In a strategic move that has sent ripples through the sports card market, Burbank Sportscards has inked an exclusive deal with Fanatics Collect. This collaboration will involve the listing of an impressive 40 million sports cards on the recently launched platform, set to revolutionize the trading card industry.
Renowned for its dominance as a seller in the market, Burbank Sportscards boasts a formidable track record on eBay since 2003, having sold over 6.8 million items. The store has also been active on the Beckett Marketplace since 1999, moving an additional 7.2 million cards, solidifying its standing within the card trading community.
Chris Lamontagne, president of Fanatics Collect, expressed his confidence in the partnership, highlighting Burbank Sportscards’ esteemed reputation in the industry. Lamontagne recounted a visit to the store, where he was impressed by the operation’s efficiency and scale, leading to the decision to collaborate. This move positions Burbank Sportscards as a significant contributor to the growth of Fanatics Collect.
For owner Rob Veres, this alliance presents a unique opportunity for expansion. The plan involves listing trading cards on Fanatics team shops alongside popular merchandise like caps and jerseys, offering customers a diverse array of player and team options. While acknowledging the risk of transitioning away from eBay, Veres sees the partnership as a necessary leap towards progress and innovation in the evolving market.
To prepare for the increased demand and operational shift, Burbank Sportscards is relocating to a spacious 14,000-square-foot facility. The new location will feature in-store kiosks enabling customers to order cards on-demand, accessing a substantial stock of 25 million cards that can be retrieved by staff promptly.
The integration of all 40 million cards into the Fanatics Collect platform presents an initial challenge, which Burbank aims to tackle with their advanced in-house inventory system. The transition is expected to commence within the following month, with plans for cards purchased in-store to have an exclusive window before being listed on Fanatics Collect.
In contrast to other sellers partnering with Fanatics, Burbank will oversee its own fulfillment processes. Veres anticipates a potential doubling of their current team of 25 staff to meet the heightened demand, emphasizing the need for scalability and efficiency in the evolving landscape.
Despite the hurdles on the horizon, Veres remains optimistic about the partnership’s prospects. He envisions curated card releases on the platform and looks forward to being a key player in upcoming Fanatics events, marking a new chapter in Burbank Sportscards’ trajectory.
This collaboration signifies a long-term commitment for both Fanatics Collect and Burbank Sportscards, with distinct objectives in mind. Fanatics aims to attract and retain a new wave of customers, while Veres seeks to drive sustained sales growth. With plans to expand the platform’s high-end card offerings, Burbank is poised to enhance its market presence globally, in a bid to reach unprecedented heights in the sports card industry.