Bubba's Card Exchange Brings the Hobby Back to Amarillo

I love seeing new businesses open up in Amarillo; it means things are thriving. While we know that's not necessarily the case, it does show that things are good enough for new places to be opening. Believe me, plenty of research goes into the right time to open a new business.

Especially when it's not a "mass appeal" business. Marshall's opening was a mass appeal place. Everyone needs clothes. When a new restaurant opens, it's mass appeal. Everyone needs to eat. The latest business to open in Amarillo? Wouldn't consider it mass appeal, but I will say it's something that Amarillo needed.

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Bubba's Card Exchange Is Now Open

Amarillo has only had one main sports card shop for the longest time. There have been a couple of small ones that have tried, but never worked. That changes now. Bubba's Card Exchange opened its doors this past Saturday, Sept 12th, and they've already received a warm welcome from the community.

Located in the strip mall across from Target at 201F Westgate Parkway, owner Joel Brown has built something that I've personally been longing for. A card shop that gives you a little bit of everything, but is bringing the hobby back to the hobby. After spending 13 years working for Xcel Energy, Joel decided to take his love for the hobby and make it his life.

Tons Of Sports Cards To Choose From

As I walked in, I immediately noticed the shelves stocked full of wax boxes. That's tough to find these days. Now, I will say it was loaded with more retail than hobby stuff, but some of the retail stuff that was in there is extremely tough to find. Well, not at Bubba's. In talking with Joel and shop manager Ramon Aragon, they are working with distributors and other shops to work on a deal with Fanatics Direct, which would put tons of hobby boxes in the shop.

When you peel your eyes away from the wax, you'll notice plenty of showcases that are stocked with cards from all sports, and even pop culture. One of the first cards that caught my eye inside the case? 2018 Topps Shohei Ohtani rookie card. Best part about it? It was priced fairly. In fact, that was something the guys mentioned to me. They wanted to make sure they priced items fairly to the point where customers weren't having to check comps and haggle prices down. That's refreshing to hear.

When you walk further back into the shop, you'll notice the value boxes. There is so much to look through in those boxes. $5 and $10 value boxes, with deals if you purchase multiple cards. That's exactly what I did. If I had more time in there, I would've scoured things a bit closer, but there is plenty of great stuff in those value boxes. They're a touch lighter since I got my hands on them, though.

They've Got Pokemon & Other Cards

It's not just sports cards. They understand the excitement around the booming Pokemon market as well. You'll find plenty of boxes to be able to open up, booster packs galore, and yes, you're going to find a showcase loaded up with plenty of singles to choose from there.

You'll also find some of the ever-popular Disney cards, One Piece stuff, and so much more to choose from. I know many people who collect everything literally, so walking into Bubba's is a dream for those who collect it all.

Memorabilia & Signed Items

Not everyone is a card collector, and Joel & Ramon are fully aware of that. Inside Bubba's, you'll find a ton of signed memorabilia to peruse and sink your teeth into. From signed and framed photos to a rack of signed jerseys, every collector will find what they're looking for. Furthermore, they've got access to a treasure trove of memorabilia, and said more is coming to the shop soon. Think Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, etc.

There's even a display rack of signed football helmets that are amazing to look at. I highly recommend looking at the Tom Brady helmet. Go ahead, pick it up and turn it around. If you're a Brady fan, this piece is a must-have for your collection. That's all I'll say. You'll have to go in to see it.

Trade Nights & More

When I looked around the store, I noticed folding tables with chairs inside the store. It's super inviting because most shops these days don't have a place to just sit down and trade with others or open your wax. Seeing this prompted me to ask Joel and Ramon if they were planning to have trade nights and events. What they mentioned to me blew me away. The short answer was yes, but what they told me next stunned me.

Just down the strip mall is the old Unknown store, and that space is massive. They told me the owner of the mall said they would be allowed to utilize it to have a full-blown card show that will rival the number of tables you'd find at the shows they have at the Amarillo Civic Center. Just off the top, they said they could fit 90-100 tables in there comfortably. They're targeting the second week of November for the first show.

Even better, they said they want to make sure they're a part of the community and mentioned that some of the proceeds from the show in November would be donated to local non-profits in the Amarillo area.

Grand Opening & Vibe

So yes, Bubba's Card Exchange is open right now for you to go in and check out. However, they are planning on having a big grand opening event on October 3, full of food trucks, fun, and maybe even Ruckus.

Bubba's wants to bring the fun back to collecting. They want it to be a family-friendly place where the kiddos can come in and enjoy the hobby they're just getting into, without the pressure of the business side of the hobby. Another thing Joel mentioned is they want it not to just be a place to buy stuff, but a hangout where you can just come in and chat with people for hours. Think of an old-school barber shop. That's the vibe they're going for.

I can tell you I'm a fan, and you're going to find me in there more than I should be in there. Go and check out Bubba's if you're a sports fan. Even if you don't collect anything, you'll find a new favorite hangout.