VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - RYU Apparel Inc. (TSXV: RYU) (OTCQB: RYPPF) (FWB: RYAA) ("RYU" or the "Company"), creator of award-winning urban athletic apparel, is proud to celebrate their six-year anniversary with annual in-store shopping event – a tradition RYU has kept up since inception.

In conjunction with the anniversary event as well as the beginning of the holiday shopping season, RYU is revamping its instore customer experience to make gift purchases effortless for those who embrace fitness, performance, and movement in their daily lives. 

Special Event Date

Date: Friday November 26^th
Hours: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Locations: Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Queens Street, Toronto; West 4th, Vancouver
Event: Live Music
Special Event Promotion: 30% Off

RYU is also proud to celebrate their six-year anniversary with a look back at key milestones—including the recent launch of their inaugural catalogue—and a glimpse at what's ahead for the brand's continued growth.

What started out as a mixed martial arts equipment company in 2015, has grown into a coveted athletic apparel brand united by purpose and driven by movement. By shifting their focus to a broader performance and lifestyle consumer and expanding their product lines to include multi-purpose clothing, bags and accessories, RYU has become a premiere omni-channel retailer with a robust e-commerce platform, wholesale accounts, brick-and-mortar shops, and a brand new catalogue business.

Led by industry luminary Rob Blair as COO, the team's understanding of market trends and cutting-edge design has contributed to a growing loyal fan base and several strategic partnerships:

• Specially-branded uniforms and gear for the Canada Skateboard National Team to represent their country at the Tokyo Olympics, plus a limited-edition run of hoodies and t-shirts for the public
• Official high performance apparel sponsor for the NFL Alumni Academy, including exclusive training gear and branded streetwear for athletes and coaches
• Influencer campaign and exclusive branded collection with The Wall Trainer, makers of total-body workout machines

Additionally, RYU launched their first printed catalogue earlier this month, with distribution to households across the U.S. The catalog program drove a 407% USD increase vs. the same period the previous year. Further, combined ecommerce sales are up 116% increase vs. the same period the previous year. This new sales and marketing channel, which is part of their four-pillar growth strategy, creates an additional touchpoint for existing customers while expanding their reach to new audiences.

"Celebrating our anniversary means celebrating our customers, partners and shareholders.  Without their support we would be in a very different place today," says CEO Cesare Fazari. "Their trust in our vision has allowed us to take several successful leaps over the past year… and we're just getting started."

RYU is looking forward to a strong final two months of 2021, which will tee them up for what's next: re-imagining their brand to tell a clearer, more inspiring story that resonates with their audience, and rebuilding their consumer database for more accurate targeting and outreach.

According to Technavio, the global activewear apparel market is expected to grow by more than $157 billion between 2020-2024. RYU is capitalizing on this opportunity by investing in their brand, growing their audience base, pursuing synergistic partnerships, and continuing to design innovative apparel for both performance and everyday wear that reflects a mindful, life-long practice of movement.

About RYU Apparel

RYU Apparel (TSXV:RYU,OTCQB:RYPPF), or Respect Your Universe, is an award winning urban athletic apparel and accessories brand engineered for the fitness, performance and lifestyle of the athletic man and woman. Designed without compromise for fit, comfort, and durability, RYU exists to facilitate optimal human performance. For more information, please visit the RYU website at: http://ryu.com.  

Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This news release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of RYU, such as statements the renewal of the RYU brand, success of The Wall Trainer or effectiveness or partnerships of the Influencers. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and RYU's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including: (i) adverse market conditions, including conditions arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise; (ii) an inability to renew the RYU brand, implement strategic objectives and regain profitability; (iii) failing to meet target revenue projections as anticipated; (iv) failing to enter into the anticipated consulting arrangement and (v) the inability to complete the planned re-opening of the its store or the piloting of the "RYU Studio" concept. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, RYU does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. 

SOURCE RYU Apparel Inc.