Award-Winning Architect Designing New Retail Experience For Respect Your Universe, Inc.
RYU has partnered with LA-based architect and retail strategist Richard Altuna, a 25-year veteran known for his work with Patagonia, Restoration Hardware, The Gap, The Nature Company, and Esprit. Mr. Altuna designed the first Imaginarium store, which won three national merchandising awards and generated over $400 per square foot — twice the national average.
Mr. Altuna says his passion for shopping as a form of entertainment energizes his work. His philosophy and approach to retail design, which is grounded in new formats and content rather than sensationalism, is a great fit with RYU, the Portland, Oregon-based company, whose roots are in leveraging the extreme movement of martial arts to create innovative workout and everyday wear that combines rigorous performance, outstanding comfort and classic style.
"Everything we do is centered around the movement, energy and the joy of being active," says Craig Brod PhD, Respect Your Universe’s chief executive officer. "It's reflected in every detail of our clothing. Naturally, we want our retail space to reflect our passion and be a source of inspiration for people, as well. We can't wait to see how Richard translates our brand and workmanship into a physical space that creates a transformative shopping experience for our customers."
Mr. Altuna is currently developing store plans that combine state-of-the-art technology with consumer research to create a new Respect Your Universe flagship store that is expected to open on the West Coast by late October 2013. Mr. Altuna is also developing store-within-store plans to meet inquiries from Hong Kong, China, and Australia.
About Respect Your Universe
Respect Your Universe Inc. is a vertically integrated, active lifestyle apparel brand focused on the needs of individuals and athletes alike. The men’s and women’s performance and active wear lines are specially designed for people who love to move, feel comfortable and look great. Crafted from organic and/or recycled materials, our products are also designed to help nurture the environment. For more information, visit http://www.ryu.com.
About Richard Altuna
Richard Altuna graduated from the University of Arizona and has over 25 years active practice as a retail architect and strategist. He has worked on several master-planning projects in CA, TX, NY, Saudi Arabia and China. Throughout his career, Mr. Altuna has worked with notable leaders in the retail community including Gary Freidman originally of William Sonoma and Pottery Barn and now Restoration Hardware, Mickey Drexler of The Gap, Alice Waters of Chez Panisse and Kirk Perron of Jamba Juice.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements regarding the new flagship store opening on the West Coast by late October 2013 are “forward-looking statements”, which are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of RYU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, that RYU may be unable to open a new store, changes in general economic or market conditions that could impact consumer demand for RYU’s products, RYU’s ability to execute on its business plan, and RYU may need additional capital. Except as required by law, RYU undertakes no responsibility to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact Information
818 North Russell Street
Portland, OR 97227
Tel: +1 877 798 8326
Website: http://www.ryu.com
Investor Relations
Anna Brazier
Tel: +1 877 367 0704
Email: ir(at)ryu.com
Anna Brazier, Respect Your Universe, Inc., http://shop.ryu.com/, 8773670704, [email protected]
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