Collector Club
When Fanatics opened its flagship Collectibles store on London’s iconic Regent Street on back in April, the launch made headlines, not least because F1 legend Lewis Hamilton was there to cut the ribbon. But beyond the star-studded unveiling, what does the store actually offer collectors?
We visited the store on Sunday 11th May to find out, and after spending nearly three hours inside, we can safely say it exceeded expectations in almost every way.
A prime location that makes the hobby feel huge
The store is just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus tube station, meaning it couldn’t be easier to find and get to, especially if you’re coming from a major train station, which is a massive win.
Located in London’s prestigious West End shopping district, the store sits on a street known globally for its architectural elegance and flagship retail spaces. Walking into a store solely dedicated to collectibles in this kind of location immediately elevates the importance of the hobby, which is a great feeling considering card collecting is something that often gets looked down upon by outsiders.
Inside the store: well-organised and immersive
Entry to the store is via a single front entrance that’s watched over by two security staff, a sensible decision considering the high-value cards and memorabilia on display inside. On regular days, queuing isn’t required, but the one-way entrance and exit system makes sense on days with higher footfall.
The first room is a retail haven. Cards are arranged by sport, with clear signage and thoughtfully presented displays. In the centre, glass cabinets showcase everything beginners need to know about the hobby, like a Rookie Card explainer with a Erling Haaland rookie card next to the text as an example, impressively, we were later allowed to buy that rookie card.
Other cabinets hold high-value singles and memorabilia from sports such as F1 and baseball, from what I understand these displays rotate often with new items. The till on this side of the store features single team set packs from the likes of PSG, Man City, Chelsea etc. We were told these are all packs are pulled directly from the blaster boxes, and staff were happy to let us choose from our own pack, rather than them take one from the top, which was pretty cool.
The central circular room: small, but spectacular
The highlight of the store is the circular room in the middle of the building, which features a dazzling LED display and full cabinets. Here you’ll find graded slabs across a range of categories — from football, baseball and F1 to Pokémon, Lorcana and more. In here we picked up graded cards of Jérémy Doku and Ilkay Gündogan for competitive prices.
While space is limited and browsing can get a little slow when the room is full, the vibe is brilliant. Super rare cards are housed behind the centre desk, and the lighting, layout and visual presentation make it feel like a mini art gallery filled with collectibles.
The back room: community-first collecting
At the rear of the store is a multipurpose space that blends retail, events, and community. Tables for ripping packs, comfortable seating, and a friendly crowd all combine to create a local card shop vibe.
Standout features include:
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Affordable supplies: Card storage and hobby accessories at surprisingly fair prices.
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Bargain box singles: Perfect for PC hunters or collectors chasing inserts.
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A leave-one-take-one wall: We swapped some PSG base cards for Star Wars inserts, a lovely idea.
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Create-your-own-card photo studio: A brilliant concept let down only slightly by limited personalisation options. Still, the £20 experience is fun and the result is a boxed, slabbed souvenir that looks the part.
There’s even a professional breaker streaming booth (though nobody was live when we visited) and a claw machine game to win Match Attax packs after making a purchase, though sadly, it wasn’t switched on.
Collector Club verdict: a triumph for the hobby
We’ve visited card shops in America and across the UK, but none quite like this. The Fanatics Collectibles store has all the polish of a premium flagship venue while still retaining the warmth and community spirit of a local LCS. Staff were knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely interested in the hobby.
Our only criticism? A lot of products weren’t priced clearly, which meant frequently asking staff or taking a gamble at the till.
But that’s a minor complaint in what is otherwise a world-class retail experience. If you’re a trading card fan visiting London, this isn’t just worth a detour, it’s a must-see.
10/10 – An essential stop for any collector.
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