Nestled in the heart of Southern California’s vibrant trading card scene, two titans have joined forces to create a revolutionary experience for collectors. PSA, the eminent figure in card grading, and Burbank Sportscards, a name synonymous with vast inventories and collector enthusiasm, have teamed up to unveil their first-ever joint physical retail venture.
Scheduled to open its doors on May 30, this unique retail experience marks a significant milestone for both PSA and Burbank Sportscards. The venture is strategically housed within Burbank Sportscards’ colossal 14,000-square-foot megastore, guaranteeing collectors unparalleled access to both physical inventory and premium grading services, all under one roof.
PSA President Ryan Hoge encapsulates the essence of this initiative succinctly: “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.” By housing PSA’s world-class grading services within the sprawling Burbank location, collectors are poised to enjoy face-to-face interactions and hands-on guidance from the experts themselves.
The store redefines what it means to be a trading card retailer in more ways than one. For Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, this is not merely an expansion but a reimagination of the trading card collector experience. He envisions the space as a dynamic blend of a live card show atmosphere infused with the reliability and structure of a top-notch retail setup.
“What we wanted,” Veres explained, “was 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.” This vision is realized with a kiosk system offering access to over 40 million cards for collectors to peruse. Buyers can request items from this vast digital catalog, and employees will retrieve them, ensuring that the thrill of discovery is both extensive and structured.
On the flip side of digital innovation, the store also caters to traditional enthusiasts, offering over one million physical cards across its floor. These are priced at a mere 25 cents each, arranged by sport and year. This offers both novice and seasoned collectors the opportunity to indulge their passions without straining their wallets and to find hidden gems amidst the extensive assortment.
The partnership between PSA and Burbank Sportscards not only augments their individual strengths but also pushes the boundaries of what a trading card store can be. The venture follows a strategic move by Burbank earlier in the year when it decided to withdraw its inventory from eBay in favor of an exclusive alliance with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced at the illustrious 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this decision made significant waves across the hobby, and the current retail initiative is stoking further excitement.
As for PSA, this initiative could potentially pave the way for future physical locations or represent a unique collaboration with a trusted partner. Whatever the future holds, there is no denying that the demand for expert, in-person services is surging, and this initiative is set to fulfill that growing need.
In melding PSA’s unrivaled grading services with Burbank’s collector-centric retail foundation, the launch signals more than just the opening of a new storefront. It stands as a testament to the evolving nature of the trading card hobby. Accessible, interactive, and buzzing with a sense of community, the collaboration between PSA and Burbank Sportscards is a harbinger of the industry’s future. It engages collectors, bringing them closer to their passions in a way that’s both innovative and respectful of the traditions that brought them here. This venture, a bold foray into the physical retail space by PSA, harmoniously integrates the dynamism of modern trading card enthusiasm with the tactile joy of a beloved pastime—a true landmark moment for collectors everywhere.
