Upstart clothier RYU Apparel Inc. (TSX-V: RYU) plans to locate in space at 805 Thurlow Street, which was a Triple O’s burger restaurant until mid-2012.
The 1,100-square-foot location will be adjacent to a Banana Republic store and the massive 13,027 flagship store for Aritzia. It will be branded RYU, which is the acronym for Respect Your Universe.
“After initial success with our flagship store in Kitsilano – the athletic hub of the city – Robson was the next logical location.” said Marcello Leone, who is president, CEO and chairman at RYU.
“As Vancouver’s premiere shopping destination it attracts shoppers from all corners of the city and beyond.”
Leone, who is the son of the founders of the upscale Leone boutique on West Hastings Street, opened his first RYU store at 1745 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano November 26.
Leone’s mother, Maria Leone, is on the company’s board of directors.
Leone told Business in Vancouver last year that he planned to open five stores in 2016 .
The company did not reiterate that goal in the press release to announce the Thurlow Street opening but said “RYU continues to investigate other major metropolitan locations to further its store expansion plans.”
Leone has described his fashions as being for “multi-disciplinary athletes,” who work out at the gym but also want to wear the same clothes while walking, running, hiking or simply hanging out.
