FAN'S HANGOUT: Good fortune in the cards

Local business sees interest go beyond sports collectors

Who would have dreamed in 1989 the trading card industry would go from searching for a Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, to a card called Goku's Truce from the popular children's cartoon Dragon Ball Z. Both cards are currently valued at $75.

Mickey and Fran Wagner own and operate one of Southern Nevada's most successful card and memorabilia shops. Their shop, The Fan's Hangout, is located at 311 S. Frontage Road.

"Adjusting your business with the changing times is the key," Wagner said. He points out that card shops such as Smokey's and Hit&Run, which were both located in Las Vegas, had huge inventories but refused to try different things.

"They were just one dimensional, and it cost them their businesses."

Wagner, 62, should know what he's talking about. He's been collecting cards since he was a kid.

"I have a lot of valuable cards, but the one I would never sell is my Jackie Robinson rookie card."

In 1988, Wagner opened the original Fan's Hangout located in Long Island, N.Y. After two years in business, the Wagners brought their children and business to Pahrump.

"The high taxes we paid back east was the big reason we moved out here," he said. "Sometimes things happen for a reason.

"We took a chance coming out here, but it's been great, so far.

"To be successful, you have to know what the customer wants, especially your regulars. Nowadays each buyer is different."

That's why the Wagners have broadened their horizons. "First it was Pokemon.

"The kids were lined up outside the door, he said. "Individual packs started at $2 and climbed to as high as $8. Then came Dragon Ball Z and now it's Yu-Gi-Oh."

Wagner believes the reason for this is kids just can't afford sports cards anymore.

In order to continue to progress in business, the Wagners carry a large supply of other items. Such as mugs, footballs and banners to go along with more than 3 million individual sports cards they keep in stock.

"The one card we don't carry is basketball," he said. "Since the glory days of UNLV, everyone seems to have lost interest."

The Wagners also purchase cards. Right now, the market pays between 10 and 30 cents on the dollar. "It depends on two things," he said.

"You have to purchase a card that someone is going to want and it also has to be in good condition. Nobody wants to buy a beat up card."

Mickey also points out not to be fooled by the words mint condition.

"I've never seen a card in mint condition."

The Internet also provides the Wagners with opportunities they wouldn't have had years ago. They have shipped and purchased cards all over the world. The Wagners have a Web site of their own at www.usintouch.com/pwp/hangout. You can also reach The Fan's Hangout by phone at 727-9485.


<<--[back]