In a groundbreaking move that promises to redefine the world of trading cards, PSA, the undisputed authority in card grading, has partnered with Burbank Sportscards to launch the very first card grading retail store. This innovative venture, located within the colossal new Burbank Sportscards megastore in Southern California, will officially open its doors on May 30. This collaboration marks a strategic milestone for both companies and offers the collecting community a novel space that merges service, expertise, and accessibility.
Unlike typical PSA operations that primarily deal with remote submissions and online interface, this new venture opts for a strategically embedded physical setup within Burbank’s sprawling 14,000-square-foot retail location. It is not just a store within a store; it’s a fully equipped, hands-on engagement space for collectors, expertly staffed by PSA professionals. “This is about being closer to the customer,” explains PSA President Ryan Hoge. This initiative is designed to allow collectors to interact with the PSA team and access professional advice and services every single day, rather than just on special occasions or at events.
What sets this collaboration apart is the broad array of services visitors will enjoy. Beyond submitting items like standard trading cards, visitors can also have autographs, unopened packs, Funko Pops, and even tickets evaluated for grading. Additionally, the store will offer Vault storage and eBay consignment services, all under the roof of Southern California’s newest collector’s haven.
For Rob Veres, the visionary owner of Burbank Sportscards, this isn’t just a new venture — it’s a reconceptualization of the card shop itself. “We wanted to create something immersive,” Veres states, underscoring his desire to craft an experience that feels like entering a live card show within the controlled, reliable domain of a retail shop. Here, collectors can engage with the hobby beyond mere transactions, steeping themselves in an environment brimming with history, excitement, and potential discoveries.
Significantly, the store’s design allows access to over 40 million cards via a sophisticated kiosk system, with staff ready to retrieve any item from an exhaustive digital inventory. On the retail floor, more than 1 million budget-friendly cards will be available for just 25 cents each, meticulously sorted by sport and year. This ensures that collectors of all levels, from those seeking obscure vintage treasures to nostalgic seekers intent on completing childhood collections, will find a welcoming space that meets their needs.
This new collaboration follows on the heels of another bold move by Burbank Sportscards earlier this year; the company announced its decision to discontinue listing its inventory on eBay, instead forming an exclusive partnership with the Fanatics Collect marketplace. This decision, unveiled during the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention, made significant ripples across the collecting community, signaling Burbank’s strategic advancements and ever-increasing influence in the hobby.
Amid speculation, it’s yet unclear if the partnership between PSA and Burbank represents the beginning of a string of such collaborations or is a one-time alliance with a deeply-rooted partner in the industry. Nonetheless, what’s evident is the increasing demand for the type of direct, expert-led service that this venture aims to provide. The trend toward in-person interaction reflects a broader movement within the hobby world, where community and personal engagement take center stage.
Between the cutting-edge services by PSA and Burbank’s extensive collector-oriented setup, this launch signifies far more than a new place to shop. It’s emblematic of the hobby’s evolution — one that’s more welcoming, engaging, and driven by the values of accessibility and community. Collectors can now enjoy a space that caters not just to their collections, but to their passion for the hobby itself. As the doors open on this exciting new chapter, it sets a precedent for what the future of card collecting could look like: vibrant, interactive, and deeply connected to those who love it most.
