The hunt is on for the best card shop in the U.S.
Loupe, with support from Topps, the Miami Marlins and Blowout Cards are holding a contest that will offer the winning shop a big prize package.
One of Loupe’s founding principles is to help the local card shops around America that serve as the backbone of this entire hobby,” Loupe founder and CEO Eric Doty says. “It’s an objective that we take very seriously, but we also want to have some fun with it. Loupe Presents: America’s Best Card Shopis our way of shining a spotlight on these hardworking small businesses, and recognizing their effort and what they mean to the hobby.”
The grand prize package is approximately $50,000, including: $25,000 for store improvements, an exclusive streaming deal with Loupe, a $2,000 Best Buy gift card, a $1,000 VistaPrint gift card, a new iOS device for streaming, a professionally-produced video and brand/logo redesign, a Loupe-sponsored trade night, an athlete appearance/signing at their shop, and more.
The determining factor isn’t just about who has the most cards. According to Loupe, “entrants should make strides to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, one that regularly gives back to their communities and helps educate newcomers to the hobby.” Full rules are posted online.
They’re taking nominations from the public and from the shops themselves.
Four finalists will be selected by the America’s Best Card Shop panel of judges that includes Loupe founder and CEO Eric Doty, Topps’ Hobby Sales Director Kevin O’Neil, Women of the Hobby co-founder and industry veteran Susan Lulgjuraj, Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon, and artist and entrepreneur DJ Skee.
The finalists will have the opportunity to stream live on Loupe later this summer. Then, the community will vote on America’s Best Card Shop and the winner will be announced live on-stage in Atlantic City at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention.
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