Shop Owner Insight: East Carolina Collectibles, Robersonville, NC
East Carolina Collectibles in Robersonville, North Carolina, is a unique 3,000-square-foot shop with a little something for every type of collector. From comic books and sports cards to Pokémon cards, memorabilia, and non-sports cards, the store offers a strong mix of both new and vintage collectibles.
The shop’s story is also an interesting one. Three friends with a shared passion for the hobby decided to purchase a store in 2019, but their plans were delayed by the pandemic. East Carolina Collectibles finally opened its doors in 2023 and has quickly become an exciting addition to the local collecting community.
I spoke with one of the owners, Clif Skinner, about what collectors can expect when they visit, common misconceptions about card shops, and how the hobby has changed in recent years.
Shop Owner Q&A
The Origin Story: “What inspired you to open your store?
We are three long time friends who grew up in Eastern North Carolina and have always collected, traded, bought & sold ball cards. With the encouragement of the Town of Robersonville, North Carolina, we had the opportunity to open up a brick & mortar business that we all dreamt up growing up. We can surround ourselves with baseball cards, toys, comic books, coins, Pokemon cards, and other fun things each day we are there. We can’t think of anything else we would rather do.
The “Grail”: What’s the most incredible card or collection that has ever walked through your door?
As corny as it sounds, it’s the folks that take time out of their day to spend in with us. We don’t have anything in the shop that anyone needs. It is all fun things that people may like. We never know what story we will hear next or what items someone may bring in to share.
What is the one thing (vintage, modern, wax) collectors should drive to your shop to find?
We have a wide variety of both raw and graded sportscards, plenty of junk wax era boxes, and a fair amount of graded and raw Pokemon. We’ve had everything from a 1951 Topps Baseball Set to all the 1988 Donruss a person can stand. We never know what we will have from one week to the next.
The Vibe: How would you describe the shop’s atmosphere to a new visitor?
Easy going and no pressure. We like to hear stories and see new things people have acquired. We have over 3000 sq. ft. of space and have plenty of cards plus a wide variety of other collectibles.
The Pro-Tip: What’s one piece of advice you have for local collectors?
Buy what you like. Don’t get caught up in hype and focus on what you enjoy.
Final Takeaway
East Carolina Collectibles serves all of Eastern North Carolina — from Raleigh to the coast. If you can’t haul it in, they will come to you. Full and partial estate buyouts are available and they will pay on the spot. No appointment needed during store hours — just walk in and you can talk collectibles with the team.
→ View the East Carolina Collectibles shop page on CardShopsNearMe
