In the world of trading cards, few names command attention as emphatically as PSA and Burbank Sportscards. Now, these industry giants have embarked on an unprecedented journey to redefine the collector experience. This endeavor presents itself as a groundbreaking fusion of extensive inventory, personalized in-person service, and the indisputable expertise of the hobby’s premier card grading authority.
PSA, the benchmark in the card grading cosmos, has decided to stake a physical presence within the vibrant walls of the new Burbank Sportscards megastore located on the sun-drenched avenues of Southern California. Come May 30, collectors will witness the unveiling of this endeavor—a milestone not only for PSA and Burbank Sportscards but also a transformative moment for the collecting community as a whole.
The setup is anything but standard fare. Rather than establishing a stand-alone fortress, PSA has seamlessly integrated its operations within the 14,000-square-foot expanse of Burbank’s premises. Here, PSA employees will stand ready to provide collectors with hands-on assistance and immediate submission opportunities—a tactical move designed to keep the pulse of the hobby beating closer to its enthusiasts.
“This is about being closer to the customer,” declares Ryan Hoge, PSA’s president, with the conviction of a general unveiling a battle plan. He continues, “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day.” Indeed, this venture promises to make conversations and expert assessments a daily indulgence.
Within this haven, collectors can submit a bounty of collectibles for grading. From the expected trading cards and autographs to unopened packs, the ubiquitous Funko Pops, and even tickets, the grading services of PSA cast a broad net. Plus, PSA amplifies its offerings with Vault storage and eBay consignment services, transforming the store into a multifunctional powerhouse.
But Burbank Sportscards’ owner, Rob Veres, envisions something far beyond a mere store upgrade; his ambitions echo with the tenor of a visionary artista sculpting the future of card collecting. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres muses. “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.” Here lies a space that aspires to metamorphose card collecting from an act of casual browsing into an immersive journey.
Veres’ vision segues into the logistical framework: patrons will enjoy access to over 40 million cards via an innovative kiosk system that brings to life a deep digital catalog. Meanwhile, the floor will teem with over a million cards priced at a tantalizing 25 cents each, neatly categorized by sport and year—a veritable treasure trove for budget-conscious collectors in pursuit of elusive gems.
Veres is unwavering in his mission to make Burbank a beacon of inclusivity within the collecting community. The store, in his words, is intended to signal “yes” to every collector, whether their aspirations lie in acquiring long-lost vintage rarities or completing cherished childhood sets.
Burbank’s strategic maneuvers extend beyond this premium partnership. Earlier in the year, the store made waves by severing ties with eBay to embrace an exclusive partnership with the Fanatics Collect marketplace—a revelation unveiled at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, which reverberated through the hobby arena. The introduction of this new retail chapter stands as a testament to Burbank’s adept hand at generating buzz and reshaping norms.
For PSA, as the dust settles on this new venture, questions remain. Is this the dawn of a network of physical stores, or a singular collaboration with a steadfast ally? What remains irrefutable is the growing clamor for expert-level, in-person service—demand that this formidable duo endeavor to meet head-on with unmatched zeal.
By intertwining PSA’s in-store services and Burbank’s expansive, collector-oriented configuration, this launch does more than simply open a new retail outlet. It heralds an era in which the hobby evolves into something that is not only more accessible and interactive but also richly imbued with community spirit. This is the future of collecting: a more connected, dynamic, and engaging landscape where each card is a thread in the vibrant tapestry of the global collector community.
