In the ever-evolving world of trading card collecting, two industry juggernauts are plotting a groundbreaking course, transforming not only how we buy and trade but how we experience the entire hobby. PSA, renowned as the gold standard when it comes to card grading precision, has joined forces with Burbank Sportscards, a colossal name in card dealing, to inaugurate what promises to be nothing short of a paradise for collectors—a retail experience that marries a jaw-dropping inventory with hands-on expert services.
Shuffle on over to Southern California, and after the calendar pages flip to May 30th, you’ll find PSA making history as it launches its debut physical retail location nestled within the expansive bounds of the Burbank Sportscards megastore. This is not merely a corner shop tucked away discreetly; instead, it sprawls across a massive 14,000 square feet of card-filled nirvana, staffed exclusively by PSA professionals who are poised to offer personalized advice and opportunities for immediate submissions.
PSA President Ryan Hoge gleefully commented on this bold venture: “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.” In essence, it’s a daily convention, no need for travel or ticket purchases.
But wait, this transformed card shop is not a one-trick pony, despite what PSA’s exceedingly thorough service might suggest. This site is carefully architected to reimagine the very essence of a card shop, aiming to replicate the extensive allure of a live trading card show but within a brick-and-mortar framework boasting steady reliability. Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, is the mastermind behind this endeavor. Driven by the mantra of engagement and immersion, Veres articulates, “We wanted to create something immersive. 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.”
In speaking of engagement, collectors can expect to discover a veritable treasure trove through a sophisticated kiosk system, granting them access to over 40 million cards. Beyond the glossy screens and automatic pull lists, there are over a million cards residing physically on the store floor, each tagged at a friendly 25 cents, organized by sport and year—perfect for those burning the proverbial midnight oil in search of budget-friendly gems to round out collections.
The meticulous thought put into this initiative means Veres’s mission goes beyond bricks and mortar; it extends a hand to every type of collector, ensuring Burbank serves as a portal to yes—whether it’s for those hunting down elusive vintage finds or for collectors looking to complete the mosaic of their childhood nostalgia.
This exciting collaboration between PSA and Burbank Sportscards isn’t the only buzzworthy move in Burbank’s playbook. Earlier this year, the card-toting maverick made headlines with its decision to shift inventory away from eBay. It pivoted to an exclusive partnership with Fanatics Collect marketplace—a revelation that reverberated across the floors at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, leaving an indelible echo on the industry.
As the dust settles around PSA’s latest endeavor, questions float in the air—will this be the first of many such pilgrimages to the heartland of hobbyists, or is it merely a singular chapter in a lengthy tome of collaboration with a decades-old trade ally? While their future steps remain shrouded in mystery, one thing crystallizes with perfect clarity: the appetite for personalized, in-the-flesh expertise in hobbyist circles is thriving. And this latest architectural stroke on the canvas of the card collecting landscape is in tune with that demand.
Thus, nestled between PSA’s world-class services and Burbank’s collector-centric labyrinth of treasures, this grand opening represents more than just another retail contender entering the fray. It signals an evolutionary leap forward in the hobby, emphasizing inclusiveness, interaction, and a tight-knit community ethos that is both refreshing and revolutionary.
