We all know how important it is to purchase from a Certified Diamond Dealer right? If not, just check out some of the videos made by other collectors on the subject by clicking here. Along those lines, if you are making online purchases, you need to make sure you are working through an Authorized Internet Retailer. You’ll know if you are if you see this logo on their website. If you don’t see that logo, Upper Deck will not be able to assist you if there are issues with the product you purchase through them.

We love to spotlight shops that are doing the right things that collectors should visit. Collectors in Canada are lucky as there is a great new retailer in Ontario that recently opened a very cool new shop. They are a little different because their organization started off as an online community and has become so much more. They have an extremely passionate fan base that seem to be loving their new retail location. I’ll let Geoff Connolly share more about their emerging business.

If you are in the province of Ontario or just enjoy shopping online, make sure you check them out!

Take a look inside the new Cloutsnchara retail store.

Cloutsnchara Inc

645 Victoria Street North Unit #2

Kitchener, ON N2H 5G3

(519)954-8278

Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-Midnight

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/Cloutsnchara

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Cloutsnchara

Visit their online store: www.cloutsnchara.com

The team had the place looking great for their Grand Opening last week.

“We started like any other collectors did by getting into the hobby when we were kids. I used to bike to my local card shop, pick up the latest hockey product, take it home and rip right through it. I remember thinking when I was a kid how awesome it would be to own a card store one day and really immerse myself in the hobby. With some hard work and great partners, I am proud to say I have been able to make that happen.

“Currently I run Cloutsnchara Inc with Dan Pollard and Brad Krysko who are not just good friends, but fantastic business partners. Initially Dan and I got the website up, but we really wanted to add forums to the site. We had no idea how to do this so we were on the lookout for a Site Manager. One day we sold a card on eBay and the collector was nearby so we just met him at the local Tim Hortons. That collector was Brad Krysko and Dan immediately recognized him because they played hockey together. After spending some time talking with Brad and sharing what we were doing, our search was over and Brad has become the face of Cloutsnchara. Brad has gained even more popularity after being featured in an Upper Deck Rookie Boot Camp video with Jeff Skinner. Take a look.

“I realized that if a great guy like Brad was out there collecting, but we didn’t know it, there had to be a way to get great people like this together. Seeing Cloutsnchara succeed and grow became more important to all of us than ever. It is our belief that we enjoy a great hobby and it is our job to share our passion with everyone we can.

“One of the biggest questions we get about our business is, ‘What’s with the name?’ When I was younger my favorite player was and still is Zdeno Chara. At one point I would believe I had the best collection of Chara cards out there which was a source of personal price. My best friend and current business partner Dan used to collect Dan Cloutier. When we decided we needed a name for our site we went with something that actually means something to us which is the name of our two favorite players; Clouts n’ Chara. Every time I see the name, it is a reminder that we built our business on our love for our player collections.

There are reminders around the store on how they got their unique name.

“Our goal with our new retail store was to create a unique experience that would raise the bar for what a card shop could be. We serve drinks and snacks at a bar and have a complete lounge with four large televisions so fans can open their product while watching their favorite teams play. The lounge area will comfortably hold 25 people. And while we do not serve alcohol, that’s fine, our fans get buzzed on the pulls they find in their packs.

Make yourself at home, enjoy the games and have fun opening some new packs.

Collectors seem to enjoy having an area where they can go through their cards in comfort with other collectors.

“Another very unique item in our store is our Blog Room where we do our LIVE Group Breaks and Box Breaks. This glass studio even has a C&C Live sign that will indicate when we are filming. With 2011-12 NHL Artifacts hitting this week, the crew will be LIVE online at 6:00pm EST giving fans the opportunity to check the product out. For more details, click here. Aside from those features, we have everything a collector would want with regard to trading card products. Be sure to stop by soon as we will be launching our LIVE In-Store Group Breaks shortly. Our Traders Nights on October 8, 2011 which is a great opportunity to trade with other collectors and make some new friends.

The Cloutsnchara team has embraced online group breaks as a way to engage their customers throughout Canada.

“We at Cloutsnchara Inc would also like to thank all of those who have supported us in getting this store up and running including Angelo Exarhakos, David Vatri & Michael Phillips for all of their hard work, trust and commitment in helping us create this new type of collector experience. We are extremely proud to be an Upper Deck Certified Diamond Dealer as well as an Authorized Internet Retailer for Canada. We are dedicated to building this hobby while remembering our slogan, ‘More than a hobby, it’s a passion.’”

Visit the Cloutsnchara retail store today!