Big news in the hobby world: Bleecker Trading, the renowned New York collector shop, has been acquired by longtime collector Matt Winkelried.
Founded in 2020 by Mark Zablow of Cogent World, Bleecker Trading quickly became one of the most celebrated hobby shops in the country. But Bleecker was never just a shop. From day one, it’s been about building a cultural destination: a high-energy space where commerce meets community, and nostalgia blends with next-gen energy. The Bleecker name became synonymous with hospitality, creativity, and connection.
Now, as the torch passes from Mark to Matt, we sat down with both of them for an exclusive conversation about how Bleecker was built – and where it’s headed next.
Q&A with Matt Winkelried and Mark Zablow
You’ve officially taken over Bleecker Trading—how does that feel?
Matt: I’m incredibly excited to officially embark on this next chapter. I’ve been a lifelong collector and my first experience at Bleecker was as a customer, so it feels pretty special to have come full circle. Working closely with Mark to really hone in on what makes this business so special has been amazing, so I can’t wait to dive in even deeper.
Why was now the right time to sell Bleecker Trading?
Mark: Bleecker was always about creating a cultural movement around collecting, and I think we accomplished that. We built a brand that redefined what a trading card shop could be. It felt right to step away when the foundation was strong and the momentum was real — and with Matt’s vision, energy, and love for the space, I knew the business could grow even more with him leading it. It just felt like the right moment to let Bleecker evolve — plus, we always say: it’s Bleecker Trading, not Bleecker Storage… so everything is for sale.
What initially attracted you to Bleecker Trading, and how do you plan to honor the name while building on its legacy?
Matt: I was a customer and long-time collector. The first time I walked into Bleecker Trading it unlocked this fire in me—I didn’t just want to collect, I wanted to help build something that brings my passion to more people and communities. What separates Bleecker from the rest of the industry is that we really are a hospitality-first business, and I vibed with that. We always want to make everyone feel welcome and part of our community through in-store experience and events, so even as we continue to grow, that will always be core to our brand’s identity.
What are you most proud of when you look back on what Bleecker became?
Mark: I’m most proud that we made Bleecker feel like home — not just a store. We gave kids, parents, collectors, and even first-timers a space where they could connect, trade, laugh, and belong. We took something traditionally niche and made it mainstream and cool, without losing the heart of it.
What excites you most about this new chapter for the shop?
Matt: Since the beginning, Bleecker has reimagined what collecting can look and feel like: creating welcoming, high-energy spaces that merge culture, nostalgia and shared interests. We’ve always been more than just a card shop, and we’re excited to double down and provide as many opportunities for our community to connect and invest in our growing team.
How do you think Bleecker influenced the local community and shaped collecting culture in NYC?
Mark: We flipped the script. Bleecker brought collecting out of the shadows and into culture. We turned trading cards into an experience — events, live trades, content, community. The hat became a symbol of the movement, something people wore with pride because it represented more than just cards — it represented belonging. You’d see it on kids after school, collectors, celebrities, bartenders, delivery guys — everywhere. It helped make the hobby feel visible, proud, and undeniably New York. NYC could finally say it had a hub that respected the hobby. That ripple effect went way beyond Christopher Street.
How do you plan to build on the foundation Mark and the team created?
Matt: Build is the key word here—what Mark and the team have created with Bleecker is so unique to the industry that we want to build on this foundation by expanding access for more people to learn about what Bleecker Trading has to offer.
What’s the memory you’re most fond of in the past few years growing Bleecker?
Mark: Frankly, just hanging on the block on event nights — the energy, the people, the flow between the shop, the pizza spot, the bodega. Collectors, kids, parents, local businesses, and my friends all mixing together. It wasn’t just about cards — it was about community. Meeting so many great people and hearing their stories. That’s the part I’ll always remember. In fact, it’s the business cards. I collected much more than the trading cards that mean everything to me.
Can loyal customers expect any changes to the Bleecker experience, in-store or online?
Matt: Initially, we’re prioritizing in-store experience for our customers. That’s what has made Bleecker Trading so special: our experience in our shop. Looking forward, we are thinking about how digital can extend the in-store experience and bring more people in without losing the magic of Bleecker’s spaces.
How did you know Matt was the right person to carry the Bleecker legacy forward?
Mark: Matt came in as a customer and quickly became part of the heartbeat of Bleecker. He didn’t just get the business — he understood the culture, the energy, the relationships that made it special. He brings passion, vision, and the ability to grow the brand in new ways. He was living the mission before ever having a formal role — that’s how I knew.
What’s your vision for the future of Bleecker over the next 12 months?
Matt: We’re just getting started so I can’t share too many specifics at this time, but we are evaluating and considering everything. What I can say is that we’re going to double down on community and grow the business in a way that stays true to our DNA. That starts with learning more about our customers and focusing on growing our existing community, while also inviting new customers into our world.
What advice are you passing on to Matt as he takes the reins?
Mark: Lead with hospitality. Keep adding value — to the hobby, to the community, to every person who walks through the door or connects with the brand. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Bleecker was built by pushing boundaries and trying new things — and never settling for the norm is what will keep it special.
Will you still be involved in the hobby or connected to Bleecker in any way?
Mark: Definitely. The hobby is part of who I am — I’ll always be collecting, trading, and supporting the culture. And I’ll always be rooting for Bleecker. I may not be running the business day-to-day, but I’ll be in the mix however I can — just in a different role now.
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