Hello boys and girls. As always, it is an interesting time in the hobby. While hobby shop owners like myself should be elated over the return of football and the inevitable buzz and sales that go with it. Then again, that would this hobby be without a little controversy? Recently Panini announced the start of First Off The Line program where anyone with a … [Read more...] about What’s Hot: Mike Has Definitive Answers (and Some Concerns)
industry summit
Summit: Topps Adding 2 Baseball Products; Retiring 1
Topps has announced plans for a couple of new baseball card products in 2016 while eliminating one and apparently waving the white flag on football cards you can hold in your hand. The exclusive MLB licensee also says it will be bringing back National Baseball Card Day for the first time since 2008. Topps’ presentation kicked off the 2016 Industry Summit being held this … [Read more...] about Summit: Topps Adding 2 Baseball Products; Retiring 1
Upper Deck Renews Autograph Contract with Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is staying with Upper Deck. At Tuesday’s Industry Summit in Las Vegas, the company announced it had “entered a long-term renewal of our exclusive agreement with Michael Jordan”. Under the new agreement, the company will continue to be the sole producer of authenticated collectibles, trading cards and memorabilia featuring Jordan's image and autograph. Upper … [Read more...] about Upper Deck Renews Autograph Contract with Michael Jordan
Notebook: Brown Sues; Olbermann on Mastro; Baseball Exhibit; New Beckett Hire
Jim Brown is now suing in an attempt to get his 1964 NFL Championship ring back. The Hall of Fame running back says the ring, currently up for bid at Lelands.com, was stolen from him in the 1960's, a fact the auction company disputes. Brown is asking for the auction to be halted as well as monetary damages for defamation. Oddly, it's the second time Lelands has sold the … [Read more...] about Notebook: Brown Sues; Olbermann on Mastro; Baseball Exhibit; New Beckett Hire
Beckett Acquires Industry Summit
The sports collectible industry’s trade conference has a new owner. Beckett Media announced Tuesday it has acquired The Industry Summit, the annual trade event for sports collectible executives, distributors and hobby shops, from Wisconsin-based Isaacson Consulting Group, LLC. Summit founder Kevin Isaacson will continue to host the March 2015 Summit and additional events … [Read more...] about Beckett Acquires Industry Summit
Rich Klein: Stadium Club, Topps Tek Make Return As Redemption Issues Drag On
Just a few odds and ends this week while waiting for March Madness to take full effect. By the way, it seems like college basketball has joined the trend of having participation trophies. Not only has the NCAA tournament expanded to 68 teams with the NIT taking those leftovers but now we have two other tournaments for the also also-rans. Good grief, that means over 100 teams … [Read more...] about Rich Klein: Stadium Club, Topps Tek Make Return As Redemption Issues Drag On
Summit Survey Shows Sports Card Market Optimism
@2012 The Industry Summit, March 18-21, Las Vegas (http://www.regonline.com/2012summit) Product diversification, online marketing and enhanced corporate partnerships have sports-focused collectible retailers viewing 2012 as potentially their best year in a decade. An Industry Summit survey of independent retailers serving the sports and entertainment collectible and … [Read more...] about Summit Survey Shows Sports Card Market Optimism
Q&A With a Hobby Distributor
In preparation for the 2012 Industry Summit, host Kevin Isaacson is conducting periodic “5 Questions’’ segments with leaders from all segments of the sports collectible, entertainment and gaming industries. This week’s Q&A is with Lloyd Kee, principal of GTS Distribution, a wholesaler of sports collectible and gaming products. GTS employees more than 50 full-time … [Read more...] about Q&A With a Hobby Distributor
Industry Summit Attendance Grows
More than 250 industry professionals will attend the 2011 Industry Summit, an increase of more than 25 percent over last year’s inaugural event, according to organizers. Scheduled for Las Vegas later this month, 2011 Industry Summit will include representatives of more than 105 independent sports, gaming and entertainment collectible stores. “Our primary mission is … [Read more...] about Industry Summit Attendance Grows
Topps Does Vegas, Waiting for the ’11s, Remembering the Bird-Magic Rookie
Topps has agreed to become a major sponsor of The Industry Summit, the upcoming Las Vegas trade event for hobby shop owners and industry leaders. Under the agreement, Topps will host a Retailing for Success Seminar on Monday, March 21, which will include a question-and-answer session with executives from Topps, as well as exclusive previews of Topps' upcoming products … [Read more...] about Topps Does Vegas, Waiting for the ’11s, Remembering the Bird-Magic Rookie