Observations on the current state of the hobby from a show this weekend

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by mfw13

Right now they're willing to trade the long-term business from collectors for the short(er)-term business from breakers.

How long that can/will last is the million dollar question.....

Will be interesting to see if the 30%+ pullback in Bitcoin prices has any impact on the breaking market.....

You've been saying this for years. Collectors aren't going anywhere, and meanwhile Fanatics and the hobby keep humming along. The answer to how long it can last is "indefinitely." So just enjoy the hobby.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by mrb842

the card companies need to cut prices on products or they're going to lose a lot of business because it's been showing for months.

They just compensate by squeezing more out of their remaining customers. The breakers and hobby shops need new product or they go out of business. As long as they can continue to pass on higher prices to their customers, product will continue to sell.

[thepilluh]

At least some hope that a new venue in NOVA is out there that can replace the Dulles Expo Center.

The Washington Business Journal just confirmed a major win for Prince William County: Manassas Mall is stepping up in a big way to replace the soon-to-close Dulles Expo Center.
The former At Home space is being transformed into an 85,000-square-foot expo center, and the momentum is already rolling. The Nation’s Gun Show has secured the very first event in the new venue, scheduled for January 2–4 — a signal that this space is going to be a serious regional draw.
And that’s just the beginning.
The mall has plans for at least eight additional shows, plus major renovations: upgraded restrooms, a massive loading door large enough for boats and RVs, full HVAC and fire-system updates, and more. The full build-out is expected to be complete by late summer or early fall, pending permits and construction progress.
All of this is happening as the Dulles Expo Center prepares to shut down for good to make way for a new Ikea. With no other venue ready to absorb that level of event traffic, Manassas Mall is seizing a huge opportunity — and it’s a big deal for our local economy and community.

[TarjetasBéisbol]

Originally Posted by thepilluh

At least some hope that a new venue in NOVA is out there that can replace the Dulles Expo Center.

The Washington Business Journal just confirmed a major win for Prince William County: Manassas Mall is stepping up in a big way to replace the soon-to-close Dulles Expo Center.
The former At Home space is being transformed into an 85,000-square-foot expo center, and the momentum is already rolling. The Nation’s Gun Show has secured the very first event in the new venue, scheduled for January 2–4 — a signal that this space is going to be a serious regional draw.
And that’s just the beginning.
The mall has plans for at least eight additional shows, plus major renovations: upgraded restrooms, a massive loading door large enough for boats and RVs, full HVAC and fire-system updates, and more. The full build-out is expected to be complete by late summer or early fall, pending permits and construction progress.
All of this is happening as the Dulles Expo Center prepares to shut down for good to make way for a new Ikea. With no other venue ready to absorb that level of event traffic, Manassas Mall is seizing a huge opportunity — and it’s a big deal for our local economy and community.

Wow, that would be some really good news and it looks like the gun show will be the first test.

[PuddleMonkey]

Originally Posted by thepilluh

All of this is happening as the Dulles Expo Center prepares to shut down for good to make way for a new Ikea.

#ThanksSweden

[boxbuster7]

gotta start with the guns

[theshowandme]

Manassas is meth country

[NYBBFAN]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Manassas is meth country

Good, now I don’t need to make two trips.

[KhalDrogo]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Manassas is meth country

Is it really? That’s sad. My parents owned a deli there for 20 years.

[TarjetasBéisbol]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Manassas is meth country

Huh? If you go looking for whatever I am sure you will find it. You can't just broad stroke the entire community...geez.

[ewokpelts]

I heard the rosemont show last weekend was well attended.

[clocsta2323]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Manassas is meth country

How do you know bro

[shawnkrebs]

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

Is it really? That’s sad. My parents owned a deli there for 20 years.

Its not. Parts of Fairfax County have higher opiod and meth deaths & emergency calls rates than PW County/Manassas. Parts of SW Virginia, Richmond area & Tidewater area also have significantly higher drug issues.

[boxbuster7]

I'm starting to think we're headed off a cliff.

Eventually fanatics raising prices is going to implode on them and people will revolt and change their buying habits.

[bblair_2002]

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

I'm starting to think we're headed off a cliff.

Eventually fanatics raising prices is going to implode on them and people will revolt and change their buying habits.

Many people already have since COVID but I think the ones who started around that time are gonna stop now as well. When Fanatics obtained NFL and NBA licenses,everyone knew it was gonna happen so it's not that surprising......at least to me.

[JoshMN]

Originally Posted by theshowandme

Manassas is meth country

This is the new slogan on the license plates for 2026, isn’t it?

Back in the day it was “Virginia is for Lovers.” Times have changed though.

[PuddleMonkey]

You crack addicts can't quit, even after you file for bankruptcy you're going to be looking for a way to obtain cards.

[JoshMN]

Originally Posted by PuddleMonkey

You crack addicts can't quit, even after you file for bankruptcy you're going to be looking for a way to obtain cards.

Addiction is a helluva drug.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by PuddleMonkey

You crack addicts can't quit, even after you file for bankruptcy you're going to be looking for a way to obtain cards.

A lot of people living beyond their means, including those with high-paying jobs.

[Bcr]

Originally Posted by boxbuster7

I'm starting to think we're headed off a cliff.

Eventually fanatics raising prices is going to implode on them and people will revolt and change their buying habits.

The pricing has turned me away almost completely. Even retail is absurdly overpriced and continues to go up.

[PuddleMonkey]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

A lot of people living beyond their means, including those with high-paying jobs.

I feel partially to blame for that, people trying to keep up with the Joneskeys. It's futile guys, fold your cards.

[thenightman]

I went to the free Dallas Card Show in Ft Worth last Saturday. It was very busy, but based on what I saw, for me personally, everything was overpriced. Each table either had no price or prices that were 2x recent comps. I didn’t bother looking in any boxes because of that. Also, big warning sign, if a seller’s boxes are filled with one touches, they’re asking $5 for a $1 card.

[PuddleMonkey]

I went to a LCS that I haven't been in for a few years, they've moved three times in the last 6 years. They do breaks and whatnot, some of you may know them (Columbia Hobby), they even have their own line of top loaders and one-touches. I was the only one in there at the time, around 11am today, they were doing a live break. Place is stocked with wax, wall to wall. The guy I talked to said he's seen a pull back in sports but the non-sports stuff is doing well. I didn't see any singles I needed but prices seemed better than ebay from what I looked at. Hobby Ginter boxes were $149.99, not sure how that compares as I don't do wax. They had plenty of it though. They also has some new Topps Basketball 7 pack blaster boxes for $34.99. I was a little tempted to buy some boxes but I stayed true to my crusty old grinch ways and was able to leave with just the supplies I came for.

[Stifle]

A couple weeks ago SW MI & N. IN had numerous shows and good ones. It’s almost becoming tougher to decide which shows to even attend.

[jjrpilot]

Originally Posted by PuddleMonkey

I went to a LCS that I haven't been in for a few years, they've moved three times in the last 6 years. They do breaks and whatnot, some of you may know them (Columbia Hobby), they even have their own line of top loaders and one-touches. I was the only one in there at the time, around 11am today, they were doing a live break. Place is stocked with wax, wall to wall. The guy I talked to said he's seen a pull back in sports but the non-sports stuff is doing well. I didn't see any singles I needed but prices seemed better than ebay from what I looked at. Hobby Ginter boxes were $149.99, not sure how that compares as I don't do wax. They had plenty of it though. They also has some new Topps Basketball 7 pack blaster boxes for $34.99. I was a little tempted to buy some boxes but I stayed true to my crusty old grinch ways and was able to leave with just the supplies I came for.

PuddleMonkey, if you're not ripping, how are we supposed to buy the singles we want? Please go back and rip away. Thanks!!!