Norwich sports card shop sees new ownership
Rick's Sports Cards, located at 12 Mitchell Street in Norwich. The store stocks collectible sports cards, Pokemon cards, vinyl records, coins, and more. (Photo by Sarah Giglio)
NORWICH — Norwich native Rick Stark recently took over ownership and operation of a local sports card shop.
Rick's Sports Cards, as it is now known, has been open to the public since February. The storefront is located at 12 Mechanic Street in Norwich. Current hours for the store are Tuesday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stark says he's been collecting and selling cards since the early 90's, and that he has owned a card shop before.
"I used to have a card shop probably 30 years ago, and cards went by the wayside back then. They went downhill and people got out of collecting," said Stark.
In the last two years, however, he says the collectible cards have seen a resurgence in interest.
"This has been on the rise for the last two years," he said. "I've got guys that are some of the biggest collectors around the area that come in every day almost, and they're saying 'wow I've never seen anything like this with the cards.'"
Stark said a trip to Florida about three years ago renewed his interest in the collectibles. He said he went to a card show where he bought and sold a few cards. Then, when he heard the storefront in Norwich would be available, he decided to take a chance.
"Then I heard this guy was going out of here," Stark explained. "I said, ‘hey I'd be willing to get in here.’ So I did, I spent about two weeks cleaning it up and setting it up, and it's been good ever since."
Rick's Sports Cards currently sells sports cards, Pokemon cards, coins, vinyl records, and card supplies such as sleeves and cases. Sports cards are available in packs or as single cards. Prices of card packs range from $4 to $400-plus.
Stark also holds weekly "Break Nights" at the store, where participants randomly draw sports teams, open card packs, and get to keep their team's cards.
"The first night we did the Break Night a guy opened up a pretty nice card, like a $500 card out of the box. We've had some big cards come out of here," he said.
Customers who are interested in participating in Break Night can sign up throughout the week. Cost is $20 to register. Break Nights are held at the store on Thursdays at 6 p.m.
"There's usually 15 people in here," said Stark. "I set up a table and have pizza or wings or whatever. We have fun."
Stark also said that despite the set store hours, it is always worth it to call or check the store as he is often there during off-hours as well or, customers can set up an appointment.
"A lot of people say hey I've got a collection of cards, I want to bring them down. I say I'll meet you there," said Stark.
Rick's Sports Cards, as it is now known, has been open to the public since February. The storefront is located at 12 Mechanic Street in Norwich. Current hours for the store are Tuesday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stark says he's been collecting and selling cards since the early 90's, and that he has owned a card shop before.
"I used to have a card shop probably 30 years ago, and cards went by the wayside back then. They went downhill and people got out of collecting," said Stark.
In the last two years, however, he says the collectible cards have seen a resurgence in interest.
"This has been on the rise for the last two years," he said. "I've got guys that are some of the biggest collectors around the area that come in every day almost, and they're saying 'wow I've never seen anything like this with the cards.'"
Stark said a trip to Florida about three years ago renewed his interest in the collectibles. He said he went to a card show where he bought and sold a few cards. Then, when he heard the storefront in Norwich would be available, he decided to take a chance.
"Then I heard this guy was going out of here," Stark explained. "I said, ‘hey I'd be willing to get in here.’ So I did, I spent about two weeks cleaning it up and setting it up, and it's been good ever since."
Rick's Sports Cards currently sells sports cards, Pokemon cards, coins, vinyl records, and card supplies such as sleeves and cases. Sports cards are available in packs or as single cards. Prices of card packs range from $4 to $400-plus.
Stark also holds weekly "Break Nights" at the store, where participants randomly draw sports teams, open card packs, and get to keep their team's cards.
"The first night we did the Break Night a guy opened up a pretty nice card, like a $500 card out of the box. We've had some big cards come out of here," he said.
Customers who are interested in participating in Break Night can sign up throughout the week. Cost is $20 to register. Break Nights are held at the store on Thursdays at 6 p.m.
"There's usually 15 people in here," said Stark. "I set up a table and have pizza or wings or whatever. We have fun."
Stark also said that despite the set store hours, it is always worth it to call or check the store as he is often there during off-hours as well or, customers can set up an appointment.
"A lot of people say hey I've got a collection of cards, I want to bring them down. I say I'll meet you there," said Stark.
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