1586 - The LCS Spectrum

Dr. Beckett discusses “The LCS Spectrum,” arguing that local card shops can succeed in many different ways, from old-school vintage-heavy stores to modern, high-end shops focused on new product, breaking, events, and social media. He proposes an idea for a directory or app that profiles shops with verified answers so travelers and customers know what a store offers, and so manufacturers like Fanatics, Panini, Upper Deck, and others could use consistent criteria for direct accounts and allocations. Using his former Dallas shop First Base as an example, he outlines categories for evaluating an LCS, including business sustainability, market/location, product mix, physical presentation, repeat business, creating collectors, people development, hobby citizenship, reach beyond local geography, and a distinctive “claim to fame.”

00:23 The LCS Spectrum Idea

02:10 Old School vs Modern Shops

03:30 Why Categorize Shops

04:10 Dealers and Hobby Economics

05:52 1 Real Business Basics

06:48 2 Location and Market

07:46 3 Product Mix Inventory

09:08 4 Store Presentation

09:54 5 Repeat Business

10:11 6 Creating Collectors

11:40 7 People Development