A wall of cards inside of the Frederick Card Collective, a majority of which are sports cards. (Sep. 25, Joseph Matthews/The Commuter)
FREDERICK MD: On Aug. 22, just about 10 minutes away from FCC, the Frederick Card Collective opened its doors on N Market St for card lovers in Frederick and beyond. Founded by co-owners Bryan and Emily Rathvon, the store aims to create a community for card lovers of any variety and experience right here in Frederick. “As City of Frederick residents, we wanted to establish a downtown hobby shop that feels like home,” their website says.
That welcoming feeling shines through for anyone familiar with card shops, with shelves lined with high-quality, with dozens of types of well kept cards. Between sports cards and Pokémon, to Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh, there’s something here for anyone interested in the hobby.
Any frequent shopper of cards will recognize the decorations at the entrance that make them feel like they’re somewhere they belong, with shelves of cards on the left and right leading up to the front counter. Decorations of Pokéballs line the top of glass display shelves, with boxes ready to be opened for the next rare find.
Other than just selling cards for unboxing, or a card a customer has been chasing for months, they also offer many events where the people of Frederick can trade cards amongst themselves. Using their cards to Pokémon battle or go head to head in Magic: The Gathering with people of any skill level.
Open to any and all people, they also offer nights for people who may feel intimidated to get into these hobbies. For example, any female students who may have felt too intimidated before can attend the Magic: The Gathering women’s play night on Oct. 15, for a safe space where they won’t be judged for their inexperience in the hobby alongside their peers.
Additionally, they offer seasonal events for anyone feeling the holiday spirit as well, with trading events scheduled on Halloween Night for anyone who may have no other plans. Rest assured, the Frederick Card Collective will have a seat for any student who needs it.
No matter what level of experience, or what someone enjoys the most about cards, there’s something for all kinds of collectors here. “Whether you’re searching for your next grail card, ripping packs with friends, building a deck, or introducing a new generation to the hobby, we’re here to help make every visit memorable,” their website says
From Frederick and for Frederick, and even for people commuting from outside of it, the Frederick Card Collective aims to create a welcome experience for anyone interested in card collecting. Any level of card collecting is welcome to join the family, feeling like they’re walking right into home when they’re chasing after that perfect card.
The Frederick Card Collective is located on 16 N Market St, Frederick, open from 11a.m.-7p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11a.m.-8p.m. Saturday, and 11a.m.-5p.m. Sunday, for students, the elderly, and anyone in between.
