Akron Transplant We Love: Highland Throwbacks

What would you do for vintage Wahoo? Since Highland Throwbacks expanded to Lakewood in November, you don’t have to do too much. When the three owners opened their first shop in Akron, they stocked the racks with personal vintage treasures. Today, the two shops, including the new 1,500-square-foot Madison Avenue location, feature highly curated selections of ‘80s and ‘90s vintage Ralph Lauren, Supreme, Nike, concert tees, sneakers and more. “We can educate you,” says co-owner Travis Smetana. “We get to know each other and then, maybe, you leave with a really cool T-shirt.” When they decided to open in Lakewood, they knew one thing: Clevelanders need their sports gear. Now, from Tribe windbreakers and tees to a life-sized Jim Thome cutout, Highland has everything you need for peak game day dad vibes. “We’re all die-hard fans,” says Cleveland native Smetana. “We have to do them right and offer the best selection we can.” 15220 Madison Ave., Lakewood; 777 W. Market St., Akron