Respect Your Universe aka RYU Apparel was one of Vancouver’s proudest exports in terms of strength, style, and discipline. It had the perfect mix of athletic ambition and West Coast minimalism. But by 2025, the company’s story has taken a very different turn which shows us how quickly momentum can fade in the world of modern retail.
From Growth to Store Closures
Back in 2022, RYU shocked fans when it decided to close nearly all of its stores.
At one point, the company dreamed of opening over a hundred storefronts worldwide. It had big plans and for a while, it looked like those dreams might actually happen. There were sleek stores in Vancouver, Toronto, and even one in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Each carried that clean, industrial design that reflected RYU’s philosophy of “movement and respect.”
But expansion came at a cost. Sales didn’t grow as quickly as expenses did.
- The New York store closed in February 2022.
- The Toronto shop on Queen Street West followed shortly after.
- Only the Vancouver flagship, a 5,600-square-foot space on West 4th Avenue, stayed open.
The closures marked a turning point. RYU would no longer chase physical growth and it would try to survive online instead.
Form Where it Started?
The company started in 2011 with deep roots in martial arts culture. Its goal was simple, design clothing that supported strength, focus, and balance.
That idea gave RYU a clear voice in a crowded market, but the execution didn’t always match the vision. The brand never quite broke through to the mainstream, even with its stylish, durable gear. It became admired by a niche audience, but overlooked by the masses.
What caused the Downfall?
Behind the scenes, RYU’s story was just as complicated as its public image.
In 2014, Marcelo Leone, a Vancouver entrepreneur, took over as CEO. He believed RYU could grow into Canada’s answer to Lululemon with strong, modern, and community-driven identity. For a few years, it seemed possible. But rapid expansion and inconsistent revenue left the brand stretched too thin.
Leone eventually stepped down, and Cesare Fazari took over as CEO and Chairman. His task was enormous because he has to regain investor confidence and stabilize the company.
By 2022, though, the pressure was visible. The Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer both resigned. Fazari stepped in to fill both roles temporarily.
That same year, RYU faced a cease trade order from the British Columbia Securities Commission for failing to file its financial reports on time. The move froze trading of its shares and deepened investor doubts.
It wasn’t just a financial issue bit it was a credibility one.
Tried to Roar Back!
As part of its restructuring, RYU shifted its headquarters from Vancouver to Toronto. The relocation reflected a new strategy with fewer stores and more digital presence.
The brand started calling itself an “internet-first company,” leaning on e-commerce and online community engagement. It was a smart move in theory. But without strong marketing or new product momentum, it was hard to regain lost ground.
According to startup databases like Tracxn, RYU has since been categorized as “deadpooled” meaning it’s likely no longer active in large-scale retail operations.
The once-vibrant Instagram feed got slower, the website remained live but quieter, the physical store in Vancouver became more like a brand museum than a bustling shopfront.
The State of RYU Apparel in 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and RYU’s story feels bittersweet.
The brand is still listed under the ticker RYPPF, but trading activity is minimal. Share prices are extremely low, and investor communication is scarce. For longtime fans, it feels like watching an old favorite fade into silence.
No new store openings have been announced. No major partnerships have been revealed. The focus now seems to be maintaining whatever remains of the online store and exploring options for revival or acquisition.
The Vancouver flagship is still standing and is quiet but symbolic, a reminder of what the brand once represented.
Why RYU Struggled to Survive?
There’s no single cause behind RYU’s decline. It’s a collection of missteps and bad timing.
- Overexpansion: The company opened too many stores before proving long-term demand.
- Weak awareness: Despite quality products, few consumers knew the brand well.
- Tough competition: Lululemon, Gymshark, and other athletic brands dominated the space.
- Leadership changes: Frequent executive turnover created instability.
- Pandemic impact: COVID-19 crushed in-store sales and forced rapid changes.
- Compliance issues: Missing financial filings damaged its credibility.
RYU’s downfall isn’t about failure alone, it was about a brand that tried to grow faster than its foundation allowed.
Can RYU Apparel make a comeback?
The answer depends on what comes next.
The brand still owns a name with meaning and a community that remembers it. A few possible paths remain open:
- Acquisition: A larger sportswear company could buy and revive RYU’s label.
- Rebranding: A leaner, online-only version could return with new leadership.
- Closure: If recovery fails, RYU may quietly exit the market altogether.
Until the company files new statements or announces a deal, Respect Your Universe exists in limbo or not gone, but not fully alive either.
What other brands can Learn from RYU?
RYU Apparel’s rise and fall hold lessons for every young brand chasing growth:
- Build your story before your stores.
- Focus on consistency, not speed.
- Keep leadership stable and investors informed.
- Never lose sight of what made people believe in you first.
RYU started with a beautiful idea like to design gear that respected the human spirit. But in the world of business, even noble ideas need solid strategy.
