Burbank Sportscards, a well-established name in the sports card trading community, is making waves with its latest move. The company has sealed an exclusive deal with Fanatics Collect, a newly launched platform, to list a staggering 40 million sports cards. This strategic partnership comes hot on the heels of Fanatics Collect’s recent debut and is set to shake up the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention.
With a track record spanning back to 2003, Burbank Sportscards has solidified its position as a top seller in the industry. Boasting over 6.8 million items sold on eBay and another 7.2 million cards moved through the Beckett Marketplace since 1999, Burbank has become a powerhouse within the card trading community.
The collaboration between Burbank Sportscards and Fanatics Collect is not just a business transaction; it’s a meeting of minds. Chris Lamontagne, president of Fanatics Collect, expressed his admiration for Burbank’s owner, Rob Veres, describing him as one of the best in the business. Lamontagne’s visit to Burbank’s physical store cemented the decision to partner up, highlighting the synergy between the two entities.
For Rob Veres, the exclusive partnership with Fanatics Collect represents a significant opportunity for growth. By expanding the reach of trading cards to Fanatics’ team shops alongside popular merchandise like caps and jerseys, Burbank aims to offer a diverse range of players and teams to collectors and fans alike.
While acknowledging the risks involved in moving away from platforms like eBay, Veres sees the collaboration as a leap of faith worth taking. The shift to a new 14,000-square-foot facility equipped with in-store kiosks reflects Burbank’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience. These kiosks, offering on-demand card orders from a stockpile of 25 million cards, will cater to the burgeoning demand for sports cards.
The integration of Burbank’s extensive inventory into the Fanatics Collect platform is a pivotal task at hand. Leveraging Burbank’s advanced in-house inventory system, the migration of 40 million cards is expected to be seamless, with listings appearing on the platform in the coming weeks. Initially, cards purchased at Burbank’s physical store will enjoy an exclusive window before being listed on Fanatics Collect.
In contrast to other sellers on the platform, Burbank will manage its own fulfillment operations, a decision aimed at maintaining control over the customer experience. Veres anticipates a surge in demand, with plans to expand his current team of 25 retail and e-commerce staff to meet the evolving needs of the business.
Despite the challenges posed by the transition, Veres remains optimistic about the future. He envisions curated card drops and active participation in Fanatics events, painting a picture of unlimited growth potential on the platform. Both Burbank Sportscards and Fanatics Collect are committed to a long-term partnership, with a shared vision of attracting new customers and driving sales growth.
By diversifying their inventory with a mix of low-end and high-end cards on the Fanatics Collect platform, Burbank aims to broaden its market reach and attract a global audience of sports enthusiasts. Veres’s ambition to introduce his brand to sports fans worldwide aligns seamlessly with Fanatics’ expansive platform, promising a future filled with endless possibilities for Burbank Sportscards.
