So I'm sitting here at 12:56 AM starting to put together my weekly (cough cough), fine...monthly What's Hot piece wishing I could do it more regularly, but grateful that my editor only kicks me in my backside occasionally because plain and simple, time is not on my side. I wish I had more of it, but realize that if I could just buy more time, I would probably just use it … [Read more...]
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What’s Hot: Better Question, What Isn’t?
Ever wonder what it's like to have your sports card store owner dream come true? No, I didn't buy a piano and find a Babe Ruth rookie and no, John Elway didn't suddenly develop a liking of my shop and decide to stop by every afternoon to visit and sign free autographs. I'm not sure it is, but it sure seems like it is the best time to ever own a sports card store IF you … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: Top 5 Sellers Heading Into National Hockey Card Day
It's been a fun month or so, fellow cardboard maniacs. Topps Series 1 kicked off the MLB season with style. Luka Doncic has proven that 6' 7" Slovenians can salvage an entire NBA season rookie crop. Something insane has happened to seemingly every post season NFL release. Don't forget the NHL and Elias Pettersson giving hope to a season that was … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: National Baseball Card Day Packs ‘Em in…and The Top 5 List
I'm writing this around 9 AM the morning after 2018 Topps National Baseball Card Day and I'm feeling like I did when I first went to Las Vegas right when I turned 21. I'm half-dazed, way more tired than usual and sitting here with a "did that just happen" feel. Thanks to Topps offering posters to hype NBCD with Series 2 cases, more promotional … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: It’s Bowman and, Well, Everything Else
It is time for another edition of What's Hot and I feel like answering that question by yelling "EVERYTHING!" at an uncomfortably high level. I am talking megaphone loud, arena time-out loud and just-got-new-speakers loud because there are many more than five releases that are not just hot, but on fire. Collectors are buying just about everything. As I said before, … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: Industry Events X 3 and a Market When Product Trumps Cash
Hello again, fellow card maniacs. I know it has been a bit since we chatted (granted it is really a one-sided conversation) but the last several weeks have been a whirlwind. I recently came back from a trip to Dallas where I attended the third and final industry event of the first quarter. First there was Upper Deck in Orlando, Topps in Phoenix and most recently … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: Top Sellers Range From Old Reliables to New Surprises
I hope you enjoyed the annual Mikey Awards from last month as much as I enjoyed writing them. It’s truly my favorite piece I write each year and so far at least, no manufacturer has canceled my direct accounts…yet. I attended the Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealer event in Orlando and am glad to share that it was an incredible event not just because they brought Barry … [Read more...]
Fruitman: ‘Tis the Season for Cardboard Promos
When I first opened in December 1992, I was not around long enough to fully enjoy my first holiday season in retail. Heck, I was happy to stay open each day and run to the bank each morning with whatever I had sold the day before. Over the next few decades I came to look forward to the holiday season since it’s a chance to have the inside track on what each of my … [Read more...]
What’s Hot: Top Products at the 3/4 Pole
I would like to start off by apologizing for mistakenly suggesting last time that the Industry Summit might be held in January 2018 instead of when it typically was. The dates aren’t actually finalized yet but I created some undue stress for one of my favorite hobby peeps and that’s the last thing anyone needs. I try to get things right when I share them on here and … [Read more...]
What’s Hot in the Shop: From The Cup to The Cubs
While I usually wait a bit longer between pieces, my store has seen so many releases in the last few weeks that I had to put something else together. Well, that and the editor of this page asked me to do it as well. It’s definitely been a busy time with some high-end releases that are generating much buzz. Here’s a look at the top five sellers. Click on the … [Read more...]
