As someone who has worked in the industry for over 22 years, I think we find ourselves at a very interesting crossroads in the midst of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic. This week we have seen events cancelled, seasons postponed and governments calling for social distancing to prevent the further outbreak of this disease. Collectibles shows like the Summit Show in Edmonton are being postponed while management for larger shows like the Sports Card & Memorabilia Expo, Gen Con and National Sports Collectors Convention continue to monitor this fluid situation. What does this mean for the collectibles hobby we all love though?

One of the most important things about collecting cards and playing trading card games in particular is that they can provide some distraction from the issues of the day. To that end, it can be argued that perhaps we have never needed the hobby more than we need it now to take our minds off of things that are out of our control. I find it very encouraging that Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealer Shops like Mike’s Stadium Sportscards are taking preventative action to help fans continue to enjoy the hobby. I believe that these retailers need our support now more than ever, and while maybe there will not be as many in-store events, I hope collectors continue to make an effort to stop by and grab some boxes to open at home. Sharing the hobby with those you love and connecting to share your pulls online makes this hobby one that can survive this type of situation.

Collectors are still stopping by their favorite collectibles shops to lend them support and enjoy the hobby they love.

Collectors who are practicing social distancing and are stuck home with the kids are seeing the benefits of getting their collections out and enjoying them again with their kids. Some parents are even using them in an educational way as a game with their children.

Additionally, I believe that this industry is well equipped to continue to provide our fans with goods and services is a safe way online. Upper Deck e-Pack® is our patent-pending platform that allows fans to purchase, collect and store new trading card and memorabilia releases online consisting of both digital and physical collectibles. If you’ve never tried e-Pack, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s a lot more fun that watching the news right now. You can get a free digital pack every day to help you get a feel for the site by signing up for a free account at UpperDeckePack.com. What’s really fun is there are forums and you can talk and trade with collectors around the world to grab the cards you are after for your personal collection any time of the day. Watch what Nick Suzuki and Carter Hart have to say about the Upper Deck e-Pack platform.

Going one step further, the industry has embraced the concept of box breaking online and Upper Deck has a program for retailers who operate brick and mortar locations with an excellent reputation with this class of trade. If you’ve never joined a break before, here is some background on it. I encourage you to check out this list of Upper Deck’s Authorized Group Breakers:

Upper Deck also has a network of Authorized Internet Retailers who operate brick and mortar locations and also provide a great online experience for purchasing trading cards and games. Their websites are easy to navigate and they have great distribution that can easily get product delivered directly to your door. Take some time to review their websites to learn more:

Upper Deck also has an online store that offers everything from trading card games, to sports cards, to signed memorabilia. If anything, I enjoy just taking some time to window shop there at UpperDeckStore.com. Despite my best sales pitch, my wife still won’t let me purchase this Chicago Bulls Coffee Table. I’ll keep working on her…

While the NHL® season has been postponed, new Upper Deck releases will continue as planned with 2019-20 NHL® SPx set to release on March 18. April will begin with more NHL releases like O-Pee-Chee Platinum and then Credentials along with entertainment releases from Marvel and Disney. There will be plenty of options for new products to collect over the next few weeks.

Lastly, we understand in the near future, many of us could be spending more time at home. I encourage you to connect with Upper Deck and other collectors during this time. It’s an opportunity to expand your network and again take your mind of the worries of the day. If we have to socially distance ourselves from people, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the stress release that comes from connecting with others online. Here are some of the ways you can connect with Upper Deck and there are countless online groups for collectors to join and participate in as well.

Upper Deck looks forward to getting back on the road to meet and engage with fans at shows and events, but until then, be vigilant. We are blessed to enjoy a hobby where so much of the experience has moved to digital platforms and online, stay engaged. This is a hobby that can take your mind off the burdens of your day, I encourage you to continue to enjoy that. More than anything, a crisis like this reminds us of how fragile life is, hug the ones you love.