The Secrets Behind America's Largest Card Shop

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[@FishiApp]

This guy has a really healthy business attitude to running his card shop.

[@attk177]

seems like a really solid dude as well. Would happily pay the premium on stuff to support this concept

[@user-if4rj3hr1j]

He is hateful in real life😢

[@joerogan9554]

They key to running a successful card shop.. easy! Sell video games!

[@kevinbrewer9341]

@@joerogan9554I owned a card shop for 12 years before getting into video games. Business nearly tripled and I went from 1 employee to 5 and added the building on next door. Video games are just a bigger fish 🐟

[@bennystratton7734]

100%

[@zy2239]

This guy is a humble business genius. I really admire how feet to earth is his mindset and the respect he shows his clients and employees.

[@sergioflores477]

Feet to earth? You mean down to earth??

[@zy2239]

@@sergioflores477 hahahahaha yeah Feet Down to Earth (the person whose thinking isn’t on the clouds, therefore is realistic and wise) . Thanks for the correction, I didn’t remember the saying correctly

[@scottmattern482]

The thing that stuck with me was when he said that if you love cards, it doesn't matter, if you cant share it with someone. After getting back into the hobby after 30 years with my little nephew, we have been visiting the LCS and its fun to open a box and show everyone an autograph or relic we pulled. Our LCS has one large table with maybe 10 nice leather chairs around it and there are complimentary sleeves and top loaders to encourage the community building part of the hobby.

[@pnksmigge5324]

as a german who for some reason always was into american stuff, played hockey as a kid, followed basketball, now collecting baseball cards... this hit me. never anyone to share it with in person..

[@airsoftfreak11]

​@@pnksmigge5324 :( sorry, but I believe if you love it. that is the main thing! Sharing it with others is just a bonus! Try to find a community online that you can chat with

[@ImAlwaysFrisky]

@@pnksmigge5324 well with the power of the internet you can, you could always upload videos or do live streams an people will watch anything

[@fjfucjdi093jfe]

I've seen card shows in England and Germany, do you not go to those?​@@pnksmigge5324

[@LifeofCDM]

Owners like this are what make a good card shop. I enjoy talking with owners like this who are passionate on thier product.

[@Ruxin34]

I randomly got the chance to see this place right before this video was posted. I was blown away at how awesome it was! Great video!

[@BanishforCost]

Fancy seeing you here, Ruxin 😁

[@NehemiahTheVampire93]

this is my locals! That's awesome you were there recently

[@jimstick1827]

Just stopped in here for the first time recently. The store is amazing! Shout out to them for providing a place like this to their community!

[@nkling02]

Agreed

[@Knightguyver]

Where is this?

[@Shadow762]

@@Knightguyver Kentucky

[@Knightguyver]

@@Shadow762 thanks

[@JW-ih3po]

He has a really good attitude. Wish him the best!!!

[@user-if4rj3hr1j]

Not towards customers he doesn't

[@jordanhancock279]

There is a lack of third places in general for people to go to. This guy is actively creating a space for the community to come together which is a really beautiful thing.

[@TanookiSuit]

I'm a local and hadn't realized this shop was that big. I had sold a lot of video games and vintage toys and lego sets to this place in the last couple of years. The owner even (through employee) bought a sealed pokemon red from me for more than a fair price being told it was for him to keep which I liked. I try and visit once a week. The games have been plentiful and priced as he said, moderate and fair to where it is. I'm on a budget, so when I see one that's up I will affirm, they do adjust values to be fair to you given the rates change but also the condition that matters too. I was always amazed walking in seeing the stunning amount of cards, but I missed the boat on Magic and Pokemon. Anytime I've wanted to learn this I just can not figure the game out, the turns, what and when to do, and how one card and just smack down the opposing side so easy, wish I could learn but hand to hand would be needed there.

[@FO0F]

I think this new style of interviewing business owners has been really good and really authentic to your channel’s ethos. I think it would be a really cool idea if you were to add a bit of your own spin to it. Something like gamehunting at their stores or opening a pack of cards like you did with the Pokemon. Something a bit extra that would make it a bit more dynamic could add a good aspect to the videos.

[@Iso_SSB]

love how your expanding you content recently and making extra quality stuff

[@joe8807]

Great video

[@bruiserbong4001]

If I ever go to Kentucky, I will be going here! Love non-snobby card shop owners.

[@lee_mc]

What a fantastic store! The owner seems like a super passionate person too. I wish I had a store even half the quality of this near me!

[@brentvance9090]

This guy is pretty smart! As someone who’s lived thru the baseball card crash, I really hope his market and store thrives thru all the ups and downs. Totally gonna swing by next time I’m in town

[@michaelgodfrey9461]

This is an amazing interview you have done. Shop owner here for the last 10 years, and I found myself nodding along to everything this man said. Loved his insight, expertise and general love of the hobby and life he has made. What a fantastic interview. Thank You for sharing it. Anyone that is considering starting a new business should watch this, especially if it is in the collectables space.

[@ActivateMysticMine]

I knew you were KY based and waiting for this collab to happen! TTD has been my go to spot for anything and everything yugioh related for such a long time. Glad you got to chat with Alex. He’s such a pillar of the community.

[@chrisrhoades9681]

This guy has a great business sense and this was a great interview. I live over 4 hours from this store and this honestly makes me want to make the drive to see this awesome store

[@josephgolden9718]

Do it, you wont regret it.. they damn near have everything!!

[@MattJoyceUK]

Great video and great interviewing. I liked the way you let him speak and share those gems.

[@dellstudio10]

Awesome store my man! Keep living the dream and supporting the community. The more the better to keep our hobbies thriving! I’ll definitely drop in for a visit soon. Eyeing some of that sealed vintage Pokémon.

[@WoooSaaaW]

Thank you for making this video Caleb! In 2020 i started on online hobby shop just as a way to support my hobby addictions.. 3 weeks ago i put in my resignation letter my full time job to run my hobby stop full time. My big dream is to have something very similar to this game store and its amazing that you opened the door to the inner working of a owner to help share nuggets of info that i feel like can greatly help me on my journey. Well done video and thank you for sharing this!

[@ThePromaster5]

Im a local and I've been going to this shop since the beginning and seeing it grow has been an amazing experience. Alex has always been a great person to do business with and know as a person. He knows his stuff when it comes to business, collectibles and games. It's great to see that this shop has reached the level that it has!!

[@bloodandteeth2879]

As a small business owner (hope to see you at So Cal Retro this summer) I ❤these videos of you spotlighting them. So much good info and very inspiring.

[@samvarden197]

Great video! I love how you guys agree that people need a place to get together to enjoy their games. That’s why most of my store is a lan party set up. I love seeing people play games together so they don’t just go home to a lonely gaming hole and never get that in person interaction with games like I grew up having with my friends and family. Inspired!

[@The_clutch_sliped]

We need to support stores like this and stop supporting big companies like GameStop

[@andrewbrown8292]

what an amazing store! after watching this video in full length, I am thoroughly impressed by his outlook on how to run his store. I will definitely be stopping into this store at some point in my life.

[@gnolled]

You ran the interview so well. Comfortable and well-paced. Super interesting!

[@Blazenjester]

To awesome thank you for this cause I know Alex is a busy dude just taking the time to talk and walk you through everything was great!

[@Julusnc]

A great episode! I really enjoyed the question and answer!

[@mrachiele1974]

That guy was so genuine and awesome! I loved the video.

[@dennis_p]

30:42 hits the right spot! 👊😃

[@B_rad59]

I’ve been to this store many times and it’s a 2 hour drive one way. Absolutely worth it. I love going through all the sports boxes for hidden gems. The staff is super nice and helpful too.

[@MusicalMII]

Some really great business lessons / ideas in this video. A really refreshing and forward thinking attitude.

[@TheSimonHxC]

Amazing. As someone living uma country that isn’t my home country and not knowing any place like this around where I live even, it makes really happy to know that a place like the TTD exists. I would love to have a place like that around me so I could go there every time possible to chill and hang out with people! Great video! ❤

[@wearetogether1214]

This is amazing! love to see stores like these which feel like they have everything. I always have been into games, recently been into comics through Veve Comics. They recently did start selling day 1 comics (digital), so its cool to see behind the scenes what preparations are needed. Did you ever hear about Veve? I think its a great new place and venue for new collector possibilities. Shops like these make this truly possible

[@rockfan11288able]

This is some of the best business knowledge you’ll probably find anywhere on KZbin. Excellent interview.

[@wesleywyndam-pryce4081]

Love stores like this, as with all the online shopping, it's a great experience to visit as well as shop

[@nkling02]

This is like the treasure of. What I'd like collecting... I wish I could open some of this product up on my channel! What is sweet store I would love to go here. Keep up the good work

[@syndicate5357]

Cool! Theres a couple of stores like this around the USA that I've seen on my travels, and its always nice to see and shop in these types of stores

[@Monster003]

Wow most underrated video in card collecting. Great content and great guest participation. No holding back

[@shkdn191]

So insightful and filled with nostalgia well done

[@michaelwilson934]

Sweet vid, this has been my go to LCS for years now so cool to see it in this format

[@richardcooper]

love these interviews and the passion and words of wisdom they share.

[@lanan101]

Great questions and even greater answers. Well done.

[@chrismartin3462]

Done business here a few times and they are always class. Reasonable prices and great selection for different types of memorabilia!

[@ajc1888]

One of the greatest stores I've ever seen, truly amazing

[@chrismyers7794]

Its so cool to see videos about card shops like this that are local to me. I've been here several times and think its a very cool spot for a lot of different things. I would love to see videos on shops in Indiana, although I don't believe there are as many.

[@keio4456]

We need more people like this owner in the collectible scene. Pure of passion and love for the industry

[@erebusl]

Awesome in-site. Thanks guys. 👏🏿

[@MTGUnpacked]

This place is mind-blowing! Fantastic interview with an extremely savvy businessman👍

[@Fatblue246]

it’s up there for sure. Star City Games down in VA used to have quite a large spot too, as did Toy Wiz in upstate NY for a long time. There’s a handful of bigger card shops nationally but this is definitely up there with them no doubt

[@Prcjects]

places like this are essential! love the owner for providing for the community.

[@megaascension2748]

There's another shop I've been to that is a similar size that you might want to check out- Firefly Toys and Games in Columbia, SC.

[@kennygrenier4011]

I honestly I had no idea I would enjoy this content as much as I am. This is fantastic stuff. I'm hooked.

[@southerncalicards]

I wish i was close enough to visit! Great video!

[@PsycheWard_Games]

Exactly! You have to have great places like this for people to come and play and meet people with shared interests!

[@scottdinh5120]

First stepped into TTD when I was 10 years old, when it was tiny, 2 locations before this. Basically been here since the beginning, through thick and thin. I’m now 22 and am still a regular player. Alex Spears puts his community first, and that’s what has grown this store to where it is. Absolutely love this store and the community

[@sircaptainMO]

Love the honesty and openness of the owner, I would work for that dude

[@toddburgess3943]

If I ever get back to that part of the country, will definitely have to stop by. He sounds so genuine.

[@njdevilaje3879]

Awesome guy. Definitely one of your better interviews. This was a great episode.

[@laucian2100]

I went to this shop once when I came to Louisville for an SCG event. Team Tournament main event so they ran FNM in all three formats and ran out of space. I played my legacy FNM in the Potbelly's sandwich next door and it's still one of my favorite magic travel memories. Was so cool to see a store of this style being so successful

[@cardswithkev]

Great candid interview … I love this series brother!

[@rodmcgrath2503]

What a legend Alex....just a great guy and awesome interaction.

[@willthethrill8661]

what an awesome tour of his place, and I wish him the best of luck, we need more entrepreneurs like this around

[@chrisott2]

Really love these videos interviewing business owners. Great content

[@Yasunii]

This was a pretty informative video, definitely would want to stop by there one day

[@Bellizz0913]

7:45 omg the nostalgia. Theme decks~!

[@jbake5022]

Through the decades is the local shop in Louisville for me. The new store is insane, we are super lucky to have such a nice card shop in Louisville. To me the secret is in the staff, they are always super helpful.

[@okdigital151]

great video - love the business stuff you do.

[@kevingauvreau2156]

Wish all the best to this guy! This is a phenomenal card shop!

[@ryanquinonez8117]

This shop is amazing. I visited in 2023 while in town for the louder than life festival. Definitely ended up spending more than intended and the staff was extremely helpful.

[@DeborahDeBoer]

Wow! If I was closer I would SO work there!Great video and super guy!

[@TreasureBoxReviews]

I have no desire to start a business, but I found this video so uplifting and inspiring all the same.

[@XJBG1001X]

5:35 this is so true! I would always rather go to a shop and wander around. Waiting for that 1 card you just played against, that actually makes your deck win, is so much better than a "Surprise" package...

[@CHASINGCARDBOARD]

Great video, really enjoyed it!

[@Torontokid]

This is my favourite KZbin video of 2024. Excellent interview. I am thinking about how I can be in that area for work and go here. What a great store. Thanks man .

[@cameronmoerer6244]

God I wish I could have worked for this guy instead of the person I worked for when I worked in a game store. I've always wanted to go back and work for a card shop like this. Definitely a huge passion of mine.

[@alecskursha2090]

the world needs more people like Alex.

[@Sportscardwhatever]

Huge space for card trade nights and opening the space for card sellers to “buy a table” for weekend events. My local card shop also does “pack wars” nights where players buy a pack of an owner selected product (Bowman baseball, Select, Hoops) and before everyone opens he says lowest card number, tallest player, closest card # to 100. Losers keep 2 cards from the pack and winner collects everyone’s else’s cards lost. He cycles through inventory, fun opening packs, and community event.

[@CharlieNicholas5515]

Actually really enjoy this video and Alex is very passionate about it

[@KingUmaPBK]

One of the biggest Card shops in the US, the biggest rn iirc is Millennium Games in Rochester, NY @ 28,000 Sq Ft. Been to TTD a few times during my travels for SCG events, solid people very good experiences with the staff.

[@Bargadiel]

I don't really care for Phoenix Resale, but I did like this interview and this business owner clearly has a good head on his shoulders. Seems rather humble and honest.

[@joshharris1793]

THIS CONTENT IS FIRE. I LOVE THESE INTERVIEWS. THEYRE SO IN DEPTH

[@worm_9912]

Fuck yes this is my local shop and it's been amazing to me and tons of people who attend it! Support TTD and your local game stores!!!

[@Chrish1981]

Man that place is absolutely enormous! I'd be there for a week looking around lol

[@chrism2986]

cool store and dude is giving the community a place to make memories. beautiful

[@GEEXD031]

Man id love to have a store like this where i live, looks amazing!

[@bsbsbdbdb3350]

The part where he talks about renting out a movie theater, sacrificing the thursdays sales to ensure the weekend sales, because his customers saw the movie already, was nuts, a super thought out and smart guy

[@mattmarrillia4907]

Love this store, great to see it continue to thrive!

[@caseygallagher2985]

This guy is awesome, def going to check out the store when in the area.

[@ryanhoptop2378]

This place is awesome, im in new york city and wish we had a place like this to play and trade and appreciate all the types or collecting.

[@quickster303]

This is the type of place I'd love to just work for or hope to be a sliver of if I could open my own shop. It's well stocked, well organized, has people to manage their own respected section/game, and has a place to play with others. Would love to visit this place if I was ever in the area and would be a regular if I lived in the area. On the play area subject, sure the giant space to play is expensive/costly but considering most stores I've looked at when looking at houses for sale in different states didn't have an area like that it just made me not want to be anywhere near that location. For me having an area to play and do events in is 100% needed no matter the size of the store that's open to the public. I want to be able to go in and not just buy/trade/sell but to hang out with the owner or employee and others to play mtg or dnd or even some board game that seemed interesting. That space is priceless to the people it's meant for and that use it as they'll always come back to continue to use it so long as the store maintains it and is a good place to go. It's one of the many reasons I love the lgs around me and wish I could be there more especially to help out. It's also one of the reasons I'll be pretty bummed about when/if I move out of the area because idk what kind of store I'll be walking into, if any, when I settle down where ever that may be.

[@lukehoward5296]

great video, would love to go to this store some day

[@pepsifan013]

You should definitely visit the new Cards HQ down in Atlanta, huge card store just opened!

[@Ernesto2004]

Awesome Video Phoenix ❤❤

[@wadepike9380]

Welp, you got me. I had to subscribe. You are based in Lexington and my resale business is also here in Kentucky. I frequent TTD at lease a few times a year. Love those guys over there.

[@sportsngaming6717]

Definitely gonna plan on a trip to visit. Looks like such a cool place.

[@nikkolas821]

What a great 1 stop shop wish I lived near by

[@mikrydr4510]

This guy has a lot of wisdom. Resonated with me.

[@yohalmosandoval7087]

I love these videos of guys who take risk and open stores that others are scared to open. Congrats to the owner! And plenty of success!

[@conniekissel9160]

so exciting to see my LGS come across my recommendations!