In a groundbreaking collaboration that promises to reshape the trading card landscape, PSA, revered as the gold standard in card grading, is embarking on a novel retail adventure with Burbank Sportscards. This partnership introduces the hobby world’s first grading-centric retail store, poised to become a haven for collectors. Opening its doors on May 30, the new store will be nestled within Burbank Sportscards’ colossal 14,000-square-foot complex in Southern California.
The PSA store promises more than just retail therapy—it’s a new frontier in collector interaction, bringing together massive inventory, expert in-person service, and direct access to PSA’s renowned grading facilities. The space is fully staffed by PSA employees, ensuring that visitors receive top-notch, hands-on support from the people who know the grading process best. PSA President Ryan Hoge expressed the vision behind this endeavor, stating, “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.”
From committed hobbyists with a stack of cherished memorabilia to casual collectors seeking to dip their toes deeper into this vibrant hobby, the store offers an extensive range of services. Those entering this collector’s paradise can submit items for grading—from standard trading cards to autographs, unopened packs, and even the more eclectic, such as Funko Pops and tickets. Adding another feather in their cap, PSA will also provide Vault storage and eBay consignment services directly from this very location.
Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, sees this not just as an upgrade, but as a reinvention of the traditional card shop model. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres articulated, imagining a space that captures the heart of the hobby. It’s a card shop reimagined as a living, breathing card show, embedded with the assurance and dependability of a premier retail environment.
The meticulously designed layout and offerings leave no stone unturned in catering to collectors’ whims. A kiosk system grants guests access to over 40 million cards, with employees retrieving requested items from an expansive digital catalog. On the showroom floor, over one million cards are up for grabs at just 25 cents each, sorted meticulously by sport and year. This setup not only appeals to the meticulous maven hunting for rare vintage finds but also accommodates budget-conscious collectors looking to complete beloved sets from childhood.
Veres’s ambition is clear: Burbank should be a sanctuary for all collectors, a dynamic space saying “yes” to the throngs of enthusiasts, whether they’re chasing holy grail collectibles or simply satisfying nostalgic cravings.
This pioneering partnership comes hot on the heels of another major revelation by Burbank: its strategic move to withdraw inventory from eBay, opting instead for an exclusive alliance with the Fanatics Collect marketplace—a seismic shift announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention that had enthusiasts buzzing.
While it’s still shrouded in mystery whether this marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout of physical PSA stores or remains a one-off synergistic venture with Burbank, the writing is on the wall—the demand for in-person, expert-level service is escalating, and this collaboration confronts the moment head-on.
The debut of this milestone retail experience heralds a new chapter of evolution for the hobby. PSA and Burbank Sportscards are not merely unveiling another storefront but signaling a shift towards more accessible, interactive, and community-driven paradigms in collecting. Here, amid aisles filled with nostalgia and discovery, collectors are not only flipping through cards but are enveloped in an experience that’s richer, more personal, and more attuned to the vibrant pulse of the hobbyist community. This venture is more than a mere commercial venture—it’s a pilgrimage for collectors, offering a dynamic arena for enthusiasts to immerse themselves deeper into their passion, forging bonds over shared interests while navigating the ever-evolving world of card collecting.