From a Small Shop to a Collector’s Landmark

Like a lot of collectors, it all started with that first special find — for me, it was G.I. Joe figures in the ’80s. That thrill never left. From garage sales to flea markets, the chase was always on. I know the rush of finding that missing piece, the pride in completing a set, and yes… the internal debate about whether to open it or keep it mint.

By 2005, my personal collection had completely taken over the garage (sound familiar?), and a dream began to take shape: create the kind of shop young-me would have lost his mind over. A place where “mint condition” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a way of life. That dream became reality when we opened our first location on the Southside of Des Moines. It was small, scrappy, and fueled entirely by passion, but it quickly became a hub for local collectors.

We’re Collectors Too

We don’t just stock shelves — we chase down grails, dig through dusty bins, and get way too excited over a fresh case hitting the counter. From hunting vintage Kenner Star Wars figures and rare vinyl pressings to lining up for the newest Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering release, we’re right there in the trenches with you. That shared obsession shapes how we buy, how we sell, and how we care for every single piece that comes through our doors.

Growing With the Community

The Southside shop was just the beginning. In 2018, we opened a second standalone store in West Des Moines, adding a massive LEGO Pick-a-Brick Wall, retro and modern video games, and a new place for collectors to gather. Then, in February 2025, we opened our third standalone location in Ankeny — home to the metro’s largest selection of sports cards and a powerhouse lineup of trading card games.

Taking the Thrill Nationwide

In late fall of 2023, we launched our eCommerce store — JaysToysAndGames.com — to connect collectors across the country with the same trust, selection, and excitement our Iowa customers have known for years. JaysToysAndGames is the online home of Jay’s CD and Hobby, so whether you know us from our brick-and-mortar stores or you’re discovering us for the first time online, you’re in the right place. Now, that rare figure, booster box, or vinyl pressing you’ve been hunting might be just a few clicks away — shipped with the same care we give our in-store customers.

The Buying Counter: Where Collections Change Hands

One thing that’s never changed? Our commitment to keeping the hunt alive by giving collectors a place to pass treasures on. Our buying counters see it all — from single grails to entire storage unit hauls. Every trade-in or sale keeps fresh finds flowing to the floor, so there’s always something new to discover.

More Than a Store

At the end of the day, Jay’s CD and Hobby is about more than products — it’s about people. It’s the conversation at the counter about your latest pickup. It’s the community tournaments that turn strangers into friends. It’s that moment when someone finds their first special piece and you can see the thrill in their eyes.

Whether you’ve been with us since day one or you’re walking in for the first time, you’re part of the Jay’s story now. And we can’t wait to see what you find next.

- Jason Shreve
Founder & Owner | Jay's CD And Hobby