In a groundbreaking convergence of expertise, enthusiasm, and eagerness, PSA and Burbank Sportscards are poised to revolutionize the world of trading card collecting by launching an unprecedented retail experience. This collaborative effort, encapsulated within the sprawling realm of Burbank’s new megastore, heralds a new dawn for collectors and enthusiasts who seek both precision in grading and a vibrant, interactive environment.
PSA, a name synonymous with the meticulous art of card grading, takes the leap into physical retail for the very first time, carving out an abode within the expansive 14,000-square-foot home of Burbank Sportscards in Southern California. This landmark endeavor is scheduled to unveil its welcoming doors to collectors young and old on May 30, setting a benchmark for what a collaborative venture can achieve when ingenuity meets avid interest.
What makes this venture all the more intriguing is the seamless manner in which PSA integrates its services into the fabric of Burbank’s lively space. Rather than opting for a standalone retail outlet, PSA is embedding its operations within the heart of Burbank Sportscards, ensuring that collectors will find more than just a shop—they’ll find a haven tailored to their passion. Staffed by knowledgeable PSA personnel, the store offers hands-on support and direct submission of items for grading, enveloping visitors in a world where expertise and personal interaction hold sway.
Ryan Hoge, President of PSA, notes the endeavor’s drive to bridge the gap between the company and its clientele. “This is about being closer to the customer,” he shares. “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day.” The suite of services that collectors can avail themselves of is impressive, ranging from standard trading cards and autographs to unopened packs, Funko Pops, and tickets. Moreover, PSA provides Vault storage and eBay consignment services directly from the store, positioning itself as a one-stop specialist destination for all things collectible.
In the same breath, Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, unveils a spatial concept that transcends traditional card shops. He envisions a hybrid space that immerses the visitor as if they were stepping into a perpetual live card show. The shop aims to communicate the thrill of discovery, backed by the structure and reliability of a top-tier retail environment. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres elaborates. “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.”
The scale of the operation is formidable, with over 40 million cards accessible via a state-of-the-art kiosk system. This digital catalog ensures that collectors can delve into a treasure trove of options, while over 1 million cards roost on the shop floor, enticing collectors with the prospect of finding hidden gems at a mere 25 cents each. These cards, organized by sport and year, offer a tactile experience that complements the digital scope of their inventory.
Burbank’s mission is clear: inclusivity. By creating a space that caters to both the vintage card hunter and the nostalgic collector seeking to complete a childhood set, the store promises an affirmative encounter, saying “yes” to as many collectors as possible. This inclusive philosophy resonates with collectors and symbolizes a paradigm shift within the community.
Furthermore, Burbank Sportscards made waves earlier this year with its strategic decision to transition all inventory from eBay to an exclusive partnership with Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this move reflected Burbank’s dedication to pioneering new pathways within the hobby—a sentiment echoed now in this joint venture with PSA.
For PSA, the implications of establishing a physical retail presence conjure a host of possibilities. Does this mark the beginning of a landscape dotted with PSA stores? Or is it a unique collaboration, a one-time waltz with an old friend in the hobby? While the answers remain to be seen, what is manifest is the growing urgency for in-person, expert-level service in the collecting community. This store not only fulfills that need but does so with flair and imagination.
Amid the eclectic allure of PSA’s in-store services and Burbank’s extensive, collector-friendly offerings, this new retail venture represents more than just a commercial venture—it’s a reflection of evolution. Here is where the essence of the hobby meets the modern age, crafting spaces that are more accessible, interactive, and community-driven than ever before. The journey for collectors just became even more exhilarating.
