VCU graduate, ad student open thrift store on Broad Street

Erika La Forest
Contributing Writer

If you’re in search of throwback jerseys or high-top sneakers with a reasonable price tag, look no further than Round Two.

VCU graduate Lucas Fracher, 24, and creative advertising student Chris Russow opened Round Two, a men’s apparel thrift store, in June at 104 W. Broad St. Russow and Fracher co-own the shop with Sean Wotherspoon, 23.

“It’s unique in the sense that the clothing is all personal collections from our, or our customer’s closets,” said Russow, 21.

Round Two began as a website two years ago with Russow and Wotherspoon, two friends from northern Virginia. Customers could order clothes, but as the site became more popular, the owners said they saw the opportunity to expand. The group rented a storage unit where people could view the clothing by appointment only.

All three owners have previous experience in retail. They spent their days going from store to store adding to their own personal collections, until one day they realized they should share their styles with the people of Richmond.

Fracher said the group jumped at the opportunity to open a store when they saw a shop opening on Broad Street with affordable rent.

Since opening the store, they said people have been eager to respond to the idea of trading their own personal clothing for the chance to wear something new.

Round Two’s prices vary like many thrift stores: What can be found determines the price. The store carries brands like Jordan, Nike, Adidas, Vans and Ralph Lauren, to name a few.

Russow, Fracher and Wotherspoon said they are looking to open a second store that will specialize in high-end men’s clothing in the future.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the men behind Round Two kept the advice simple.

“Get a ground level job and just absorb as much as you possibly can,” said Fracher, who graduated from VCU in May 2012 with a degree in Urban Planning.

“Do as much as research as you can and keep working on it,” Russow said. “Money can always be made back.”

Round Two is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.