Burbank Sportscards, a prominent figure in the sports card industry, has made a significant move by striking an exclusive deal with Fanatics Collect. This partnership will see Burbank’s extensive inventory of 40 million sports cards listed on the newly launched platform by Fanatics Collect, which has been garnering attention since its recent debut just 11 days ago. The deal is anticipated to be one of the standout transactions at the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention.

Having been a powerhouse on eBay since 2003, with a remarkable 6.8 million items sold, Burbank Sportscards has solidified its position in the market. Additionally, the shop has seen success on the Beckett Marketplace, moving another 7.2 million cards since 1999, establishing itself as a key player in the card trading community.

Chris Lamontagne, President of Fanatics Collect, expressed excitement about working with Burbank Sportscards and emphasized the belief in collaborating with the best in the industry. Rob Veres, the owner of Burbank Sportscards, welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to expand the business. The plan includes listing trading cards on Fanatics team shops alongside merchandise such as caps and jerseys, providing a comprehensive representation of players and teams.

While acknowledging the daunting prospect of exclusivity away from eBay, Veres highlighted the importance of taking a leap of faith in pursuing new ventures. The upcoming transition is coupled with Burbank’s relocation to a spacious 14,000-square-foot facility, equipped with in-store kiosks for on-demand card orders, reinforcing a customer-centric approach.

The integration of all 40 million cards into the Fanatics Collect platform poses a challenge that Burbank is poised to address using its advanced in-house inventory system. The process is expected to commence in the coming month, with a unique approach of initially offering in-store purchases exclusively before listing on Fanatics Collect.

In contrast to other sellers, Burbank will manage its own fulfillment operations, signaling a commitment to preserving operational autonomy. Veres anticipates scaling the current team of 25 retail and e-commerce staff to approximately 50 within the next six months to accommodate the expected surge in demand.

Despite the hurdles ahead, Veres remains optimistic about the strategic move, envisioning opportunities for curated card drops on the platform and active involvement in upcoming Fanatics events. The partnership between Fanatics Collect and Burbank Sportscards is seen as a long-term arrangement with mutual aspirations for customer engagement and revenue growth.

Veres is enthusiastic about the potential to attract a global audience of sports enthusiasts through the partnership with Fanatics Collect, projecting an optimistic outlook for expanding market presence and seizing new growth opportunities. The exclusive deal between Burbank Sportscards and Fanatics Collect marks a milestone in the sports card industry, setting the stage for enhanced market reach and strategic collaborations in the future.

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