Is hobby released before retail?

[elbsportscards]

Hi All,

Does anyone know from experience whether hobby boxes are release 2 weeks before retail from the manufacturer or is it the other way around?

Thanks,

Ed

[jwgreen68]

No way is hobby ever released before retail, especially 2 weeks. Topps releases on Wednesdays, whereas, retail stores are stocked on Tuesdays. If retail had to wait for the hobby release date, then retail wouldn't be stocked for nearly a week after hobby release, thus costing them a week in sales.