Kaboom CardsHobby Musings: Kaboom Brings In-Store Experience to UK Hobby shops have long been a part of the trading card culture in the United States. Recent years have seen more starting up in other places around the world. One such store is Kaboom Cards in the United Kingdom started by John Neocleous and George-Dean Paphitis. The two wanted to share their love of the hobby with a larger audience. I had the chance to catch up with Mr. Paphitis to find out more about their shop and what the hobby is like over in Europe.

KS: What led to your decision to open a hobby shop?
GDP:
John and I have always loved collecting from an early age. Being a massive soccer fan, some of my fondest memories are of the excitement I felt trying to complete sticker sets of the Premier League and World Cup and swapping stickers and cards with friends. John collected various things as a child, including Marvel and soccer. He then went on to collect coins. This love of collecting and the hobby stayed with us and continues to do so.

KS: Where is the store located and what are some of the things you are most proud of that it offers?
GDP:
The store is in Finsbury Park, North London. We are most proud of the fact that we are the first dedicated sports trading card shop in the UK and have taken a step that will hopefully go towards increasing the popularity of trading cards market even more than it already is. We love that fact that we get so many different collectors coming into the store and physically purchasing and opening boxes in the store, and learning their stories about how their passion for collecting started.

KS: It feels like we’ve seen a big boom in the hobby’s popularity in Europe. It feels like what started as a popularity mostly centered around stickers has grown into a full-blown love of cards as well. Would you say that’s accurate, and can you describe what you’ve seen first-hand for the hobby’s growth on the continent over the years?
GDP: I would say this very accurate. A vast majority of people collecting we know always refer back to their younger years and collecting stickers, which was the first step towards eventually collecting cards.

KS: What do you think has been the biggest reason for the growth?
GDP: We think the access to being able to watch and get absorbed into all different sports around the globe, plus the social media presence of stars and future stars from across the world, has a had a major role in growing the hobby.

KS: Soccer is the most popular sport to collect in Europe. However, which other sports have generated the most interest among collectors there?
GDP:
We would say that apart from soccer, NBA and NFL are a close second for most hobby collectors.

KS: Which athletes are the most popular in Europe among collectors?
GDP:
Your superstars and legends are always the most desired athletes for collectors. Also, young upcoming stars are always a big favorite from all sports.

KS: What is the biggest key in your opinion for the hobby to continue growing in Europe?
GDP:
To get more people from all ends of the financial spectrum involved by providing access to a broad range of products. The hobby is for everyone!!

KS: How long have you been involved in the hobby?
GDP: We have been fully invested in the hobby for approximately three to four years now, but we have always had a love for it.

KS: Looking ahead, what is your hope for your shop in the future?
GDP:
We hope that the shop continues to provide a place where collectors can come, share their stories and love for the hobby, and that this inspires others to take the step of having a physical store, which can only benefit the growth of the European market for collectors.

KS: If anyone wanted to learn more about you, where could they go?
GDP:
We post loads of content on social media @kaboomcardsuk and our website www.kaboomcards.co.uk. The best place is to simply to pop into the store and say hi!!

Hobby Musings: Kaboom Brings In-Store Experience to UK – Resources

Hobby Musings: Kaboom Brings In-Store Experience to UK

Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
Kelsey Schroyer

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