Pacific Northwest shops/shows?

[VintageJay]

We have planned a family vacation through the Pacific Northwest for the first two weeks of August.

Can anyone recommend any vintage card shows/shops in Oregon/Washington?

I would hate to miss out.

Thanks,
Jay

[Wite3]

There is a little shop in Renton, WA (just east of Seattle) called DJ's...they have all sorts of stuff and it was a fluke I found it and went in on the way to dinner. Ended up with a '40 Playball, a bunch of early '50s stuff, a blue-tint, and some Phillies oddball stuff from the 70s, 80s, and 90s...all priced very fairly (especially lower grade stuff). That was the best shop in Seattle (I miss U-trading)...the shop at Pike's has stuff but is OVERPRICED and underserviced. There used to be a good shop in Tacoma but have not been there in 15 years and not sure if it is still there (bought 22 obaks there in 1996 for $40!!).

I am sure others will know as I only get to Seattle about once every 2-3 years.

Joshua

[VintageJay]

We're making our base not far from Renton, so I will definitely have to check out DJ's!

Thanks, Joshua!

[mrmopar]

Most of the shops I was aware of have closed up. DJs is one of the best, if not the best, for variety and value in the area. Don Joss (DJ) is a great guy and he does price things very fair and will negotiate with you if you are not happy with the prices. I think he buys just about anything that walks in except for the true junk. He has quite a flock to support, so he is about turning inventory! https://www.djssportscards.com

I used to work fairly close and then on weekends every once in a while, I would drive down from my area (Everett), which was a bit long but worth it if he had new stuff.

I can't really speak for anything else anymore as I am no longer traveling the countryside as I did before, but the only other shop that I still make it to from time to time is Card Exchange in North Seattle, around 140th on Aurora Ave (Hyw 99). http://www.cardexchangeonline.com

Ryder is the owner of that shop. He is another good guy. They seem to be more focused on non-sports cards/tournaments and wax these days, but they have several cases of singles. The vintage selection is relatively sparse though.

I also miss U Trading Cards. That was always my favorite shop. I worked for Mike for a little while when I was in school and for a time after graduating from UW, selling online. He definitely had the best stuff in the area.

As for shows, I don't really make them any longer. The WSSCA http://www.wsscaseattle.com just had their semiannual show and there is another group that seems to be every couple of weekends at the various malls. http://www.twinoaksshows.com

There may be a few other smaller places in WA now, but I don't know them any more.

As far as Portland, not sure. I do have an old Navy buddy who works in a shop in OR. Not sure of both places are current or not. I have never been to either. https://www.facebook.com/shonn.draper?fref=ts

[Harliduck]

What he said...

I live here and there are a few shops here and there in the I-5 corridor but DJ's is the only one worth making a trip too. I am personal friends with Don the owner and you will not find a nicer more genuine guy. He is the real deal, and is willing to haggle a bit as well. His favorite quote is that he "is not running a museum!" He really moves his stuff and there are several, like myself, on his email list and we grab stuff before they even hit the store sometimes. Cool thing is he has different stuff routinely. Make some time if you go there, organization is not his passion and the store is jam packed of stuff and at times has a lot of folks in there. I make sure I go during the morning. Also, he will have tons of stuff in back as well, don't leave if you haven't told him what you are looking for. Not a lot of pre-war, but he does often have it.

I'll be watching this thread...if there is something I am missing out there I am all ears. I don't even bother with anything else in the area, mostly garbage.




**BTW...Don, or DJ, has a passion for adopting foreign handicapped children. He is an amazing guy, and I love supporting his business because of his amazing family. The guy is a saint on earth....literally. You'll see...

[Harliduck]

Curt/mrmopar...I live just a few minutes north of you in Marysville...

I have gone to a few of the twinoaks shows...always have hope and then not much...lol. The card exchange does have a gem or two every once in a while but your assessment is right on. I've never heard of the wssca, I will check them out...thanks.

[71buc]

Northwest Sports Cards in Tacoma has variety and Mill Creek Sports is a fun place. Mill Creek Primarily deals in autographs but they do have a large selection of cards.