"Explore the Store" is ICv2's new feature series of articles that showcase the layout, inventory, and decor of local gaming and comic book stores across the United States. ICv2 recently visited Card Pop at 1114 Jefferson St. Joliet, Illinois 60435 on July 19, 2022.

This shop was an unusual candidate for an "Explore the Store" article, as it is only been in business for about seven weeks and ICv2's articles usually focus on retailers that have been in business for years. However, new retailers often come up with inventive ways of organizing and promoting their store, which can give more seasoned shop owners new ideas to refresh their retail spaces. Thus, when a new shop as carefully put together as Card Pop is comes along, it's not a bad idea to take note of its fresh look and style.

Card Pop is located near the downtown area of Joliet, situated within minutes of two different I-80 expressway exits. It is a pure card shop (meaning that it doesn't have much in the way of miniatures or board games for sale) owned by longtime card collecting enthusiast Brenden Taheny. The shop has a large selection of blind-pack products, including sport, non-sport, and TCGs (see article in gallery below).

Click on Gallery below for full-size images!