In a groundbreaking collaboration that promises to revolutionize the way collectors engage with trading cards, PSA — lauded as the gold standard in card grading — has joined forces with Burbank Sportscards to open the hobby’s first-ever grading retail store. This innovative venture is set to become the heart of an evolving collecting community, offering a novel blend of in-person service, vast inventory access, and top-tier grading expertise.
Slated to welcome enthusiasts starting May 30, the new retail haven will be nestled within Burbank Sportscards’ expansive 14,000-square-foot establishment in Southern California. More than just a new store, this partnership signifies a milestone both for the companies involved and for collectors dubbing it a physical manifestation of their shared dreams at transforming the typical card shop experience.
Instead of a stand-alone store, PSA will weave its presence seamlessly with Burbank’s operations, ensuring that collectors are met with professionalism and personal engagement at every turn. As expressed by PSA President Ryan Hoge, this initiative reflects a commitment to getting closer to the customer, noting, “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.”
Collectors visiting this unique venue will find themselves in a comprehensive card paradise, where they can submit items for grading. Whether their prized possessions are standard trading cards, autographs, unopened packs, Funko Pops, or even historical tickets, PSA is ready to assess and prime them. And the services don’t stop there. From electronic Vault storage to seamless eBay consignment services, PSA is prepping to accommodate the modern collector’s every need, directly from their store.
At the helm of Burbank Sportscards, Rob Veres has envisioned this location as much more than a typical card haven. His dream? A hybrid space that envelops visitors in an immersive card show atmosphere, fused with the reliability and structure of an elite retail environment. As Veres eloquently puts it, “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.”
On that promise of immersion, the store isn’t just big; it’s comprehensive. With a lofty vision to be a “yes” store, Burbank is set to provide collectors myriad ways to connect with the material of their dreams. Utilizing an innovative kiosk system, visitors will gain access to over 40 million cards cataloged digitally, with friendly staff ready to retrieve items on request. Meanwhile, the store’s floor will boast over a million cards, available at a mere 25 cents each, neatly sorted by sport and year, inviting seekers to hunt for affordable treasures.
For Veres, the goal is inclusion, ensuring that whether a collector is on the hunt for elusive vintage relics or merely hoping to rebuild a nostalgic high school era set, they’ll find a welcoming environment that caters to their desires.
Further cementing Burbank’s trailblazing status was an earlier strategic decision to pull its vast inventory from eBay, opting instead for an exclusive partnership with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced to much fanfare at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, the move stirred excitement and set the stage for this latest venture.
Though currently, there’s a question mark over whether PSA will branch out with more retail locations or if this is a singular collaboration with Burbank, what resounds clearly is the growing desire for in-person, expert-level service within the hobby. By merging PSA’s revered grading services with Burbank’s collector-centric operations, this partnership profiles as more than just the birth of a new storefront. It’s indicative of a broader evolution taking shape in the hobby market.
The new retail store is more than a destination; it’s a statement — a testament to the relentless push towards making card collecting a more accessible, interactive, and community-driven pursuit. As the hobby continues to grow and adapt to the desires of collectors new and old, this venture embodies the spirit of innovation, setting the bar for what the future of card collecting can and should be.
