HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Collecting cards is a time-honored tradition. Whether it’s a favorite athlete or popular Pokémon cards, card and memorabilia shows attract collectors young and old.
Valley Mall hosts annual show
The Valley Mall is hosting its annual Hagerstown Card & Memorabilia Show on June 6-7. Every summer, hundreds of card and memorabilia collectors pack the walkways looking for deals on their favorite items. With more than 200 vendor tables, the show features a wide range of collectibles, including card-carrying cases, toys, posters and other novelty items featuring popular characters and athletes.
Card collecting is more than just a hobby
For collectors who travel to events such as the Valley Mall show, it is more than a hobby — it is big business. The annual revenue for the sports collectibles market is estimated to be around $33 billion and continues to grow.
Trading card games, or TCGs as they are known to collectors, are just as popular as sports cards. Pokémon cards, among the most sought-after collectibles, have sold for more than $300,000, while some rare cards have sold for millions. In fact, a gem mint PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card sold for more than $16 million.
Meet the promoters, Kryptonite Toyz
The Hagerstown Card & Memorabilia Show was brought to Valley Mall by promoters Kryptonite Toyz. Located in Greencastle, the store is well known among local collectors for its variety of pop culture merchandise, including cards, toys and other memorabilia. Opened in 2018, the store is a regular fixture at local events and card shows.
Show continues Sunday
The show continues Sunday at Valley Mall, 17301 Valley Mall Road. Mall hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
