Voices of the hobby
Chris Galloway, Top Dog Comics
What inspired you to start your business in the trading card industry, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
I started collecting cards in the mid 80's, and with the emergence of card shows in the area I decided to set up at a few local shows with my father. It was something we could do and enjoy together. Selling just seemed natural so in 1990 we opened our retail store, selling cards, comics, and toys. My lifetime love of collectibles fueled with my fandom of sports keeps me passionate. I love to see new people, especially kids get excited about collecting.
How has your business evolved since you first began, and what have been your biggest milestones or turning points?
Well, my first store was before online marketplaces and social media, before sports leagues signed exclusive licensing, so much had changed since then. Fast forward, my current store opened in 2018 in a small 1,000 square foot space. I was the only employee, and my business plan was great customer service, not necessarily staff and more square footage. But the community responded and wanted more. By 2021 I had hired 2 employees and moved into a 7,500 square foot location. My biggest milestone was in 2025 when after a year of work and buildout, we opened our 15,000 square foot location with a staff now of 7 and growing.
What unique challenges have you faced as a shop owner, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is keeping up with industry trends. We sell cards, gaming, comics, and toys, so there is always something changing or evolving. I couldn't do this without being fortunate to have passionate and dedicated employees.
What trends or changes are you seeing in the trading card market, and how is your business adapting?
We have seen a large growth in the singles card market. Where sealed products used to be 90% of our business, now we have just as many people shopping for singles. We have adapted by upgrading our display cases, expanding our value bin area, and working to buy and trade for new singles daily to keep fresh new cards available.
Can you share a memorable story or experience that highlights the impact of trading cards on your customers or community?
Every day we get memorable experiences by bringing fun to kids. It could be giving them a free pack, or some singles to add to their collection, to helping to find cards of the favorite team/player, nothing is more exciting than seeing kids find fun in card collecting.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the trading card industry today?
Decide why you are in this hobby. Investment, being long or short term, or just for fun. As the new cards get more expensive, many people lose the focus of the fun of collecting, so you have to find your groove and be realistic about why you are here.
How do you build trust with your customers and ensure transparency in your business practices?
We talk to our customers. Educate them on different products and the hobby in general. And we treat everyone the same. No matter how much you spend, nor how long you have shopped with us, everyone is important and equal. One way we show this is we do not negotiate any price. We price all items fairly and you don't have to be a big spender or good negotiator to get a good price. I just want everyone who walks through the door to feel valued and know we appreciate that they are here.
What role do you see associations like CTCA playing in the future of the hobby?
As shop owners in an ever-changing market, it is good to be able to share ideas, help each other grow, and have a unified front. I feel associations like CTCA can help bring everyone together, create a more unified voice and help the industry grow through us all working together.
Are there any upcoming projects, products, or initiatives you’re excited to share with the community?
We are always looking to improve. We are currently adding a buying department with staff to help customers that want to trade or sell their items. We have also added multiple grading companies, and we are working to improve our monthly Trade Nights to be more interactive and fun for our community.
What does being part of the trading card community mean to you, both professionally and personally?
Fun. I personally got into collecting as it was fun, and I love sharing that with customers. I tell the staff all the time "we sell fun, that's our business, don't lose sight of that"
