From Hobby to Empire: Thomas Lake's Pokémon Card Business

Thomas Lake, a 35-year-old graphic designer from London, has transformed a £200 investment into a thriving Pokémon card business valued at approximately £1.5 million. His journey began nearly a decade ago when he purchased 20 Pokémon cards on eBay, intending to resell some for profit. The rapid success of his initial sales prompted him to establish Lake Card Store, which has seen remarkable growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the launch of Pokémon GO in 2016.

The Independent

Lake's business has achieved significant milestones, including sales of £450,000 in 2023 alone, with Instagram sales contributing an estimated £250,000 to £300,000. Notable transactions include the sale of a PSA 10 1st Edition Shining Charizard card for £27,500 and a PSA 8 1st Edition Charizard for £24,000. His innovative use of eBay livestreams has been pivotal, with sessions attracting up to 8,000 viewers and generating sales of £20,000 in just one hour.

The Independent

Lake attributes the current boom in Pokémon card sales to a combination of nostalgia and market trends, particularly Pokémon's 30th anniversary. He reflects on the emotional connection many have with the cards, stating, "I guess it’s nostalgia, isn’t it? When you see stuff from your childhood, you just have a special feeling towards it." This sentiment resonates with many collectors, driving demand and prices to unprecedented levels.

The Independent

Despite the success, there are voices of skepticism regarding the inflated prices of Pokémon cards. Lake acknowledges this perspective, stating, "I can understand the argument of, ‘it’s just a card’, because the prices are crazy to me as well." Critics argue that the market may be unsustainable, raising concerns about the long-term viability of such high valuations.

The Independent

Looking ahead, Lake aims to achieve an annual turnover of £10 million and plans to transition from his graphic design career to focus on his business full-time, especially as a new father. He emphasizes the organic growth of his venture, stating, "Every single earning is all from that original £200 investment. I’ve never put any more money into it, I’ve just let it grow organically."

The Independent

• "It’s crazy at the moment, I honestly can’t explain what’s happening." — Thomas Lake, Business Owner

The Independent

• "The beauty with my live sessions is it’s an auction format, so people only pay what they want to pay." — Thomas Lake, Business Owner

The Independent

• "For me to be doing something that I’ve had a passion for since my childhood, it’s just like the cherry on the cake." — Thomas Lake, Business Owner

The Independent

Thomas Lake's journey from a childhood passion to a multimillion-pound business exemplifies the intersection of nostalgia, market dynamics, and innovative sales strategies in the collectibles market.

The Independent