RYU To Reopen Toronto and Vancouver Flagships

Cesare Fazari, the recently appointed CEO and Chairman of the Board of RYU Apparel Inc., the Vancouver-based urban athletic apparel company, updated its shareholders on the immediate focus areas to be addressed as the company restructures. RYU will be reopening its flagship retail locations in Toronto and Vancouver while reducing brick & mortar expenditures in other locations. Fazari also noted that online sales are critical to the company’s future and growth as an internationally recognized brand. A spokesperson for the company explained that discussions are continuing with landlords to negotiate better terms to align with the company focus on digital and e-Comm. Brick & mortar locations are still considered a component as long as it works with the company’s fiscal plan. “The future of brick and mortar retail has been greatly affected by COVID-19, so we are taking a slow and steady approach to the best way to adapt to the new normal in the retail shopping experience,” the spokesperson added. Fazari also pointed out that customer demand for RYU's products has outweighed supply due to an inadequate investment in inventory. The company has identified its best-selling products while concurrently arranging for new inventory purchases to satisfy demand. Early in 2020, RYU officially opened a flagship store in Williamsburg and a location in Newport Beach, its second in California. Aurora’s Jeri Brodie is responsible for the site selection in Canada. The RYU stores generally operate in 2000–2500 square foot units.