Best Way To Fill Empty Spaces In Your Collection

I have plenty of old stamp periodicals like topical time and minkus stamp journal from the 60's and 70's and it seems from the ads that buying stamps via mail was big business, even 60 years ago. To say that the hobby used to be strictly brick and mortar is not a correct statement. There is no difference between buying on the internet and ordering stamps from an ad in a magazine. The business model has been around for decades even before the internet was invented.

Yes. I think Marlen is mostly international focused (although they have US stamps), and generally speaking both don't have such great US stamps. A lot of the stamp quality, even if you check out their website, is Fair overall, and not much Fine/VF to better stuff. Markest I thought was online/phone only, and only has a PO box. Malack has a store upstate. Champion I think is the only NYC store. I don't think Gary Posner has a store, only online? Legion I think closed in Massapequa, which I heard was a good one (never been).

There is a "stamp" store in Merrick too, but it's hardly focused on stamps like the other two are. Uncomfortable to walk in. I have been meaning to drive up to Gitner's store. I am not sure if Nalbandian has one in CT.

Marlen has a lot of everything though I couldn't comment on USA. It's a massive stock. As I recall, Marlen isn't set up for browsing through stock- you have to know what you're looking for. Prices are high and the ambience isn't .... well ...... warm and fuzzy.

Champion has a large stock as well though again not sure about USA. You can browse their inventory though prices are very high.

Shermae --- I believe CHAMPION has the largest inventory in the U.S. .If not the largest, then it is the second largest ,guess it would be between A&D in California and them . Champion has some 1200 dealer 5X8 binders on their shelves . Then A&D has some 320 red boxes filled with cards ......so not sure who has the biggest organised inventory .

Now I'M not talking about those collectors or dealers who have a garage filled with on paper and loose stamps in trash bags and cardboard boxes .