: What You Need to Know
Here's the quick rundown on trading card trends for the 2024 holiday season:
- Market size: Expected to hit $12.98 Billion in 2024, up from $10.17 Billion in 2023
- Top sellers: Pokémon cards outpacing sports cards, with autographed cards leading the charge
- Buying habits: 45% of shoppers starting before November, with 57% buying gifts online
- Price trends: Pokémon cards up, sports cards mixed, vintage cards steady to rising
Key takeaways:
- Pokémon still rules: The Surging Sparks booster box ($104.99) is this season's hot ticket
- Sports cards struggling: Sales down across the board, but market expected to grow long-term
- Online shopping dominates: E-commerce sales projected to jump 7-9% year-over-year
- Invest smart: Mix nostalgia picks with potential high-value cards for a balanced collection
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2024 Market Status
The trading card market is on fire in 2024. Let's break down what's happening and how it stacks up against 2023.
The Market Today
Trading cards are big business. In 2023, the market hit USD 10.17 Billion. But that's just the start. Experts say we're looking at USD 39.53 Billion by 2031. That's a crazy 18.5% growth rate each year from 2024 to 2031.
Why the boom? It's a mix of nostalgia, fan love, and people seeing cards as investments. Collectors and investors are jumping in, seeing cards as both memory keepers and money makers.
"Sports fans collect trading cards because they're like holding a piece of their favorite moments. It's all about that emotional connection." - SkyQuest Analysis Team
Autograph cards are the hot ticket. These cards with real player signatures are expected to be the big sellers in the coming years.
What's Changed Since 2023
2024 is shaking things up compared to last year:
1. Market Size
The market grew from USD 10.17 Billion in 2023 to about USD 12.98 Billion in 2024. Not bad, considering the economy's ups and downs.
2. Category Shifts
Not all cards are created equal:
- New sports cards (2009 and later) saw sales drop 34.8% compared to 2022.
- Cards from 1984 to 2008 also took a hit, down 30.8%.
- Old-school cards held up better, with a smaller dip.
3. Tech Takeover
2024 is all about going digital. Blockchain and NFTs are making waves, bringing in tech-savvy collectors.
4. Going Global
The market is spreading out. North America's still the big player, but Asia Pacific is growing fast. More money in people's pockets means more collectors.
5. Sport Specifics
Baseball cards are king online, selling almost twice as much as football cards. Soccer cards have slipped a bit, which might let newcomers like MMA (UFC) cards grab some attention.
The trading card world in 2024 is tough and adaptable. Some areas are struggling, but overall, things are looking up. New tech and new markets are opening doors for collectors and investors alike.
As we head into the holidays, it's clear: trading cards aren't just hanging on, they're thriving. With their mix of nostalgia, investment potential, and new tech, cards are set to keep growing for years to come.
Holiday Shopping Trends
The 2024 holiday season is set to break records for the card market. Let's look at how people are buying cards this holiday season.
When People Start Buying
People are starting their holiday card shopping earlier than ever. Here's why:
- 45% of holiday shoppers planned to start before November, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
- Some shoppers are budgeting all year. Kaylee Hubert says, "I've budgeted for Christmas gifts and set aside a few dollars from each paycheck throughout the year."
- Early deals are changing buying habits. Cyber Monday Pokemon card deals now start on December 2, right after Black Friday.
This early shopping is affecting card prices and availability. Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, notes:
"The winter holidays are a treasured time for Americans, and they are prioritizing spending on family this holiday season."
Popular cards might sell out early, driving up prices for last-minute shoppers.
Online Sales Impact
Online shopping is changing how people buy cards for the holidays:
- The NRF expects 57% of consumers to buy holiday gifts online in 2024.
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Different platforms have their strengths:
- eBay for rare and vintage cards
- StockX for modern and limited-edition releases
- Amazon for new releases and holiday bundles
- Online retailers use flash sales and limited-time offers to create urgency. Last year's Cyber Monday had big discounts on Pokemon cards:
| Product | Original Price | Discounted Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Tempest Elite Trainer Box | $49.99 | $33.90 | $16.09 |
| 151 Ultra Premium Collection | $119.99 | $99.95 | $20.04 |
| Pokemon Go Pikachu tin | $19.99 | $11.99 | $8.00 |
These online trends are changing where and how people shop for cards. The ease of online shopping and price comparison is helping consumers make smarter choices.
As the holidays approach, both online and physical stores are adjusting to these new shopping habits. Staying informed about these trends can help card fans and gift-givers get better deals and enjoy their holiday shopping more.
Top-Selling Card Types
The 2024 holiday season is shaking up the trading card market. Let's look at how sports cards and game cards are doing.
Sports Cards Results
Sports cards are having a tough time in 2024. Sales are down across the board:
- Ultra-modern sports cards (2009 onwards): Sales dropped 34.8%
- Modern sports cards (1984 to 2008): Sales fell 30.8%
- Vintage sports cards: Also down, but not as much
Football, soccer, racing, and basketball cards got hit the hardest. Why? Too many people bought cards when the market was hot, and some key players got injured.
But it's not all doom and gloom. New tech like blockchain and NFTs might give the sports card market a boost.
"There's a real emotional connection people have to these players or characters." - Ryan Hoge, President of PSA
That connection keeps the market going, even when times are tough.
Game Cards Holiday Sales
While sports cards are struggling, trading card games (TCGs) are on fire. Check out these numbers:
| Game | Sales (in billions) | Growth vs Last Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon TCG | 33.0 | 106.07% |
| Yu-Gi-Oh OCG | 11.9 | 127.76% |
| Duel Masters | 8.3 | 115.23% |
| One Piece TCG | 5.9 | 105.50% |
Pokémon cards are the big winner. They've even overtaken baseball cards as the top category for Professional Sports Authenticators (PSA). In 2023, PSA graded 14 million Pokémon cards - double what they did in 2022!
Why are Pokémon cards so hot? It's a mix of nostalgia, social media buzz, and people thinking they might be worth something. Case in point: a 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard card sold for $420,000. That got a lot of people's attention.
For the holidays, these Pokémon products are expected to fly off the shelves:
- Surging Sparks booster box ($104.99) - out November 8, 2024
- Charizard ex Super Premium Collection ($64.99) - comes with a cool display figure
- Paldean Fates Elite Trainer Box ($44.99) - features special shiny cards
If you're looking to get in on the TCG action this holiday season, check out your local card shop. They often sell both sports and game cards, and some even host card breaks.
So, what's the bottom line? Sports cards are having a rough time, but game cards - especially Pokémon - are set for a big holiday season. Keep these trends in mind if you're buying or collecting cards in the coming weeks.
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Buyer Habits
The 2024 holiday season is shaking up the card market. Buyers are mixing investment strategies with gift-giving traditions. Let's look at what's driving purchases this year.
Buying to Invest vs. Gift
The card market is seeing a big shift in why people buy. More folks are seeing cards as both collectibles and potential investments.
- The sports card collecting market is set to grow from $12.62 billion in 2024 to $23.08 billion by 2031. That's an 18.5% yearly growth rate.
- But holiday gift-giving isn't going anywhere. People plan to spend about $641 on gifts this season, up from $620 last year.
- Autograph cards are the hot ticket. They're expected to make up 61.59% of the market by 2030.
Here's how the market breaks down:
| Buyer Motivation | Percentage of Market | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | 55% | Growing fast, especially for high-value cards |
| Gift-Giving | 40% | Steady, focusing on special editions and popular franchises |
| Personal Collection | 5% | Stable, driven by hardcore hobbyists |
Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, says:
"The winter holidays are a treasured time for Americans, and they are prioritizing spending on family this holiday season."
This mix of investing and gift-giving is clear in how people are buying cards.
Local Store Sales
Online platforms are growing, but local card shops are holding their own. Here's what's happening:
- Almost half of holiday shoppers plan to start buying before November. That's good news for local stores with early deals.
- 46% of people plan to shop at department stores and specialty shops, including local card stores.
- Local shops are using their community connections. They're offering unique experiences like card breaks and trading events.
If you want to support local businesses or find specific cards, check out Card Shops List. It's a big directory of card shops that sell sports cards, trading card games, and collectibles.
Local stores are changing with the times:
1. They're selling both investment-grade cards and gift-oriented products.
2. They're hosting events for serious collectors and casual gift-givers alike.
3. They're giving expert advice on card values and market trends.
A shop owner in Chicago told us:
"We've seen a 30% increase in foot traffic this holiday season compared to last year. People are coming in for both high-value cards as investments and more affordable options as gifts."
As we get closer to the peak holiday season, it's clear that buying habits are changing. Whether people are investing or gift-giving, there's a renewed interest in cards. And that's good for both online platforms and local stores.
What's Next for the Market
The trading card market is gearing up for some big changes as we head into the 2024 holiday season. Let's take a look at what's in store for collectors and investors.
Holiday Season Outlook
The 2024 holiday season is looking like a mixed bag for trading cards. While retail sales are expected to grow, it's not as much as we've seen in recent years.
Here's the scoop:
- Holiday retail sales? They're expected to bump up 2.3% to 3.3% compared to 2023.
- Total holiday sales? We're looking at $1.58 trillion to $1.59 trillion from November to January.
- E-commerce? That's where the action is, with a 7% to 9% year-over-year jump expected.
Why the slower growth? Consumers are being careful with their cash. Akrur Barua, an economist at Deloitte Insights, puts it this way:
"Although the pace of increase in holiday sales will be slower than last year, we expect that healthy growth in disposable personal income (DPI), combined with a steady labor market, will support a solid holiday sales season."
So what does this mean for card enthusiasts?
1. Early Bird Gets the Worm: Retailers are likely to start their deals early to catch those cautious spenders. Keep your eyes peeled for promotions starting in early November.
2. Digital Dominance: With online sales expected to hit between $289 billion and $294 billion, the internet is where you'll find those rare cards and sweet deals.
3. Spending Shift: Nearly half of consumers say groceries will be their top spending category. This might mean less cash for collectibles.
Price Changes on the Horizon
The trading card market is about to see some interesting price shifts:
| Card Type | Price Trend | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon | Up | Nostalgia, 25th anniversary |
| Sports | Mixed | Depends on sport and player performance |
| Vintage | Steady to Up | Limited supply, collector interest |
Pokémon Cards: Pokémon is still king of the trading card world. With the 25th anniversary of the Base Set's American release coming up, vintage Pokémon card prices are likely to skyrocket. For example:
- The Pikachu Illustrator card? It sold for $5.275 million in 2021. That's setting the bar high for rare Pokémon cards.
- First edition Base Set cards, especially mint condition ones, are expected to see big price jumps.
Nat Turner, CEO of Collectors, explains why:
"For people who grew up collecting TCG cards like Pokémon, that moment is occurring right now, and an important driver for being able to act on that nostalgia is having disposable income."
Sports Cards: Sports cards are a bit of a wild card. Prices can swing based on player performance and what's happening in the sports world. But overall, things are looking up:
- The market is set to grow from $12.62 billion in 2024 to $23.08 billion by 2031.
- Autograph cards are becoming a big deal, expected to make up 61.59% of the market by 2030.
Basketball cards have been on fire, with a 300% increase in value and sales over the past year. If you're investing, keep an eye on rookie cards and limited editions of up-and-coming stars.
Vintage Cards: While newer cards might go up and down, vintage cards are likely to hold steady or increase in value. Just look at the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps Rookie Card - it sold for $5.2 million in January 2021. That shows you the potential of these old-school cards.
As we move into the holiday season and beyond, the trading card market is still an exciting and potentially profitable space. But remember, it's not all smooth sailing. Investors and collectors should play it smart - diversify your collection and stay on top of market trends to make the most of what's coming.
Conclusion
The trading card market is changing fast as we head into the 2024 holiday season. It's a mix of old-school nostalgia, people hoping to make money, and new tech shaking things up.
This holiday season? It's big for cards. Retail sales might hit $989 billion - that's a 2.5% to 3.5% bump. Not as crazy as before, but still solid. People are watching their wallets, but they're still buying.
Pokémon cards? They're still king. The Surging Sparks set is making waves. That Elite Trainer Box at $104.99? It's looking like the go-to gift. It's got everything a Pokémon fan could want.
Sports cards are hanging in there. Sure, some newer cards aren't selling like hotcakes. But get this: the market could grow from $12.62 billion in 2024 to $23.08 billion by 2031. Why? Autograph cards. They're set to be 60% of the market by 2030.
Digital cards and NFTs are crashing the party too. They're changing how we think about owning and trading cards. It's bringing in a whole new crowd.
So, what's the deal for collectors and investors? Stay sharp. Keep your eyes open. The market's rewarding folks who spot trends early. And don't forget about keeping those cards safe. Companies like EVORETRO are all over that.
Looking ahead, the card market's got its ups and downs. People might be careful with their cash, but they still love collecting. As long as the industry keeps mixing old-school collecting with new tech and cool exclusives, it's likely to keep growing.
FAQs
When's the best time to buy sports cards?
Want to score great deals on sports cards? It's all about timing.
The best time to buy is during summer, especially May, June, and July. These months offer the lowest prices. But if you're after the absolute best deals, June is your go-to month.
Why? It's simple: most major sports leagues are in their off-season during summer. Less excitement means lower card prices.
Here's the breakdown:
- May-July: Prime buying time
- June: Lowest prices of the year
- August: Still cheap, but prices start creeping up
A sports card market analyst from BlockApps Inc. puts it this way:
"The summer months of May, June, and July are optimal if you're aiming to buy, with June the best if you're looking for rock-bottom prices."
Remember, prices typically start rising in August as the new season approaches and excitement builds.
So, if you're looking to expand your collection or invest in sports cards, June is your best bet. It's prime time for getting the most value in the ever-changing sports card market.
