The start of the MLB season means Topps NOW is back to producing cards for events surrounding the season. Several cards are typically produced for each day’s games. They’re priced at $9.99--but can be had for less in quantity. The release of card #2 featured Dr. Anthony Fauci and generated quite a bit of mainstream media publicity. The card sold 51,512 … [Read more...]
Notes: One Auction Halted Over Suit, Another Delayed; Topps On-Demand Update
A large online sports card and memorabilia auction was halted Thursday night over a newly filed lawsuit. Long-time dealer Bill Goodwin was conducting the final night of bidding in the inaugural auction for his new company, Heartland Sports Cards and Memorabilia. About 10:45 PM Eastern time, registered bidders received a notice indicating that the close had been … [Read more...]
Notes: Store Keeps Sports Connection Alive; Talking Cards & Corona; Jordan Mania; Fauci Bobblehead a Smash Hit
It's been an interesting few weeks in the hobby. Auctions launching-- and succeeding-- during a pandemic. Grading companies stopping and starting and stopping again. Trading card makers working on future products but not able to ship. Hobby shops forced to close and hunting for ways to keep the revenue flowing. One long-time … [Read more...]
Directory of Sports Card Shops Offering Online Selling, Breaking During COVID-19
Many sports card shops across North America have either been forced to close by local or state government or have made the decision on their own because of the Coronavirus. It's a challenging moment for many who rely on customers to sell boxes, singles, memorabilia, supplies and other items through their physical locations. We're hoping to help out by providing a … [Read more...]
Helping Sports Card Shops Survive the Shutdown
Like any business, hobby shops sometimes temporarily close their doors. Whether it’s for remodeling, a move, a vacation or a trip to a major convention, it’s not out of the ordinary. This moment in our history is decidedly different. Many shops have been forced to close indefinitely. In some areas, it could be several weeks or even months before local … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Loss of Spring Training Crowds, Virus Fears Make for Tough Times at Arizona Shop
These are challenging times for sports card and sports memorabilia shops. Some have closed for now. Others can only offer curbside service or delivery to stay within local guidelines. Those that have been able to stay open so far are seeing fewer customers. In Florida and Arizona, the early end to spring training was a double whammy. Jeff Thalblum owns Free … [Read more...]
Notes: BC Shop Going on 31; Stolen Boxes; Jeter SP Auction; Jersey News; Rick Barry Chat
Ray and Susan Stonehouse, owners of Great Canadian Sports Card in Port Moody, B.C., recently celebrated their 30th year in business. The shop was launched during the “boom era” of the late 1980s, survived the bust that followed a few years later and has managed to thrive the internet age without a website or social media presence. Hockey is king there, with the vast … [Read more...]
Notes: Topps Holiday Packs Return; Talking Shop withTwo Long-Running Hobby Stores
Topps is bringing back its holiday hobby shop promotion with free mini packs of Bowman Chrome-style cards available at participating stores. Packs carry three cards with randomly inserted autographs possible. The cards carry a "Topps Holiday 2019" logo. The checklist (see below) includes prospects, players from this year's rookie class and some … [Read more...]
Cheers: Maryland Shop’s Card Bar Now a 36-Foot Haven After Outgrowing Old Digs
During this summer's National Sports Collectors Convention, Rick Limpert visited with collector/dealer Mel Lundgren, who brings a mini version of his hobby shop's "card bar" to the show. It's a place to sit, open packs, go through cards and talk about sports, the hobby or anything else. The concept is actually the signature feature of the Maryland store he opened in August of … [Read more...]
National Hobby Shop Day Returns in December
If you need a break from holiday shopping for other people this December, you can spend at least part of one day getting gifts and buying stuff for yourself instead. 2019 National Hobby Shop Day has been scheduled for December 7 with participating stores offering prizes, promotions and free food and drinks. It’s the third year for the promotion, which was designed to spur … [Read more...]