Vaultix: The Software Powering the Heart of Collectibles Retail

A Story from the Hobby Aisle

On a busy Saturday afternoon in Pasadena, “Dragon’s Den Comics & Cards” is buzzing with energy. The tables are full of players trading and battling over Magic: The Gathering decks. In the back corner, a group of teenagers flip through this week’s latest Spider-Man and Batman releases, while parents shop the newest POP figures for their kids.

The owner, Marco, smiles. He’s been in the business for 18 years. He knows something that big-box e-commerce giants have never understood: collectibles are more than products — they’re experiences. People don’t just come to buy a comic book or a trading card; they come for community, nostalgia, and the excitement of discovery.

That’s where Vaultix enters the picture. For Marco, it isn’t just software. It’s the invisible engine behind his thriving store. With Vaultix, Marco manages tens of thousands of TCG SKUs, keeps his comic inventory organized, runs promotions for vendor partners, and connects directly to his Shopify store. When paired with an Eflyn Self-Serve Flex Kiosk, his customers browse back issues, scan sports cards, order snacks, and even pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay — all while RGB accent lighting makes the kiosk an attraction of its own.

Marco often says: “I couldn’t imagine running Dragon’s Den without Vaultix. It’s like having a second manager — one that never sleeps.”

Why Collectibles Retail Will Always Thrive

Even in an era where online sales dominate, collectibles stand apart. The industry thrives on physical presence:

• Comic Books: Over 90 million comic books are sold annually in the U.S. alone, with comic shops accounting for 70% of sales despite digital options.
• Trading Card Games: The global TCG market is projected to reach $13.4 billion by 2030, fueled by games like Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokémon.
• Sports Cards: The sports trading card market was valued at $13.8 billion in 2022 and continues to grow with fan-driven demand for physical memorabilia.
• POP & Collectibles: Funko alone reported $1 billion in annual sales in 2023, proving fans still want tangible collectibles they can see, feel, and display.

Online shopping makes convenience possible, but the joy of browsing a comic rack, opening a booster pack, or holding a graded card in your hand is irreplaceable. That’s why stores like Marco’s are not just surviving — they’re thriving.

Vaultix + Eflyn: The New Standard for Hobby Shops

By blending the community-driven spirit of collectibles retail with modern tools, Vaultix ensures hobby stores can compete with convenience while offering something e-commerce never can: experience.

When paired with Eflyn’s Flex Series kiosks, retailers like Marco’s Dragon’s Den create a futuristic shopping environment:

• Smooth capacitive touchscreen browsing
• Lightning-fast TCG search and filtering
• Secure debit/credit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay transactions
• Integrated scanning and card grading tools
• Dynamic ad space for comics, toys, and vendors
• Café ordering and in-store games for waiting customers

Vaultix and Eflyn don’t replace the comic shop — they strengthen it, ensuring it remains the cultural hub for collectors, gamers, and fans for decades to come.

Fact Sheet: Collectibles by the Numbers

• 90 million+ comic books sold annually in the U.S.
• 70% of comic book sales happen in physical shops
• $13.4 billion projected TCG market size by 2030
• $13.8 billion sports trading card market in 2022
• $1 billion+ in annual Funko sales (POP figures and collectibles)
• 5,000+ dedicated comic shops across North America

Sumary

Vaultix isn’t just software — it’s a bridge between tradition and technology. For stores like Dragon’s Den, it ensures that the magic of collecting lives on, thriving in a world where community and commerce meet face-to-face.