In a landmark collaboration set to reshape the trading card landscape, two giants of the industry, PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and Burbank Sportscards, have teamed up to offer collectors an unprecedented experience. They are introducing the first-ever physical retail outlet hosting a dedicated grading service inside Burbank Sportscards’ expansive new megastore located in Southern California. The grand opening, slated for May 30, isn’t just the unveiling of a new store but rather a groundbreaking confluence designed to elevate the card-collecting hobby to a thrilling new standard.
Hang on to your hobby hats as PSA, the esteemed leader in card grading, integrates its full suite of services within the 14,000-square-foot paradise of collectibles that Burbank Sportscards calls home. This isn’t merely a store within a store; it’s a well-orchestrated symphony of access, service, and expertise, all under one roof. “This is about being closer to the customer,” remarked Ryan Hoge, President of PSA. His words echo across the hobby community, which thrives on personal interaction, underscoring the importance of collectors being able to converse with PSA experts daily rather than waiting for the next big event or show.
In this trailblazing setup, collectors will revel in the convenience of submitting an array of items for grading. Whether you’ve got standard trading cards, coveted autographs, elusive unopened packs, or even those whimsical Funko Pops and nostalgic tickets, PSA’s team is ready to assess and authenticate them. Beyond grading, PSA isn’t skimping on services; the store will also provide Vault storage and enable seamless eBay consignment services straight from the showroom floor.
Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, is no stranger to looking beyond contemporary norms in the trading card domain. His latest venture isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an innovation intended to redefine what a card shop represents. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres declared, with echoes of excitement bouncing off the store walls. His ambition is clear: to convert the shopping experience into a living card show, consistently dynamic and endlessly thrilling, melded with the assured reliability of a distinguished retail framework.
The enchantment doesn’t stop there. Patrons will have unfettered access to a boundless treasury of over 40 million cards via a sophisticated kiosk system, where employees locate requested items from a vast digital catalog. For those treasure hunters on a budget, more than a million cards will sit right there on the floor at a tantalizing 25 cents each, meticulously organized by sport and year, offering ample opportunity to uncover priceless gems amidst the myriad.
Fueled by the mantra of inclusivity, Veres aspires to create a haven that beckons every collector, from those fervently chasing after rare vintage cards to individuals looking to complete their childhood sets. This alliance is a refreshing breeze in the industry following Burbank’s previous seismic move — their strategic pivot away from eBay, favoring an exclusive alliance with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Often candid, Veres made this announcement at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, an event itself a whirlwind but being rivaled by the currents of excitement this new retail venture stirs.
Whether this partnership signifies just the beginning of more PSA retail locations or stands as a singular alliance with Burbank, what’s gleamed is undeniable: the appetite for in-person, expert service is ripening. This joint effort champions that call, offering fervent collectors the tactile, interactive experience they so fervently crave.
As the doors swing open on May 30, what lies within is more than a store; it’s a beacon indicating the evolution of the collectible card hobby. It’s reshaping the very way collectors interact with their crafts and collections—becoming more approachable, engaging, and driven by a sense of shared community than ever before. With this pioneering partnership, PSA and Burbank Sportscards aren’t just merchandising cards—they’re orchestrating a revolution, welcoming enthusiasts to step into an epicenter of excitement and possibility. The result is a bond between collectors and their cherished passions, stronger and more exhilarating than it has ever been.
