Collector's Hangout touches down in Norwalk

NORWALK — When looking at places to start a new business, two siblings believed they could hit a home run in Norwalk. "It has a great feel and a wonderful Main Street," said Kelly Reinhart, the general manager of Collector's Hangout. From Ashville, located just south of Columbus, Reinhart runs the business with her brother, Huron resident Bill Currence, and Bill's son, Will, who lives in Norwalk. "It's perfect for our family-fun environment we're trying to create here, which is about offering and reliving a childhood experience around sports cards, comics, Pokémon collectibles and novelty items," Reinhart said. The family recently opened the business — 7 W. Main St., beside Berry's Restaurant — to pursue their collective passion revolving around sports. Before they entered business together, Bill served in the U.S. Army and graduated from the United States Military Academy West Point in 1993. He played college football for Army as well. "My brother started his collection 30 years ago, and it has been a huge part of who he is," said Reinhart, when pointing out what Bill, a massive Ohio State fan, has bought and kept. "He just has always lived and breathed sports." Reinhart's background comes in retail, most recently working for optical, or glasses, stores. Other than herself, her entire family — husband, Chris; along with their two children, Tyler and Jaylen — have played and followed athletics their entire lives. "We've always been involved in sports," Reinhart said. "It's personally been a big part, and a family focus, for us all." So the family decided to take a venture into the business world of collectibles. They sell both vintage and newer cards — including those found in wax boxes along with ones sealed and open — for football, baseball and basketball. It also offers autographs, toys, apparel, candles, jewelry and older collectibles. Some of the rarer, and higher-priced, items on shelves include a Michael Jordan rookie card and an autographed Stan Lee comic book. Due to the hobby's increased popularity in recent times, Reinhart expressed confidence in her company's long-term viability. "When someone my age or older comes in, this immediately takes them back to their childhood," she said. "You really don't see shops like this anymore. You can see the nostalgia in their faces, looking through cards and remembering the times they did this with their friends or dads." Reinhart continued: "And the kids, as young as 6 or 7, are really into it as well. They know so much about the current players, and by looking at the older players on the cards, they learn about them, too. I love watching them go through the packs and find their favorite players. I also like seeing them sit next to their dads and having that same experience the older generation had." When people walk into the shop, Reinhart wants them to immediately feel cozy and comfortable. "We've created an ambiance here that is different than a lot of other card shops," she said. "It's not dark or dingy. Here, it's aesthetically pleasing and visually stimulating." Reinhart encourages anyone to stop by, check out the store's products and meet other collectors. Right now, it's open Tuesdays through Saturdays. "You are going to have a great experience. I promise," she said. "We have something for everyone. You can even come in and watch a movie and open the packs of cards you just bought from us. We'd love to see you."