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CardsHQ is located at 3101 Cobb Parkway SE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30339. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Conveniently situated just one mile from Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, it's a 20-minute drive from Downtown Atlanta and approximately 30 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For more information, you can call them at (678) 741-7618 or email hello@cardshq.com.

CardsHQ offers a wide range of products for collectors and enthusiasts, including:

  • Sports Trading Cards: Featuring baseball, football, basketball, and other sports cards.

  • Non-Sports Trading Cards: Including popular franchises like Pokémon.

  • Sealed Boxes and Packs: Unopened products for those who enjoy the thrill of opening packs.

  • Collecting Supplies: Such as card sleeves, toploaders, and magnetic holders to protect and display your collection.

Geoff Wilson is the founder of CardsHQ. He is also known for founding Sports Card Investor and Market Movers, platforms that provide tools and insights for card collectors and investors. With a background as a tech entrepreneur and investor, Geoff combines his passion for sports card collecting with his business expertise to lead and grow CardsHQ.

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For more information about Geoff Wilson and his ventures, you can visit his personal website.

People visit sports card stores for several reasons, whether they are collectors, investors, or just fans of the hobby. Here are the main reasons why sports card shops remain popular:

1. Buying Sealed Products & Singles 📦

  • Customers visit shops to buy packs, boxes, and cases of new or vintage releases.
  • They also hunt for specific singles (rookie cards, autographs, patches) that they want for their collection or investment.

2. Trading & Selling Cards 🔄

  • Many stores buy cards from customers, offering cash or store credit.
  • Collectors can trade with the shop or other customers to upgrade their collection.

3. Card Grading & Authentication Services 🏆

  • Some shops act as PSA, BGS, or SGC submission centers, helping customers send their cards for grading.
  • Authentication is key for high-value cards, and stores help guide collectors through the process.

4. Live Box Breaks & Ripping Packs 🎥

  • Some stores host live pack openings where customers buy in and see their cards revealed.
  • The thrill of ripping open packs in a store setting is part of the experience.

5. Community & Hobby Events 🤝

  • Many collectors visit card shops for the social aspect, meeting other hobbyists.
  • Shops often hold trade nights, signings, giveaways, and special events.

6. Finding Rare or Exclusive Cards 🔍

  • Local card shops sometimes carry limited-edition products that are harder to find online.
  • Customers can inspect card condition in person before buying, avoiding eBay risks.

7. Nostalgia & Collecting Passion 💙

  • Some collectors visit just for the nostalgia of the hobby, reliving childhood memories.
  • Holding a card in person feels different than just buying online.

8. Avoiding Online Scams & Shipping Issues 🚫📦

  • Buying locally from a trusted store reduces the risk of getting fake or damaged cards.
  • Customers get instant gratification instead of waiting for online shipping.

Final Thoughts

Sports card stores bring the hobby to life—they’re more than just places to buy cards; they’re a hub for collectors to connect, trade, and experience the hobby in person.

there was a theft incident at CardsHQ. In February 2025, Stephen Christopher Adams, a 40-year-old former employee, was arrested and charged with stealing approximately $20,736.87 worth of trading cards from the Atlanta-based hobby shop. Adams, who worked as a breaker for CardsHQ, allegedly took sealed boxes from the company's inventory between December 4, 2024, and January 2, 2025. He reportedly falsified company records to conceal the thefts. Geoff Wilson, founder of CardsHQ, stated that the stolen boxes did not impact customer orders.

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Theft is unfortunately common at sports card stores due to the high value and small size of trading cards. Here are the main types of theft that occur in the hobby:

1. Smash-and-Grab Robberies 🏚️💥

  • Criminals break into card shops overnight, smashing windows or doors.
  • They often target sealed wax boxes, graded cards, and high-end singles.
  • Some thieves steal thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of dollars worth of cards in minutes.
  • Recent Example: In 2023, multiple card shops in California and Texas were hit by these types of break-ins.

2. Employee Theft 🏢👀

  • Trusted employees steal cards from inventory, sometimes falsifying records to cover it up.
  • Many shops don’t have strong security measures in place to track missing cards.
  • Example: The CardsHQ case where an employee allegedly stole $20K+ in wax boxes.

3. Shoplifting & Card Swaps 🏃‍♂️

  • Some thieves slip expensive singles into their pockets when store employees aren’t looking.
  • Others swap cards—they bring a fake or damaged card and secretly replace a real one from the store.
  • Example: Some scammers switch out raw cards for lower-quality versions and return them for refunds.

4. Break-In Thefts at Card Shows & Conventions 🎭

  • Large card shows attract thieves who steal from dealer booths or break into storage rooms.
  • Some distract the seller while another person grabs cards.
  • Example: At The National Sports Collectors Convention, several dealers reported stolen graded cards and wax boxes.

5. Fake Payment & Online Theft 💻🚫

  • Some people use stolen credit cards or fake PayPal accounts to purchase high-end cards.
  • Others scam sellers through chargebacks, claiming they never received the item.
  • Example: eBay and Facebook groups often have cases of buyers claiming fake damage to get refunds while keeping the real card.

How Card Shops Protect Themselves 🛡️

✔ Security Cameras & Alarms – Shops install high-quality cameras and alarm systems.
✔ Locked Display Cases – Valuable singles and graded cards are stored behind glass.
✔ Employee Training – Staff members are trained to spot suspicious behavior.
✔ Insurance – Some shops carry theft insurance to cover stolen inventory.
✔ Serial Number Tracking – Some high-end shops track serial numbers of stolen cards to help catch thieves.

Final Thoughts: Theft in the Hobby is Real, But Shops are Fighting Back

Theft in sports card stores is a growing issue, but shops are implementing stronger security measures to prevent it.

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