In a delightful twist for collectible card enthusiasts everywhere, PSA, the unrivaled champion of card grading, is branching out from its digital confines to embrace the tangible world of bricks and mortar. Teaming up with Burbank Sportscards, the industry titan is opening a groundbreaking retail space that promises to be a veritable carnival for collectors. As collectors and hobbyists make plans to swarm this novel space on May 30, one sentiment rings clear: this isn’t just any card store—it’s a full-blown immersive journey into the heart of the hobby.
Nestled within the expansive 14,000-square-foot Burbank Sportscards megastore, PSA’s first physical location won’t merely linger in the shadows but will be a foundational block that shapes a new frontier for hobbyists. The endeavor brings together two powerhouses who share a singular vision: transforming a card shop into an arena of entertainment and education. With its location in Southern California, this storied ground will offer collectors direct access not only to PSA’s renowned grading wizardry but to an engaging and enlivening atmosphere that celebrates the hobby in the grandest manner.
Ryan Hoge, PSA’s President, fondly captures this dual-purpose mission, emphasizing the union’s goal to anchor themselves closer to the collectors they serve. “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events,” Hoge notes, speaking to the palpable excitement and burgeoning demand for face-to-face interactions in a world saturated with virtual experiences. This new retail venture, he suggests, is an ongoing dialogue—a handshake between the experts and the aficionados of the card-collecting realm.
Inside this bustling hub, collectors won’t find themselves merely spectators. They’ll step into a dynamic environment where cards aren’t just displayed—they’re experienced. PSA’s storefront offers hands-on services ranging from grading submissions of standard trading cards to more exotic collectibles like Funko Pops and unopened packs. Furthermore, with additional services such as Vault storage and eBay consignment options, the offering isn’t disparate—it’s a seamless extension of the collector’s journey.
Meanwhile, Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, takes his aspirations even farther. For him, the partnership signifies a metamorphosis—not just the expansion of a shop, but a redefinition of what a card emporium can achieve. Inspired by the electric atmosphere of live card shows, Veres aims to recreate that camaraderie and energy within a permanent structure. “We wanted to create something immersive,” he declares, revealing his ambition to engulf visitors in the very essence of collecting.
This isn’t mere hyperbole. Imagine wandering through aisles brimming with over 1 million cards on the floor, with each priced as humbly as 25 cents. Or picture delving into a digital treasure trove of more than 40 million cards, accessible via an integrated kiosk system. Whether collectors are hunting for the elusive vintage rarity or completionists aiming to piece together a childhood set, Burbank Sportscards will be saying a resounding “yes” to fulfilling these dreams.
Adding a fascinating layer to this development is the recent strategic pivot by Burbank to sever its eBay ties in favor of a partnership with Fanatics Collect marketplace, a bombshell move announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention. Building on this momentum, the new retail store is poised to propel these brands to even loftier heights, with enthusiasts eagerly speculating whether this innovation is a singular spectacle or the dawn of PSA-branded stores nationwide.
The sheer idea conjures up images of collectors, sleeves full to bursting, mingling in a space designed to foster community—a theme strikingly recurrent throughout this new chapter. As the hobby evolves and expands, it seems PSA and Burbank Sportscards are determined to lead it into the future, pressing the envelope beyond mere commerce into a realm where enthusiasts feel both valued and empowered.
As the countdown to the grand opening begins, trade show veterans, passionate novices, and curious souls alike prepare for what promises to be a landmark event. It’s a striking reminder of how in the hobby world, evolution isn’t just about new collectibles or digital technology—it’s about reimagining how the community engages, interacts, and grows together.
