The anticipation of opening a new pack of trading cards is an excitement like no other.
It’s a hopeful feeling that a “special” or “rare” card is hidden in the pack – one that is to be gently held in a specific way to keep its mint condition intact, and that could be more valuable than a box of cards.
But it’s much more than that. There is an incredible feeling of getting your favourite player or completing a set for a team or season. Perhaps, it’s the satisfaction of finding your favourite Pokémon character or getting that specific card to complete your playing deck.
Or for older collectors, it’s the nostalgic feeling of days gone by when trading cards were like currency, and sometimes were exchanged for currency, in a world before the internet offered endless reading, listening, and viewing options.
Not everyone is into trading cards and collectibles, so they won’t understand the vibe. But, if you know, you know. And those in the know are people of all ages (literally).
Jenn Hooper, who recently opened Xtreme Trading Cards and Collectibles, is definitely in the know. An avid basketball card collector in her own right, she is also the owner/operator of Xtreme Detailing.
Having grown the detailing business to a solid level of consistent clients, she sought another opportunity to fulfill her passions.
“There wasn’t anyone really catering to the local trading card and collectible community in the way they deserve,” says Hooper. “Because I already love to collect cards and have a contact for warehouse pricing, I decided to fill the need in the community.”
Orders are placed online at the Xtreme Trading Cards and Collectibles website, then can be picked up at the detailing shop. It’s a comfortable, easy process that also supports a local business.
And she’s not doing crazy mark-ups on the wholesale price. Without the need to cover overhead on a bricks-and-mortar storefront while still having a local pick-up location, Hooper can offer prices that are either extremely competitive or much better than big box stores and even big city collectible dealers.
“I’m selling select boxes for about five dollars cheaper than (the big box stores),” she says. “I’m selling it for that because that’s what it should be.”
Hooper has many of the new and pre-release specials for the most popular sports and Pokémon cards in stock, but can also order other items as needed. Plus, there are many wonderful collectibles like Funko figurines available. More toys and games will be added over time.
“If there is a specific card or set of cards someone is looking for and having trouble finding, I can help,” she says. “I stay on top of what’s coming out and get in the most popular or current releases. We bring in new inventory every month.”
Save the Date(s)
While most of the year will be spent online shopping, Hooper is hosting a special Christmas pop-up storefront at her detailing shop, located at 17 Bickley Drive, Unit 7, from December 12 to 27.
During that time, the store will be open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“It’s a great opportunity to do that last-minute gift shopping for those collectors in your life,” she says. Visit https://xtremetcc.square.site/ to browse their stock or place an order.
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