Canadian urban athletic wear retailer sets U.S. debut
RYU (Respect Your Universe) will drop anchor in the U.S. in two high-profile retail locations on the two opposite coasts.
The brand, known for its tech-styled performance apparel for men and women, will open a store on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, in Venice Beach, California. Abbot Kinney is known for its stylish boutiques, art galleries, and hip restaurants. The company did not specify when the store would open.
“We derive a lot of e-commerce business from California, and now having a physical presence there, will help to accelerate our growth,” said Marcello Leone, CEO, RYU. “Abbot Kinney is one of the top streets worldwide, for retail and for lifestyle: it's one of those places that define modern brands.”
RYU previously announced plans to open a 2,800-sq.-ft. store in the hip Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. It is due to open in the first quarter of 2018.
RYU was founded in 2008, as a developer of performance athletic apparel. Leone, whose parents founded Canadian luxury retailer Leone, took the company over in 2014. Leone moved RYU's headquarters from the United States to Vancouver, British Columbia, and revamped the brand to give it broader appeal. It currently operates five locations in Canada, and an e-commerce site. RYU merchandise is also sold in select Nordstrom locations.
The brand, known for its tech-styled performance apparel for men and women, will open a store on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, in Venice Beach, California. Abbot Kinney is known for its stylish boutiques, art galleries, and hip restaurants. The company did not specify when the store would open.
“We derive a lot of e-commerce business from California, and now having a physical presence there, will help to accelerate our growth,” said Marcello Leone, CEO, RYU. “Abbot Kinney is one of the top streets worldwide, for retail and for lifestyle: it's one of those places that define modern brands.”
RYU previously announced plans to open a 2,800-sq.-ft. store in the hip Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. It is due to open in the first quarter of 2018.
RYU was founded in 2008, as a developer of performance athletic apparel. Leone, whose parents founded Canadian luxury retailer Leone, took the company over in 2014. Leone moved RYU's headquarters from the United States to Vancouver, British Columbia, and revamped the brand to give it broader appeal. It currently operates five locations in Canada, and an e-commerce site. RYU merchandise is also sold in select Nordstrom locations.