Breaking Down the Topps Conference: New Products, Licensing & Shop Allocation

The trading card hobby is evolving fast—and not everyone is keeping up. In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer break down what’s really happening behind the scenes with Topps, Fanatics, and the future of card shops.
From inside the Topps Conference to real conversations with industry leaders, the guys unpack the reality of allocation, why some shops are getting more product than others, and what it actually takes to grow in today’s hobby landscape.
They also dive into pricing dynamics, the role of data and technology, and how platforms like eBay and emerging tools are shaping the next phase of collecting. Whether you’re a collector, shop owner, or just getting back into the hobby, this episode gives you a clearer picture of where things are heading.
The biggest takeaway? The hobby isn’t just about cards anymore—it’s about experience, community, and who’s actually building for the future.
*🔑 Topics Covered*
* Inside the Topps Conference and what really matters for allocation
* Why some card shops get more product (and others don’t)
* The real supply vs demand problem in the hobby
* How Fanatics and Topps are shaping the future
* Why experience and community matter more than ever
* eBay, Whatnot, and the next evolution of marketplaces
* How data and tools like Ludex are changing collecting

*🤝 Connect with the Hosts*
* Ryan Alford –instagram.com/ryanalford
* Brian Ludden (Ludex) –ludex.com
* Bella Shafer – instagram.com/isabellashafer