement — not unlike walking into a living, breathing card show. Ryan Hoge, PSA’s president, emphasized the shift as a journey from the impersonal online realm into a more human-centered experience. He enthuses, “This is about being closer to the customer. Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day.”
While some might think that a few collectible cards represent mere paper and ink, these precious commodities have indeed breached new frontiers of value, ranging from cherished childhood memories to sound investment vehicles. This retail haven will allow patrons to submit a vast array of treasures for grading — including not just trading cards but autographs, unopened packs, Funko Pops, and even tickets for that memorable game you regretted missing. And that’s not all; PSA will facilitate their Vault storage and efficient eBay consignment services right from the very heart of this retail experience.
Rob Veres, the charismatic force behind Burbank Sportscards, envisions this new location as more than just a store — it’s an extreme makeover of what one comes to expect a card store to embody. He describes it as a hybrid space, offering the spontaneity and thrill likened to attending a card show while possessing the comfort and reliability associated with an upscale retail environment. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Rob notes with palpable enthusiasm. “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.”
Adding layers to this experience, the store promises access to over 40 million cards via a technologically savvy kiosk system, designed to streamline the acquisition process as employees retrieve the requested items from a robust digital catalog. Simultaneously, over a million cards will line the physical floor space, each tagged at an attractive 25 cents, sorted by sport and year — a veritable treasure hunt for both the casual enthusiast and the dedicated veteran.
Rob Veres emphasizes inclusivity, keen on the idea that Burbank Sportscards is the kind of establishment that says “yes” to as many collectors as possible. Whether it be the pursuit of a rare vintage card or the emotional completion of a childhood card set, the store’s mission is to be a sanctuary for all levels of collectors.
This dynamic partnership emerges in the wake of Burbank Sportscards’ headline-catching decision earlier this year to retract its inventory from eBay, opting instead for an exclusive partnership with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced at the prestigious 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, that decision already sent ripples through the hobbyist community, and now this new venture seems set to generate even greater waves of excitement.
The big question looming is whether PSA’s foray into bricks and mortar represents the beginning of a larger trend or if it’s a singular initiative born from a unique alliance. What’s undeniable, however, is the shifting tide within the collecting world. The demand for in-person, expert-level service is on the rise, and this latest initiative seems to meet the very heartbeat of that demand.
As PSA’s in-store services intersect with Burbank’s substantial, collector-friendly offering, this launch is more than just another storefront. It symbolizes evolution within the hobby: becoming more accessible, more interactive, and driven by an ever-growing community spirit. Through this partnership, PSA and Burbank Sportscards are not just participating in the trading card hobby — they’re pioneering its future, one card at a time.
