One of the hobby’s best known online businesses is opening up a retail store in the greater Chicago area. The Baseball Card Exchange will celebrate the grand opening of 
its shop Saturday, April 12, 2014. Long known as a major dealer of vintage unopened sports card packs and boxes, BBCE will bring that inventory to its new brick-and-mortar location on US 41 in Schererville, IN.
In addition, the store will sell vintage and modern graded sport cards and autographed memorabilia. Autograph guests, special events and giveaways will be held on a regular basis.
BBCE owner Steve Hart operated a brick-and-mortar store in Lansing, IL from 1990 to 2002 but then turned the business into an online only venture. Company growth and the opportunity to open a shop in the same large building that houses its inventory were factors in the decision to open a physical shop.
The April event won’t be your standard run-of-the-mill ribbon cutting. The doors will be opening at 10 a.m. that day. BBCE has hired famed Chicago Blackhawks singer Jim Cornelison to belt out the national anthem at noon.
Legendary Chicago Blackhawk and Hockey Hall of Fame member Bobby Hull will be present to sign autographs at a rate of $29-49. Members of the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew will also be on hand to complete the experience as the Blackhawks gear up for their Stanley Cup run.
BBCE plans multiple giveaways in conjunction with the grand opening including authentic autographed baseballs and photos from Hall of Fame athletes.
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Notes: BBCE’s Big Buy at Burbank, Inside Fleer in the 90s
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Vintage Unopened Material, ’52 Mantle at Collect Auctions
