The world of trading cards is buzzing with anticipation as two of the industry’s most respected names, PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and Burbank Sportscards, join forces to revolutionize the collector experience. Their collaboration culminates in a landmark endeavor—the opening of the first retail store that offers direct access to PSA’s renowned grading services within Burbank Sportscards’ new megastore in Southern California.
Set to welcome eager collectors through its doors on May 30, this groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone for both PSA and Burbank Sportscards. Far more than a traditional retail location, the store represents a dynamic blend of extensive inventory, unparalleled customer service, and an immersive hobbyist experience. This innovative venture is poised to breathe new life into the trading card community, fostering a deeper connection between collectors and the beloved pieces that inspire them.
PSA President Ryan Hoge is particularly enthused by the opportunity to bring the company closer to its customers. “Collectors love being able to talk to our team at events. Now we’re giving them a place to do that every day,” he shares. The store, housed within Burbank’s sprawling 14,000-square-foot space, will be fully staffed by PSA experts, ensuring that visitors receive hands-on support for all their grading needs. This includes submitting items such as trading cards, autographs, unopened packs, Funko Pops, and tickets for evaluation. Beyond grading, PSA will also offer Vault storage and eBay consignment services directly from the location, broadening the scope of its customer engagement.
Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, views this new venture as more than just an upgrade; it’s a conceptual leap forward for card shops everywhere. His dream is to create a hybrid space that juxtaposes the excitement of a live card show with the dependability of a premium retail environment. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres explains. “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.”
Achieving this vision involves a meticulously designed space that offers access to over 40 million cards through an intuitive kiosk system. Employees will efficiently pull requested items from a vast digital catalog, ensuring that collectors can quickly find their desired pieces. For those on a budget, over 1 million cards will be available on the floor for a mere 25 cents each, organized meticulously by sport and year. This thoughtful arrangement makes it easy for enthusiasts to uncover hidden treasures without breaking the bank.
Veres emphasizes his commitment to making Burbank Sportscards an inclusive environment, one that accommodates the aspirations of a diverse collector base. Whether it’s individuals on the hunt for rare vintage cards or those seeking to complete a nostalgic set from their youth, the goal is to affirmatively answer the desires of as many patrons as possible.
The timing of this retail store launch is serendipitously aligned with Burbank Sportscards’ decisive move earlier this year to withdraw its inventory from eBay in favor of an exclusive affiliation with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, this strategic pivot sent ripples through the hobby, and the imminent retail opening is generating even more excitement and curiosity.
For PSA, this collaboration with Burbank Sportscards might represent the first step in a broader expansion of physical store locations, or it may remain a unique partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared passion for the card collecting community. What remains indisputable is the growing demand for personalized, expert-level service, and this partnership beautifully addresses that need.
As the boundaries of the hobby evolve, this new venture embodies the spirit of innovation that is redefining the trading card industry. It signifies an era where collecting is more accessible, interactive, and community-oriented than ever before. The launch is a testament to the forward-thinking approach that both PSA and Burbank Sportscards are embracing and promises to elevate the hobby’s landscape by fostering a vibrant community hub for collectors of all kinds. For enthusiasts and casual collectors alike, this innovative space is more than a store; it’s a gathering place, a sanctuary, and a testament to the enduring love of the hobby.
