An emotional day for me - My LCS is closing

[todddds]

Well rats!
First shop I ever went to on a regular basis.
Spent lots of time there while I was in college at the "U".
Even did a couple of their small shows when they were at Ivy Place.
Haven't been to the new location, but I live 150 miles away now.
Sad!

[hkcardcollector]

Originally Posted by bjho852

Miss the good old LCS days.
When I first started collecting back in Hong Kong, one of the stores there was still in its infancy years. I traveled back to Hong Kong last year and the store, fortunately, is still there. 20+ years and hopefully counting.

Card Express in Prince Edward?


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[bjho852]

Originally Posted by hkcardcollector

Card Express in Prince Edward?


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Yes, you got it.
Back in the 90's, there were at least 2 more shops along with Card Express at Allied Plaza, plus 1 more at Sino Centre and another one in Tsuen Wan area if I am not mistaken.

[briancecilrn]

Originally Posted by TBarn291

Sorry to hear that man! There must be a lot of Steves' at that shop lol.

I also read the whole post, that is a boat load of Steves, LOL.

Adam, is the shop closing because it can no longer compete with eBay/Blowout/other online places? Or is it just "that time"?

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by briancecilrn

I also read the whole post, that is a boat load of Steves, LOL.

Adam, is the shop closing because it can no longer compete with eBay/Blowout/other online places? Or is it just "that time"?

Can't compete sadly.

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by todddds

Well rats!
First shop I ever went to on a regular basis.
Spent lots of time there while I was in college at the "U".
Even did a couple of their small shows when they were at Ivy Place.
Haven't been to the new location, but I live 150 miles away now.
Sad!

Not sure if you remember me todd. I was pretty much a kid back when I worked there. I remember a couple of todds. Good days for sure.

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by 77ncaachamps

Consider yourself lucky that you had it for that long.

There's only one left in my area (South Bay Area) and I rarely go there because of eBay, COMC, and messageboards like this one.

It's amazing how LCSs can exist in this day and age.

I do consider myself lucky. They had a great run. Glad that I was a big part of it for as long as I was. Not many "first jobs" end up being 7 years.

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by OddityCards

WHAT???!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!
What day??

I thought they were just going to move it again to Jeff's store location...

BOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feb 28th, but this Saturday will be the final bid board. I'll be there. I'm bringing my wife and kids. Should be fun to say goodbye to SO man people.

[coltsnsox07]

Yeah my LCS closed about 1 1/2 years ago now. It was THE place to be on a Wednesday when new product came out, the store would be packed with guys waiting for the UPS truck to pull up...

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by gslayton

Let's hear some stories. Best pull you witnessed?

Thanks everybody for all the kind words. It really is a sad day. But this is life. Sometimes, you lose things that you expect to be there forever.

I've thought several times through the years about asking the owner if I could take control of the shop at some point. I thought about it for a split second today. I do think I could make it profitable. But to what degree? Close to what I'm making now? Unlikely. And that's the hard part. Making a living running a card shop is TOUGH.

Gslayton, you have inspired me. Unless anyone objects, I'm going to share one random story a day until I feel like quitting. I have so many. I'll start tomorrow.

Sorry for all the bumps. So many people to respond to. Thanks again guys.

[Wolves4Life]

That sucks. When I was younger I lived around the block from my LCS and it was great, He then decided to move further away and it sucked.

[AlabamaSlamma]

Really sorry to hear this, Adam. I know how important that shop has been throughout your collecting career, but 30+ years in the business for them is an unbelievable run. No doubt you'll savor the memories, and be sure to pay forward those things that meant the most.

[bigcwd2000]

I understand your frustration. My friend recently asked me if we had a card shop around here to buy hobby boxes of cards. Unfortunately I had to tell him we did not have anything. We used to have a few shops around here but they have all closed.

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by AlabamaSlamma

Really sorry to hear this, Adam. I know how important that shop has been throughout your collecting career, but 30+ years in the business for them is an unbelievable run. No doubt you'll savor the memories, and be sure to pay forward those things that meant the most.

Thx J. Yeah, it was a stellar run. Glad I got to be a part of it.

[the27guy]

HoC story #1-

Many of you have heard this one before.... but this is a good place to start.

The Basketball Card Blog & Podcast

I grew up in a family without a lot of money. In 1992, when I was nine years old I decided to do something insane.... And put together a set of 1986-87 fleer basketball cards. This was inspired by my parents buying me a Karl Malone rookie card for full book value ($60 at the time) -despite the fact that that was a TON for my parents - for my birthday. I bought a common card from House of Cards for full bv $2, with my allowance for over a year, and picked up others as they became available. I probably overpaid for Kevin Willis - $15 ouch.


After about 2 years I managed to accumulate 131 of the 132 cards- in all kinds of conditions.

One card.... You can guess which... Eluded me.


#57. MJ. One of the most sought after cards in all of the hobby.


When I was 15, a few weeks after my birthday, I went to the "bid board" of my local card store - House of Cards, in Salt Lake City, I had about $30 to spend. I was planning on buying a couple packs and saving the rest of the money for later.

On the bid board was a card I own nearly 20 years later... A Michael Jordan 1986 fleer rookie card. I paid $27 for it. It's one reason (not the main one) why I am the27guy. It has 5 creases in it.


I got it graded nearly 14 years ago.


Bgs 1.5.

I've owned at least 10 Jordan 1986 Fleer's since then... But that card is a permenant part of the set.

[kukocitb]

Great story! Also cool to hear how you came up with your username. Do you send tissues out before the sad parts? I hope so.

[Screamer]

Originally Posted by the27guy

HoC story #1-

Many of you have heard this one before.... but this is a good place to start.

The Basketball Card Blog & Podcast

I grew up in a family without a lot of money. In 1992, when I was nine years old I decided to do something insane.... And put together a set of 1986-87 fleer basketball cards. This was inspired by my parents buying me a Karl Malone rookie card for full book value ($60 at the time) -despite the fact that that was a TON for my parents - for my birthday. I bought a common card from House of Cards for full bv $2, with my allowance for over a year, and picked up others as they became available. I probably overpaid for Kevin Willis - $15 ouch.


After about 2 years I managed to accumulate 131 of the 132 cards- in all kinds of conditions.

One card.... You can guess which... Eluded me.


#57. MJ. One of the most sought after cards in all of the hobby.


When I was 15, a few weeks after my birthday, I went to the "bid board" of my local card store - House of Cards, in Salt Lake City, I had about $30 to spend. I was planning on buying a couple packs and saving the rest of the money for later.

On the bid board was a card I own nearly 20 years later... A Michael Jordan 1986 fleer rookie card. I paid $27 for it. It's one reason (not the main one) why I am the27guy. It has 5 creases in it.


I got it graded nearly 14 years ago.


Bgs 1.5.

I've owned at least 10 Jordan 1986 Fleer's since then... But that card is a permenant part of the set.

That's the best story ever! I'm glad you didn't sell it to pay for your mission

You still have the complete set?

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by Screamer

That's the best story ever! I'm glad you didn't sell it to pay for your mission

You still have the complete set?

Sure do. The ultimate PC. I've had the Malone for 25 years!

[Screamer]

Originally Posted by the27guy

Sure do. The ultimate PC. I've had the Malone for 25 years!

Awesome! That set and story handed down to your kids is a lesson in life they'll always cherish; congrats

[volblorx8634]

Awesome story! I love the emotion you've put into the hobby, really exemplary. Can't wait to hear more of your many stories.

Sucks to hear about your LCS, hopefully you can still maintain all of those awesome relationships you've built there.

[DajuanWagner]

Originally Posted by the27guy

HoC story #1-

Many of you have heard this one before.... but this is a good place to start.

The Basketball Card Blog & Podcast

I grew up in a family without a lot of money. In 1992, when I was nine years old I decided to do something insane.... And put together a set of 1986-87 fleer basketball cards. This was inspired by my parents buying me a Karl Malone rookie card for full book value ($60 at the time) -despite the fact that that was a TON for my parents - for my birthday. I bought a common card from House of Cards for full bv $2, with my allowance for over a year, and picked up others as they became available. I probably overpaid for Kevin Willis - $15 ouch.


After about 2 years I managed to accumulate 131 of the 132 cards- in all kinds of conditions.

One card.... You can guess which... Eluded me.


#57. MJ. One of the most sought after cards in all of the hobby.


When I was 15, a few weeks after my birthday, I went to the "bid board" of my local card store - House of Cards, in Salt Lake City, I had about $30 to spend. I was planning on buying a couple packs and saving the rest of the money for later.

On the bid board was a card I own nearly 20 years later... A Michael Jordan 1986 fleer rookie card. I paid $27 for it. It's one reason (not the main one) why I am the27guy. It has 5 creases in it.


I got it graded nearly 14 years ago.


Bgs 1.5.

I've owned at least 10 Jordan 1986 Fleer's since then... But that card is a permenant part of the set.

I remember WAYYY back in the day, I went to Wal-Mart and bought 1 pack of cards. I opened it as soon as I got in the car and hit a Joe Montana autograph game worn jersey (unnumbered). That card will never leave me nor forsake me.........

[DajuanWagner]

Originally Posted by the27guy

hoc story #1-

many of you have heard this one before.... But this is a good place to start.

the basketball card blog & podcast

i grew up in a family without a lot of money. In 1992, when i was nine years old i decided to do something insane.... And put together a set of 1986-87 fleer basketball cards. This was inspired by my parents buying me a karl malone rookie card for full book value ($60 at the time) -despite the fact that that was a ton for my parents - for my birthday. I bought a common card from house of cards for full bv $2, with my allowance for over a year, and picked up others as they became available. I probably overpaid for kevin willis - $15 ouch.


after about 2 years i managed to accumulate 131 of the 132 cards- in all kinds of conditions.

one card.... You can guess which... Eluded me.


#57. Mj. One of the most sought after cards in all of the hobby.


when i was 15, a few weeks after my birthday, i went to the "bid board" of my local card store - house of cards, in salt lake city, i had about $30 to spend. I was planning on buying a couple packs and saving the rest of the money for later.

on the bid board was a card i own nearly 20 years later... A michael jordan 1986 fleer rookie card. I paid $27 for it. It's one reason (not the main one) why i am the27guy. It has 5 creases in it.


i got it graded nearly 14 years ago.


bgs 1.5.

i've owned at least 10 jordan 1986 fleer's since then... But that card is a permenant part of the set.

more stories, please!!!!!!!!!!

[duron]

Sucks, I know the feeling. The LCS I had been going to since I was about 5 years old got destroyed by Hurricane Sandy a few years back. Was mainly a comic shop but they also had sports boxes at the counter. Owner was the nicest guy in the world.

The worst part was that they changed locations just a few blocks closer to the coastline prior to the storm. Would've still been open had he stayed at his old spot.

[the27guy]

Originally Posted by DajuanWagner

more stories, please!!!!!!!!!!

Ha. I have a million of these. I'm going to stick to one a day.

[OddityCards]

Guess I should be getting down there on Saturday for the Final Bid Board! Anyone want to set up a new board in their basement somewhere??