New Trading Card Spot Midwest Cards Draws Families Downtown
April 28, 2026
Article originally published in the Columbus Underground, written by Steve Michalovich
The trading card industry is booming. Based on my own internet research, that boom was to the tune of $52 billion in 2025 with projections at $90 billion by 2032. Interest spiked during the pandemic, and the age of e-commerce has continued to fuel the flame.
Nostalgia is also a driving force, with adults sharing their old hobby with a new, engaged generation. My son is obsessed with sports cards right now, and I’ve tried to join in his interest by reliving my past passion as a young adolescent who blew more of my allowance than I should have on buying packs of cards.
Based on its partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets, I learned about Midwest Cards (401 North Front Street, #95, Downtown Columbus) during a recent hockey game. Coincidentally my son and I were Downtown shortly after, so I prioritized a visit.
Midwest Cards had a smaller, more traditional card shop location previously in Downtown but moved into its current space last June. I’m old enough to remember when the space was reserved for dueling pianos. The goal of the new location was to create more of a trading card destination centrally-located in Columbus. I can confirm they have succeeded.
