PHOTOS: South Idaho Card, Collectibles Shop Is A Class Act

As a collector of sports memorabilia and cards for more than 40 years, if a store is run well, you can normally tell within two minutes of walking in the entrance.

During a recent trip to southwest Idaho, my wife, 11-year-old son and I decided to check out a shop on Eagle Road, and what I walked into might be the nicest, most professionally run card and collectibles store I've ever been in; you could eat off the floor if you wanted.

Whenever I'm taking a trip, if I come across a collectibles shop, I usually try to stop in for a few minutes to see what it's all about. I recently dropped into Ross Cards & Collectibles in Meridian and had to return the next day (Labor Day) I was so impressed.

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Meridian Shop Is A Must See For Memorabilia And Card Collectors In Southern Idaho

Ross Cards & Collectibles, Meridian, ID  Credit: Greg Jannetta

The first thing that impressed me about this shop--aside from the autographed, 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson rookie card in the large, center display case--was how immaculate the place was. The store features about a dozen glass cases of inventory, and a backroom for private dealings such as live card breaks, interactive games, and other group events. There's also an impressive collection of Boise State memorabilia, as well as vintage boxes of sports cards.

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Another sign a shop is run well is if they offer up a selection of hockey cards and memorabilia. Ninety-nine percent of the stores I go into don't even bother with the sport because there's 'no market,' but it's nice to see they at least stock NHL merchandise.

The staff is incredibly friendly and professional, and just listening to them speak to their customers I could tell they love what they do and shoot straight when it comes to advice on the hobby.

The team runs another shop in Carlsbad, California. I highly recommend you stop into their Meridian location next time you're in the Boise area; I was absolutely wowed.