In an unprecedented collaboration destined to reshape the world of trading card enthusiasts, PSA, the illustrious card grading authority, has joined forces with Burbank Sportscards, a preeminent name in card retail. Together, they’re embarking on an innovative venture—the first-ever grading retail store situated within Burbank’s expansive new Southern California megastore. This landmark event is set for May 30, promising to deliver a delightful amalgam of vast inventory and exclusive, in-person collector experiences, thereby casting a fresh narrative for card enthusiasts.
PSA, often revered as the gold standard in card grading, is veering into new territory with its initial foray into brick-and-mortar space. Nestled comfortably inside Burbank’s sprawling 14,000-square-foot venue, the store boasts a set-up that’s nothing short of a collector’s paradise. Unlike the usual detached, sterile environments of grading facilities, this integrated store is replete with PSA’s own staff, offering a potent blend of hands-on assistance and direct submission opportunities.
“We are focusing on proximity to the collector,” shared Ryan Hoge, PSA President. “People appreciate being able to interact with our team at trade events. We’ve decided it’s time to bring that experience closer to our community on a daily basis.” Indeed, this venture creates a permanent home for collectors to engage intimately with the grading masters.
Collectors venturing into this new space will find a treasure trove of services at their disposal. Submission options extend well beyond traditional trading cards to include autographs, unopened card packs, quirky Funko Pops, and even special entry tickets. Moreover, PSA plans to extend its Vault storage and eBay consignment services directly from this location, signifying a significant evolution in collector convenience.
Rob Veres, the visionary owner behind Burbank Sportscards, sees this collaborative store not just as an expansion but as a radical rethink of what a card shop can embody. His imaginative vision transforms the space into a hybrid realm, akin to stepping into an animated card show while maintaining the allure and dependability of a premier retail venue.
“We were striving to create an immersive environment,” Veres explained. “Our goal is for collectors to feel at the hobby’s epicenter, engaging with more than just cards flipping through fingertips but experiencing the hobby in its full grandeur.”
The elaborate design features the innovative use of kiosk systems delivering instant access to an overwhelming inventory of over 40 million cards. Collectors can select items through this system, which employees will fetch from a vast digital repository. On top of this, the floor hosts over a million cards available at just 25 cents each, neatly arranged by sport and year, creating hunting grounds for gem-seeking enthusiasts on a budget.
Veres hopes Burbank will be the welcoming site that responds with enthusiasm to collectors of all shades, whether on a quest for rare, vintage pieces or completing nostalgic childhood collections.
Intriguingly, this partnership aligns conspicuously with Burbank’s earlier decision to sever ties with eBay in preference for a sole alliance with Fanatics Collect, a revelation unveiled at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention. A bold move, it reverberated loudly within the hobbyist community. With this fresh retail chapter unfurling, industry chatter is reaching new heights of excitement.
Though it remains unconfirmed whether PSA intends to roll out a string of these stores or mark this as a singular experiment with a familiar industry partner, what cannot be overstated is the escalating appetite for expert-led, face-to-face service. This new venture caters precisely to that growing demand, positioning it squarely at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
With PSA’s exemplary store-based services coupled with Burbank’s abundant collector-centric environment, this launch transcends being merely a numeric expansion of storefronts. It symbolizes a progressive shift in collectability culture—broadening access, enhancing interactivity, and fostering a closer-knit community. The hobby, in all its cherished intricacies, is welcoming an era defined by approachability, participation, and enthusiasts at its heart.
