Taking On the World, One T-Shirt at a Time

Running a retail business can be a struggle, especially in a down economy — but three twenty-somethings are taking the challenge head-on with the new "Versus" clothing store in downtown Concord.

Brothers Ricky and Isaias Huerta, along with close friend Andreas Rodriguez, have brought their mens fashion company into a space shared with The Parlor Barbershop at 2230 Salvio Street.

'The concept is that if you get a fresh new hair cut you need fresh new clothes, so you feel good," said 26-year-old Ricky Huerta. "it comes as a package."

The store opened Aug. 1 and sells brands such as such as 9five, Black Scale and Hidden Hype — urban styles catering to a youth market, hand-picked by the three owners at Las Vegas trade shows.

"I love clothes," said Huerta.

The mens boutique clothing store has been a three-year effort, according to the owners, requiring perseverance and sacrifice. Huerta dropped out of a business degree at DVC to work in fashion retail and the three men saved up the cash needed to get the business going without taking out loans.

"I didn't know life would bring me here," said Huerta, "We've made so much progress."

The store was named "Versus" after the struggle it took to get the company up and running, according to Huerta, and the challenge still ahead. 

"Versus" will celebrate its grand opening on Aug. 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and with a buffet and live DJ. Further details will be available at Instagram.com/Versus_Boutique.

What do you think of the "Versus" clothing store? Does it stand to succeed in the downtown market? Share your opinion in the comments below.