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 12:30 8 Hobby Citizenship 12:55 9 Reach and Celebrity 13:50 10 Claim to Fame 14:33 Modern Requirements and Allocation