In the vibrant streets of San Antonio, where the community rallies around their local businesses just as fiercely as sports fans cheer for their home teams, a storm of sorts is brewing in the quiet aisles of a beloved hobby shop. Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop, a cornerstone for collectors of all ages, is on the brink of a significant price adjustment. This revelation, delivered in an earnest social media post by shop owner Vic Nava, is poised to send ripples across the city’s collecting circles.
On the morning of April 17, as collectors sipped their coffee, maybe meticulously sorting or studying their collections, Nava’s Facebook message landed like a stone in a pond. “First and foremost, thank you all for being a part of the shop’s growth and success,” he began—a heartfelt opener that acknowledged the backbone of his business: a loyal community of customers who’ve helped steer the shop’s journey. Yet, beyond the gratitude lay the crux of the message: an unwelcome tidal wave of costs heading straight for their beloved hobby store.
Global trade policies, often discussed in political arenas and business news segments far removed from the day-to-day life of San Antonio, had found their way into the microcosm of Boomtown. While collectors might argue over the merits of a Charizard card, or debate the latest sports draft, few might have expected international tariffs to impact their favorite pastime. But as Vic put it bluntly in his post, “the real world and all its BS” had begun seeping into their hobbies.
The catalyst for this upheaval was not a single event, but rather, the arrival of two alarming emails in Nava’s inbox. These messages relayed a grim reality: essential plastic supplies, crucial for protecting and preserving the cards, would now cost up to 100% more. Not 10%, not 25%—a full 100%. It was the kind of numerical hike that can take the wind out of a community’s sails. Faced with this stark reality, Nava lamented, “Yeah…100%….we are pissed too.” The shop, which thrived by providing affordable access to the joys of collecting, was left with no choice but to pass on some of these additional costs to its customers.
The decision was not easy, nor taken lightly. The thought of jeopardizing the financial health of Boomtown forced Vic to confront a business paradox: to sustain, he had to adapt, even if it meant raising prices in a community where every dollar counts.
Yet, amid what could be described as a looming crisis, the shop witnessed something truly heartwarming: customer solidarity. Comments on Nava’s post painted a picture of unwavering support and understanding. JD Nash, a regular at the shop, wrote with the familiarity of an old friend, “Do what you gotta do, brotha. We’ll still support no matter what. Always a pleasure coming into the shop.” This sentiment echoed through the comments section, each message reinforcing the shop’s place in the community’s heart.
Rey Jimenez, another devoted patron, put it beautifully when he shared how Boomtown had become more than just a store—it had turned into a source of family bonding, a cherished rite for him and his two little sons. “Every time we go into San Antonio, that’s our first stop. Keep the hobby alive, brother!” Rey wrote, underscoring the shop’s importance beyond mere transactions.
Nava’s transparency about the situation also shed light on broader issues affecting small businesses everywhere. By sharing the raw reality of navigating the repercussions of international policy shifts, Boomtown offered a window into how global dynamics can have surprisingly personal effects. It was a reminder of the interconnected world we live in; even the smallest hobby shops are not an island, but part of an intricate trade web.
For the collectors and hobbyists of San Antonio, this price hike is more than just a bump in the road. It’s a call to action, a moment to rally behind a store that has served not just as a shop, but as a community center, a second home for many. Despite the unwelcome changes, supporters are bracing themselves to face these new price tags with the same enthusiasm and loyalty they have shown for years. Boomtown Sports Cards and Pokéshop might be adjusting its prices, but its legacy and the community’s spirit remain wonderfully intact.
