In a move poised to delight collectors and hobby enthusiasts alike, PSA and Burbank Sportscards have announced a groundbreaking collaboration: the launch of the trading card world’s first-ever retail grading store. This innovative venture promises to artfully marry PSA’s esteemed grading precision with Burbank Sportscards’ abundant inventory, crafting an utterly interactive experience for enthusiasts far and wide.

The grand opening of this novel retail concept is scheduled for May 30th, nestled comfortably within the colossal expanse of Burbank Sportscards’ 14,000-square-foot megastore located in the sunny climes of Southern California. This cross-pollination of powerhouse names marks an exciting chapter for both entities and represents a significant evolution for the collector’s community at large.

PSA’s reputation as the gold standard in the card grading sphere is widely acclaimed, offering expertise that collectors ardently seek. Yet, rather than forging a standalone identity, PSA’s retail presence will be seamlessly integrated within Burbank Sportscards’ bustling operation. Staffed exclusively by PSA employees, this space not only promises in-person grading but also embodies a mission to enhance accessibility to their valued services.

“Our goal is simple: to get closer to the customer,” expressed PSA President Ryan Hoge with palpable enthusiasm. “Collectors cherish the opportunity to engage personally with our team during events. We’re providing them a space to do so every single day.”

The features of the store extend well beyond traditional grading submissions, embracing a wide array of collector demands. Naturally, trading cards — from newer editions to coveted vintage items — can be submitted for grading. However, the service doesn’t stop there; autographs, unopened packs, Funko Pops, and even tickets will also find their way into PSA’s meticulous hands. Additionally, the new location offers Vault storage and eBay consignment services, making it a veritable hub for any collector’s needs.

For Rob Veres, Burbank Sportscards’ owner, this ambitious venture constitutes not merely an enhancement but a radical reimagining of what a card shop could and should offer. His vision encapsulates an environment that feels less like a retail outlet and more like stepping into the throbbing heart of a live card show, yet with all the dependability and organization a top-tier retail experience entails.

“We aimed to create something immersive,” explained Veres, clearly impassioned by his creation. “Collectors should feel like they’re diving into the essence of the hobby — engaging, not just browsing.”

Indeed, the store is sculpted to embody this engagement. It boasts access to an astonishing over 40 million cards through an innovative kiosk system, allowing in-store employees to fulfill collector requests from a deep digital catalog. Furthermore, on the floor will be over 1 million cards priced at an accessible 25 cents each, thoughtfully sorted by sport and year, thereby unlocking the thrill of discovery for those searching on a budget.

Veres summarizes the ethos of Burbank Sportscards as one of inclusivity: “We aspire to be a store that says ‘yes’ to the broadest swath of collectors, from those hunting for rare vintage gems to those striving to complete childhood sets.”

This retail revolution arrives in the wake of Burbank Sportscards’ other tectonic shift earlier in the year when it severed eBay ties in favor of a unique partnership with the innovative Fanatics Collect marketplace. Announced with considerable fanfare at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, the move rippled through the hobbyist community, as does this most recent retail endeavor.

On PSA’s side, the long-term direction remains shrouded in mystery. Will this store herald a fleet of physical locations nationwide, or is it a singular collaboration with a trusted ally? What remains undeniable is the burgeoning clamor for in-person expert service, which this partnership aims to satisfy wholeheartedly.

Taken together, PSA’s enhanced in-store offerings, combined with Burbank Sportscards’ comprehensive, collector-friendly ambiance, symbolize far more than the mere birth of a new mall tenant. They represent the dynamic metamorphosis of the collector’s hobby itself, ushering in an era characterized by accessibility, interactivity, and community spirit. As technology and sensibilities evolve, so too does the experience of trading card collecting, proving that nostalgia and innovation can indeed stroll hand in hand into the future.

Topps Now Lilo and Stitch