In the ever-evolving world of trading card collecting, two titans have decided to rewrite the rulebook of the traditional card shop by teaming up in unparalleled fashion. PSA, widely recognized as the hallmark of card grading, is set to merge its expertise with Burbank Sportscards, a leading name celebrated for its immense card inventory. This daring collaboration promises to deliver a novel retail experience that is likely to redefine enthusiasm and engagement within the collector community.
Marking a refreshing chapter in its prestigious history, PSA is taking a bold leap into the brick-and-mortar scene with its very first retail space, nestled within the cavernous expanse of Burbank Sportscards’ new 14,000-square-foot megastore located in Southern California. This significant endeavor is set to officially cut the ribbon on May 30, inviting collectors to immerse themselves in a first-of-its-kind, interactive environment that bridges the gap between digital transactions and personal engagement.
This particular retail setup isn’t about simply tucking itself into a corner of the card shop. Instead, PSA’s integration within Burbank is designed with intimacy and accessibility in mind, featuring a dedicated space amply staffed with knowledgeable PSA employees. Their mission? To provide hands-on support and streamline the submission process, connecting collectors directly with the expert eyes of the hobby’s top graders.
“Moving closer to our audience is a critical next step,” shares Ryan Hoge, President of PSA. “Collectors cherish the opportunity to converse with our team whenever they get the chance. With our new presence, we’re offering them this personal touch all the time.”
Stepping into this co-branded retail paradise, visitors will find themselves surrounded by more than just cards. Besides standard trading cards, PSA extends its grading services to accommodate autographs, unopened packs, Funko Pops, and even nostalgic tickets, ensuring no stone in a collector’s realm is left unturned. Furthermore, the introduction of on-site Vault storage and eBay consignment services adds another layer of convenience and security, meeting collectors where they are—both physically and in spirit.
Shepherding this colossal venture is Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards. For Veres, this isn’t just a move to expand physical territory; it’s a philosophical overhaul, envisaging a card shop experience like none other. His ambition? To craft an atmosphere akin to a bustling live card show, infused with the dependability and structure expected from a premier retail environment.
“We’re crafting an experience that’s fully immersive,” Veres explains with enthusiasm. “The goal is for collectors to feel right at the core of the hobby, creating engagement that goes beyond merely leafing through the cards on display.”
An impressive kiosk system offers access to a treasure trove of over 40 million cards, empowering collectors to conjure up any item from a detailed digital archive with the touch of a button. Dotted throughout the store are enchanting displays of over one million budget-friendly options priced at a mere 25 cents each, meticulously organized by sport and year. This setup invites both novice and veteran collectors to embark on a delightful treasure hunt, seeking the rare gems they covet without breaking the bank.
Veres has an inclusive vision for the store: it’s one that says “yes” to as many enthusiasts as possible, from those on the hunt for elusive vintage masterpieces to others eager to rekindle childhood nostalgia by completing their formative collections.
Burbank Sportscards’ strategic direction isn’t happening in isolation. Earlier this year, the store decided to pivot away from eBay, opting instead for an exclusive alliance with the Fanatics Collect marketplace, underpinned by the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention announcement. This shift sent ripples across the hobby universe, capturing the attention of collectors worldwide and enhancing anticipation for what Burbank might unveil next.
As PSA embarks on this innovative journey, insiders speculate whether this venture is the precursor to additional in-store expansions or a singular notion borne out of camaraderie with a long-time partner. However, the implications are crystal clear: there’s an unmistakable thirst for in-person, expert-level service, and this collaboration decisively quenches it.
The unveiling of this adventurous retail marriage between PSA and Burbank Sportscards represents far more than just the opening of another card shop. It’s a manifestation of the hobby’s evolution—transforming into a domain that’s not only more accessible and interactive but also deeply rooted in community spirit. Here, collectors are invited to not just browse and buy, but engage, explore, and immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of a world that celebrates nostalgia and the relentless pursuit of rare treasures.
