The Greatest Card Shop In The World

helionaut

Is there one? Someone on the Beckett boards asked about shops in NYC (again) and it struck me that not only are there very few shops in NYC, there are few shops around period, especially relative to the early 90s boom when every other retailer had a box of UD jumbos behind the counter. So I got to thinking about what the really good shops are, and what makes a shop good. With comics, my other hobby, any halfway-knowledgeable fan can rattle off a dozen shops that are nationally-known and cater to all variety of customers and are always worth the trip to visit if you are in the area, and those are aside from the big name individual dealers. At the annual San Diego con they even have highly competitive awards for the best retailer (my local shop, Austin Books, has been a finalist the last 2 years but gotten stiffed). To my knowledge, no such competition exists in the card world.

While I have been to some nice and not-so-nice shops in my travels in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, D/FW, Florida, upstate NY, etc., none of them really knocked me out to make it worth the trip just to go to them if I was ever within a reasonable distance of them again. I think that's a shame. So I'm thinking we should post a list of notable card shops here, and if there are any that are really good, try to get their names out to more people. And maybe we can arrive at a determination of The Greatest Card Shop In The World.

Here in Austin there are basically 2 stores, one is way up on the north end of town, fairly overpriced and understocked on new wax, the other is run by a fascist. So I can't really recommend either, but the overpriced one at least has monster boxes of older stuff going back to the 70s, and they occasionally will have some nice singles from the product they open. That one is Card Traders on Spicewood Springs.

Back in Philadelphia, there was a place in the northeast on Frankfort Avenue called 4 C's, I think. They had a wide array of all kinds of stuff going back decades, priced moderately. Plus, the shop was fairly disorganized, so you never knew what you'd find flipping through their stacks of toploaders, which I liked. I haven't been there since 1998, though, so I don't even know if it's there anymore, or if it's still good.

And up in Dallas, I think it was in the western section of Dallas proper, there was a shop that had a good selection of new and vintage cards, and a section with auto'd photos and balls and memorabilia. I was only there once, and I don't recall the name or exact location, but they had a lot of nice items. I also remember they were pretty proud of it, too, as indicated by the high prices, like $1800 for a nicely framed and mounted Honus Wagner signed 3x5 card.

And that's it. Anyone care to discuss or list others? Again, this is for actual brick-n-mortar shops, not internet dealers or auction houses or ebay itself.

tedh111

I guess the question it depends on a lot of factors. If price is not the nubmer one concern i can give some input.. But its generally the most well-stocked and nicest looking that are also more expensive.

Knuckles

There's a store here in Edmonton called Wayne's Sports Cards... I've been going there since I was 10 years old and maybe not the best in the entire world but it's the best store I've ever been in. They've moved a few doors down into a larger spot and have everything from old to new wax of all sports and non.. every ultra pro supply you could think of from penny sleeves to football holders.. lots of figures, memorabilia etc.. etc.. The main thing though is that they're really kind honest people. When they open a box to sell packs they shuffle the packs to ensure no one will come in with a known trick as to which pack contains the whatever in a certain spot in the box. They'll take special orders no matter how small, they'll lookout, search and save certain cards for you no matter how small.. trade 2 for 1 so you can complete your sets. It's a fun place to go to where you leave with a smile rather than being sour wondering if you were ripped off or if you were treated poorly.

SDSportsFan

When I was stationed in Colorado Springs from 1995 to 1998, I'd go up to Denver and stop in Bill's Sports Collectibles on Broadway. They were great! You couldn't walk through the store without bumping into game used bats, hockey sticks, replica jerseys, auto'd memorabilia, etc. They had vintage cards, media guides, yearbooks, old Sports Illustrateds and sports books...practically anything and everything you could imagine!

I MISS GOING THERE!!!!!


Steve

Estil

I miss going to this one really awesome baseball card store in Lexington when I went to college there (UK; GO CATS; soon to have an eight win football season!! ). I forget the name; I hope he's still in business; that was an awesome store.

Unfortunately there are exactly ZERO card stores here in Owensboro, KY. There's this one small flea market but all they care about are Magic cards.

Say, me and my wife are going to Boston for about a week; any good card store there that specialize in complete sets?

RedRomad275

I remember a place I used to go to in Ft. Walton Beach. I can't remember the name but I remember the owner had stacks and stacks of cards behind the counter waiting to be organized or collated. It was a cool place to go and just talk about baseball and cards. I've bought some stuff from the guy on Ebay. Right now I would be happy with any card shop as we have none in the area.

Red

tennesseebanker

I remember a buddy and I got lost outside of a small town about 30 to 40 miles north of where we lived. We were about 16 or 17 at the time and totally by accident found ourselves on this small narrow barely paved road in a small unincorporated little town called Marlboro, Yes, Marlboro. Well, after we decided we couldnt steal the roadsign and take it home with us we saw this small white wooden house in the fork of the road. We got close enough to see that it said Baseball cards in the window. We stopped and went in, There was an older gentleman about 60-65 working in the shop. The shop looked like an old country store that went out of business years ago. The gentlemen asked if he could help us and we said we noticed the card sign in his window and decided to stop in. He said "oh Yeah Baseball Cards I got em" Who you want ot see ? Well being a couple of smarta**es I said how about a Mickey Mantle Rookie. The guy went back into the back of the store and brought out a carboard box, he looked through it a minute and pulled approximately a dozen 52 Mantles out ! Well, after I cleaned up the guys floor. We asked to see Ruths, Cobbs, etc etc.. HE had them all ! It was like being in the twilight zone or something this guy had some of the greatest cards ever made by the dozen! Being a teenager of course we didnt have enough money to buy gas back home much less a 52 Mantle even at the prices back then. I believe the old gentlemen passed away later that year so we never went back to the shop, But Geez what Goldmine that was !

TheCARDKid

There use to be some good shops here in So Cal.

Todd Crosner's California Sports Card Exchange was in Westwood...it was just the epitome of a card shop. Good selection, nice service, great location. For a kid, it was like being in a candy store. I miss that card shop culture and that activity. It just isn't the same now.

The Beverly Hills Baseball card shop is one of the few "classic" shops left. The owner is nice a guy to talk to, and he's got a good selection of pre war.

Buccaneer

<< <i>When I was stationed in Colorado Springs from 1995 to 1998, I'd go up to Denver and stop in Bill's Sports Collectibles on Broadway. They were great! You couldn't walk through the store without bumping into game used bats, hockey sticks, replica jerseys, auto'd memorabilia, etc. They had vintage cards, media guides, yearbooks, old Sports Illustrateds and sports books...practically anything and everything you could imagine!

I MISS GOING THERE!!!!!


Steve >>



I've been living in the Springs since 1989 and there is no Broadway. There are also no more card stores left anyway, unless you count the huge store that does all new stuff and one other that's run by a crank that makes his money on new boxes and think he knows vintage. When I moved here, there were about 7-8 stores (some good, some bad) but like everywhere else, nothing worth going to.

AlanAllen

The only one still around that I'd go out of my way to visit is Burbank. Huge store, ridiculously well organized, clean, well staffed, and ... expensive as hell. I have found deals on graded cards that they price at SMR when market value is much higher, but mostly their appeal is selection, not price.

Joe

onegaucho

The Burbank store is big. If you need a card for a set - especially a modern one - chances are, it's there. However, be prepared to pay for it and deal with their anal shop keepers. As previously mentioned, they are super organized, but in order to keep it that way, they have to police people pretty tightly (and sometimes, not so friendly).

The Beverly Hills shop is one I used to frequent all the time. Crazy stuff walks in there just because of the location. Interesting shop owner too (Matt F). He's a trivia buff. Try him out sometime. He knows a TON of stats and facts, it's scary.

I've since moved back down to San Diego and unfortunately, there really aren't many shops down here. I frequent 2 in town every so often and the one downtown used to have quite an inventory but I haven't been there in years.

I travel a ton for work so I'm always interested to see if there are shops in the towns I visit. I was recently in Wilson, NC and found a tiny, tiny shop there. Really nice owner, but not much vintage. I did see some rarer modern cards and bought a few from him. Just makes you wonder where some of our hobby's gems are hidden these days!

bjork73

In San Diego the ones I like are Centre City Sports Cards & Collectibles (downtown, on 6th between Broadway and C) and Clairemont Sports Cards (in the Clairemont Town Square Shopping Center). The former is probably the better choice for singles, the latter tends to have a better deal on wax (prices include tax and a 10 percent credit to use on packs, supplies, etc.).

SDSportsFan

<< <i>

<< <i>When I was stationed in Colorado Springs from 1995 to 1998, I'd go up to Denver and stop in Bill's Sports Collectibles on Broadway. They were great! You couldn't walk through the store without bumping into game used bats, hockey sticks, replica jerseys, auto'd memorabilia, etc. They had vintage cards, media guides, yearbooks, old Sports Illustrateds and sports books...practically anything and everything you could imagine!

I MISS GOING THERE!!!!!


Steve >>



I've been living in the Springs since 1989 and there is no Broadway. There are also no more card stores left anyway, unless you count the huge store that does all new stuff and one other that's run by a crank that makes his money on new boxes and think he knows vintage. When I moved here, there were about 7-8 stores (some good, some bad) but like everywhere else, nothing worth going to. >>




That's because, as I stated in my original post, Bill's Sports Collectibles is/was located on Broadway, in Denver.


Steve

Buccaneer

Sorry, Steve, read too fast.

bsfastball

<< <i>In San Diego the ones I like are Centre City Sports Cards & Collectibles (downtown, on 6th between Broadway and C) and Clairemont Sports Cards >>



Clairemont Sports Cards is great! Very friendly owners and a nice selection.

SDSportsFan

That's ok Bucc (Steve). In re-reading my response above, I realize I missed adding the ...the post sounds a bit harsh as a result

To Bjork and bsfastball...is Clairemont Sportscards the shop at Clairemont Mesa Blvd and I-805? I used to go in there when I was growin' up (I think it was called Baseball Cards Plus), and was owned by Dave and Patty Shore. I know they sold it, maybe about 15 years ago or so. I've been in there a few times over the years when I'd get back to San Diego on military leave to visit my parents. I remember the last time I was there was right after an elderly lady accidently hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, and crashed her car through their front window

I've been in Centre City Sports Cards once back in 2001. I remember they had a great stock of old Charger and Padre memorabilia

Also, do either of you know if All-Star Cards is still around? They are/were in Santee, on Cuyamaca St between Mission Gorge Rd and Buena Vista Ave (south of the sherriff station).


Steve

jmoran19

I 2nd the nomination for Bill's in Denver. They have tons of 60's and 70's cards in nice condition (I've gotten many an 8 on low pop 1972 cards bought from them). They have a huge store filled with all kinds of sports collectibles from the 60's up including signed jerseys, photos, hartlands, uncut sheets, magazines, etc. I highly recommend going there if your ever in Denver. Here's their address, the web site they have doesn't do them justice IMO:

2335 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80210

bri2327

I'd nominate a card shop here in NY, but there is nothing left worthy of setting foot into.

The only few stores left are loaded with magic and other non sports cards, along with piles of shiny stuff. If you're lucky though you can pick up a 1976 topps Jim Palmer in vg-ex condition for $12.

Estil

I just did some research, and the store in question that I've always loved going to during my days at the University of KY is called "Baseball Card Warehouse" in Lexington, KY. If he's still in business, give him a visit; I've always enjoyed going there; he had tons of complete sets to choose from as well as several commons boxes to help you complete or upgrade your sets. And tell him Estil Rumage sent you; maybe he'll still remember me!

bjork73

<< <i>That's ok Bucc (Steve). In re-reading my response above, I realize I missed adding the ...the post sounds a bit harsh as a result

To Bjork and bsfastball...is Clairemont Sportscards the shop at Clairemont Mesa Blvd and I-805? I used to go in there when I was growin' up (I think it was called Baseball Cards Plus), and was owned by Dave and Patty Shore. I know they sold it, maybe about 15 years ago or so. I've been in there a few times over the years when I'd get back to San Diego on military leave to visit my parents. I remember the last time I was there was right after an elderly lady accidently hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, and crashed her car through their front window

I've been in Centre City Sports Cards once back in 2001. I remember they had a great stock of old Charger and Padre memorabilia

Also, do either of you know if All-Star Cards is still around? They are/were in Santee, on Cuyamaca St between Mission Gorge Rd and Buena Vista Ave (south of the sherriff station).


Steve >>



The store on Clairemont Mesa and 805 is still Baseball Cards Plus... it's a decently sized shop, but the prices and the service are not all that great. I'm not sure about All-Star Cards, as I never have been in Santee long enough to browse around.

Stingray

There use to be a place called "Troy Stamp and Coin" in Troy, MI. Not sure if they have moved, changed names or whatevery happened to them. They sold as the names states, coins and stamps, but also sold other items, sports cards, collectors plates and statuetes. I would go down there about once a month or hit it during lunch. They had an area in the back that they kept all there older cards in # ordered from poor to NM/MT condition cards from 52 Topps on up. This was in the early 90s. I was collecting 54s and some 52s raw. They kept all there common cards in these long slide out cardboard units that where attached to the wall. Would go through a purchase a couple at a time for something like $20 or so. They had a ton of commons from all years.

cardpool

There's a place in NJ called Attack of the Baseball Cards that has a good reputation. I've met the store owner and he's pretty cool.

Are there any decent card stores in Charlotte or Winston-Salem, NC? I'm going on a business trip to both in the next week or two.

Cubby

The greatest shop in terms of what? Inventory = Burbank Sportscards.
Price = Not Burbank Sportscards.

PuertoRicanFogBank

Prince William Sportscards in Woodbridge, VA,

Owner is an undertaker/mortician by day. Real good guy. Too good of a guy. When I take my kids in there, we end up walking out with tons of free cheesy wax and various odd and ends.

Hard telling my wife I spent no money.

Lots of autographs. Fun to just go in and bat the breeze. But bring your thick skin.

TheMcgwireMuseum

<< <i>There use to be a place called "Troy Stamp and Coin" in Troy, MI. Not sure if they have moved, changed names or whatevery happened to them. They sold as the names states, coins and stamps, but also sold other items, sports cards, collectors plates and statuetes. I would go down there about once a month or hit it during lunch. They had an area in the back that they kept all there older cards in # ordered from poor to NM/MT condition cards from 52 Topps on up. This was in the early 90s. I was collecting 54s and some 52s raw. They kept all there common cards in these long slide out cardboard units that where attached to the wall. Would go through a purchase a couple at a time for something like $20 or so. They had a ton of commons from all years. >>



I knew I recognized the name from somewhere, so I went digging through my McGwire memorabilia and found this sweet auto picture Ive had for awhile!!! I bought it mainly because its so rare to find a Mac auto with a notation of the year with the auto, prior to 1998.

Guru

I'm in Louisville, KY. There's 2 stores here in town that I'm aware of. The one is fairly new and I forget the name. Nothing but game used and new wax. Pretty much sucks. The other store is East End Sports Cards. The owners name is Dave Cyphers. He's really great. He will sell stuff for you on Ebay and only takes like 10%. When you go in there's always a deal or sale going on. He always has plenty of new and old. He will help you find what you need and if he doesn't have it, he'll find it. He loves kids when they come in. He employee's some great guys. One's a college student the other a high school student. If you buy a ton of stuff from him he gives you great deals and rebates. People come from all over just to shop there. If your'e ever in the area look him up.