The trading card community is about to witness a revolutionary development that promises to reshape the collector’s landscape. Two titans of the industry, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Burbank Sportscards, are teaming up to create an unprecedented space that merges the best of both worlds: comprehensive inventory and in-person expertise. This innovative partnership finds its physical manifestation in Burbank, Southern California, inside a sprawling new megastore set to open its doors on May 30. And it’s not just any store; it’s a retail marvel, offering a distinctive kind of experiential commerce designed to elevate the hobby to new heights.
At the heart of this initiative is PSA, universally respected as the gold standard in card grading. Their decision to open their first-ever physical retail store in harmony with Burbank Sportscards marks a watershed moment for both organizations and the collectors they’re excited to serve. This integration isn’t merely geographical; it’s a philosophical leap towards the heart of the collecting community, uniting two powerhouses under one expansive roof.
“This is about being closer to the customer,” explains PSA President Ryan Hoge with enthusiasm. “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day.” The retail store will include a full cadre of PSA employees equipped to handle in-person grading submissions. Hobbyists can present anything from standard trading cards to more eclectic items like unopened packs, autographs, and even the ever-popular Funko Pops.
In addition, PSA is upping the ante by offering Vault storage and eBay consignment services directly from the store. This comprehensive service suite offers collectors the peace of mind that their treasures are in the safest of hands, along with the flexibility to reach a global audience through online consignment.
Rob Veres, the mastermind owner behind Burbank Sportscards, is just as excited about this venture’s potential to revolutionize the trading card shop experience. His vision encompasses a blend of the excitement of a live card show with the stability and reassurance of a premium 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.”
To achieve this, Burbank Sportscards will implement an avant-garde kiosk system granting access to over 40 million cards stored in a digital catalog. Shoppers can have employees fetch and present their desired finds swiftly and efficiently. Alongside this digital frontier, the physical store will feature more than a million cards eagerly awaiting discovery, notably priced at just 25 cents each, sorted meticulously by sport and year. This setup is a treasure trove for both seasoned veterans on the hunt for rare additions or emerging collectors with eyes gleaming for nostalgia.
The synergy doesn’t end there. Earlier this year, Burbank Sportscards made headlines with the strategic decision to withdraw all inventory from eBay to consolidate efforts with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced during the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this maneuver sent reverberations throughout the industry. Now, with this latest retail innovation, the buzz is positively electric.
As the community sits on tenterhooks waiting to see if this collaboration signals the beginning of a retail empire for PSA or remains a singular venture, what’s indisputable is the notable demand for in-person, expert grading and support. With challenged accessibility historically being a pain point for avid collectors, PSA and Burbank are poised to fill this gap significantly.
With streamlined services and a collector-centric approach, this launch stands as more than just a new storefront landing in sunny Southern California. It’s a declaration of how the trading card hobby is undergoing significant shifts — becoming more welcoming, interactive, and fostering a stronger communal atmosphere than ever before.
Collectors, prepare yourselves. A new era awaits; one where every visit could be its own thrilling adventure, peppered with discoveries, expert advice, and, best of all, a shared love for the art of collecting.
