Some say it’s a lost pastime. But for the owners of Detroit’s premier and first sports card shop, they recognize that collecting, trading, and selling sports cards and memorabilia is still a booming business worthy of expansion and investment.
Globally, sports cards selling and collecting is valued as an $8.6 billion industry, but projections show that it’s expected to balloon to more than $30 billion within the next 10 years.
Owners Dewitt Moore, James Mathews, and Michael Khoury, known as “The 3 Kings,” are keenly aware of the projected growth, and they are so confident in the next generation of sports cards and collectibles, the trio is expanding into downtown Detroit this fall to offer unique experiences for collectors and fans worldwide.
The 2,200-square-foot location at 1414 Griswold St. will become the only sports card shop within Detroit city limits, offering a premier experience for hobbyists and collectors. Slated to open Fall 2024, under the vision of its collective owners, the expansion signifies 3 Kings’ dedication to growth, scalability, and filling a void in the Detroit market.
The brand opened its first location in Canton, Michigan in 2021. As a leader in the card-collecting community, 3 Kings aims to increase visibility and awareness of the hobby, especially in underserved areas.
“As lifelong collectors, expanding 3 Kings Sports Cards into the heart of Detroit is a dream come true. This expansion allows us to serve a passionate, underserved community while contributing to the city’s resurgence. For us, it’s about creating a space where collectors, both new and seasoned, can engage with the hobby. We’re excited to build something special here, partnering with local teams and supporting youth programs, all while pushing the sports collectibles industry forward,” owners Moore, Matthews, and Khoury said in a statement.
This new location aims to offer an opportunity to give back to the Detroit community through little league sponsorships, student pizza parties, school supply giveaways, and hobby education programs. The store’s modern and interactive design is led by Michigan-based Picasso Design Group under the creative vision of the three owners and Detroit Creative, Rick Williams of Distinct Life.
With the nearest card shop nearly 20 miles away, 3 Kings looks to serve Detroit’s sports fan and card-collecting communities, providing easy access to the hobby where physical inspection of the collectibles is of huge importance to buyers and traders. Additionally, the store’s proximity to Detroit’s professional sports teams presents collaboration opportunities for youth-focused activations, the owners said.
The Detroit store will feature exclusive experiences, including: 3K Trade Nights and 3K Game Day Tailgates for community engagement; a brand-new Card Breaking Studio, offering live breaks; all major brands, including Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, Leaf, Pokémon, and Fanatics; and expanded merchandise into headwear and sports apparel, among other experiences.
Located a short distance from Detroit’s major sports venues, 3 Kings is positioned to offer a unique experience for both collectors and sports enthusiasts. The Detroit location will host a grand opening weekend of events during its opening weekend. Details about the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
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