In an industry twist that seems almost poetic, PSA and Burbank Sportscards have teamed up to create a collector’s paradise—one that promises to redefine the interaction between hobbyists and their prized cards. Picture the pulsating heart of the trading card world condensed into a sleek store, throbbing with the excitement of a live card show yet offering the steady assurance of a well-oiled retail operation. This new establishment, slated to fling open its doors on May 30, is set up in Burbank Sportscards’ expansive 14,000-square-foot megastore in sunny Southern California.
For those in the know, PSA is synonymous with card grading’s gold standard. Its reputation in determining a card’s worth is unparalleled, and the ability to access its expertise just became more tangible than ever before. PSA’s decision to set up shop within Burbank’s sprawling location is not just strategic—it is transformative. Envision a space staffed by PSA’s own team, dedicated to providing hands-on support and offering a direct submission channel. Gone are the days of mailing your precious collectibles and waiting with bated breath for their return. This new setup paves the way for face-to-face interactions, transforming an anxious process into an engaging experience.
“This is about being closer to the customer,” according to Ryan Hoge, the PSA President. His words echo the core reason behind this groundbreaking move. Collectors, who relished the chance to converse with PSA experts at events, now have a permanent venue for these discussions. It adds a personal touch—something that’s been increasingly rare in the digital age.
The store is designed to be more than just a place for grading cards. Visitors are welcome to submit a diverse range of collectibles for grading, from traditional trading cards and autographs to unopened packs and even unconventional items like Funko Pops and event tickets. And, that’s not all—PSA introduces additional services, offering Vault storage solutions and eBay consignment directly from the store, making the process as streamlined as possible.
Standing alongside PSA’s offering is Burbank Sportscards’ massive inventory. Owner Rob Veres sees this store not just as an upgrade but as an evolution in the way collectors engage with their hobby. It’s his dream come true—serving up an experience so immersive it resembles stepping into the lively, bustling atmosphere of a card expo.
“Our vision was to create something immersive,” Veres elaborated, his enthusiasm palpable. “We wanted collectors to feel they’re not just purchasing items but stepping into the hobby’s epicenter—fully engaged, fully invested.” Indeed, walking into the store is akin to entering a magical realm filled with the whisperings of baseball legends and the echoes of sporting history.
The store itself boasts over 40 million cards. Through an innovative kiosk system, customers can access this immense digital catalog, prompting staff to retrieve desired items. Meanwhile, more than a million cards priced at a mere 25 cents each are available for eager hands to sift through, arranged by sport and year, making it easier than ever for fans to snap up the missing pieces of their collection or to indulge in a little nostalgia trip without breaking the bank.
Veres has designed Burbank Sportscards to say “yes” to collectors of all stripes, whether their aim is to discover rare vintage cards or to complete cherished sets from their youth. This philosophy of inclusivity and approachability sets it apart from conventional card shops.
This partnership unfolds against the backdrop of a significant industry move from earlier this year when Burbank decided to draw its inventory from eBay to align exclusively with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. A move announced with dramatic flair at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, it sent reverberations through the collecting community. Now, the buzz surrounding this groundbreaking store seems even louder.
While the future of PSA’s retail expansion is uncertain—this could be the first of many locations, or a unique one-off collaboration—one aspect is undeniable: the appetite for personalized, expert-level service is burgeoning. This new endeavor addresses that hunger in a bold, innovative way.
The union of PSA’s in-store services with Burbank’s collector-centric configuration represents an advance more significant than a mere storefront opening. It symbolizes a shift in the hobby itself, making it more accessible, interactive, and community-centric. Here, collecting is celebrated not just as a hobby but as a vibrant, collective experience. As collectors gather at this new mecca, the hobby begins a new chapter where connection and community reign supreme.
