In a bold and exciting collaboration reminiscent of the great duos in history, PSA, widely recognized as the paragon of trading card grading, has teamed up with the esteemed Burbank Sportscards to launch a novel venture that will undoubtedly send collectors’ hearts racing. Imagine an emporium where your passion for trading cards is not just understood but celebrated and spoiled. This is the promise of the new retail store nestled within the expansive Burbank Sportscards megastore in sunny Southern California.
Scheduled for a grand opening on May 30, this unique introduction signifies a revolutionary melding of grading expertise with the tactile pleasures of in-person card perusal. With PSA’s mighty name behind it, the store is not an independent entity but rather an entity imbued within Burbank Sportscards’ sprawling 14,000-square-foot haven, staffed by adept PSA employees ready to provide hands-on support and facilitate direct submissions.
Ryan Hoge, PSA President, succinctly captures the ethos of the endeavor, remarking, “This is about being closer to the customer.” The essence is bridging the gap between collector and service provider, punctuated by the opportunity to converse with knowledgeable staff—a rare treasure trove for any card enthusiast, now accessible every day.
But what, exactly, will this illustrious site offer? Visitors can submit an impressive range of items for grading, from the classic trading cards and autographs to unopened packs, quirky Funko Pops, and memorabilia tickets. PSA doesn’t stop there—they’ll also offer Vault storage to secure your prized possessions and eBay consignment services, transforming the store into an invaluable resource on multiple fronts.
The mastermind behind Burbank Sportscards, Rob Veres, envisions a complete rehaus of the typical card shop experience. He insists on more than just a tweak here and there—this is a paradigm shift. “Collecting goes beyond just flipping through cards,” Veres astutely observed. “We sought to create an immersive landscape that feels like stepping into a live card show, amplified by the reliability and structure of premier retail.”
Veres’ innovative fortress of fond memories and collector ambitions showcases over 40 million cards accessible via a sophisticated kiosk system. Eager fingers can decide what treasures they’d like to see, with employees acting as swift conduits between digital desire and physical reality. For those budding collectors or nostalgic treasure hunters operating on a budget, fear not—a million cards will inhabit the surface, magically priced at a quarter each, inviting explorers to dig for forgotten gems.
A sense of inclusivity pervades Burbank’s mission. The aim is to smile and nod ‘yes’ to as many collecting connoisseurs as possible, whether they’re intrepid time travelers in search of vintage rarity or ambitious architects reconstructing a childhood set.
This opening not only marks an evolutionary leap for these two powerhouses but also arrives on the heels of another groundbreaking decision by Burbank earlier this year. They boldly removed their entire inventory from e-commerce behemoth eBay, establishing exclusivity with the Fanatics Collect marketplace—a move that sent ripples through the hobby’s landscape and set tongues buzzing.
PSA’s adventurous foray into the physical retail space with Burbank has ignited speculation and interest alike: Could this herald a new era of similar ventures, or is it a singular collaborative masterstroke? What is unequivocal, however, is the burgeoning desire for in-person, expert-level interaction—a need this new store is poised to satisfy admirably.
This flagship store embodies a trend sweeping across the pastime of card collecting, signaling a shift towards an experience that’s not merely about acquisition but immersion, and interaction. It’s a tangible harbinger of a hobby evolving towards being more accessible, interactive, and community-driven than ever before. With PSA and Burbank leading the charge, the future of collecting seems poised on the very brink of an exciting renaissance.
