VANCOUVER, May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - RYU Apparel Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RYU.V, OTCQB: RYPPF), creators of urban athletic apparel, is deeply thrilled to announce the Company won the prestigious award as "Best Customer Experience Initiative", at the World Retail Awards, which closed the three-day World Retail Conference at the National Maritime Museum, in Amsterdam - NED.

Last night in a star-studded gala in Amsterdam, RYU was recognized at the World Retail Awards for creating the Best Customer Experience Initiative in the world, picked from a shortlist including retail giants, such as L'Occitane, Alibaba and Swarowsky. Winning this prominent award firmly secures our place among global finalists in other categories this year including Nike, lululemon, Gucci, Farfetch and Walmart. It also confirms the quality of the initiatives the Company is creating, in consideration of the fact that at the 2018 edition, RYU was short-listed as finalist in two categories: "Best Retail Start Up" and "Best Social Media Campaign" for our #OneMoreRep initiative, in support of mental health issues.

Right from the start, Respect Your Universe envisioned that sustained growth in the active lifestyle category focuses on driving the customer experience. Through innovative Customer Experience Initiatives, we have successfully made each RYU retail location a Brand Experience Centre where people feel welcome, respected, included, and part of something bigger than themselves.

"The importance of this award is unprecedented, for a Company like ours", said Marcello Leone, CEO of RYU. "The World Retail Awards has become one of the most important events in our industry, it features worldwide known companies, for which we have nothing but the utmost Respect: being amongst those peers is breathtaking. Being recognized for 'Best Customer Service Initiative' reflects our vision of having our guest in the center of the entire experience".

Here is just some of the impact that RYU have generated in our communities:

- Hosted over 3,000 unique in-store experiences
- Directly impacted over 50,000 people through a variety of experiential initiatives
- Currently hosts over 40 free Sweat Club classes, attended by over 250 guests every week
- Supported over 300 community impact initiatives
- Engaged with over 300,000 people through a variety of Community Events

"It's been an astonishing week for RYU, winning two awards, very different for location and impact, but most importantly, for two of our core values" continued Marcello Leone. "The Global Entrepreneurship Award won in Vancouver speaks about the entrepreneurial spirit we encourage and that makes us push every day for innovating the business world, while the World Retail Award celebrates the Community Experience we create in our stores and with our people, which is at the heart of what we do".

About the World Retail Awards

Launched in 2007, the World Retail Awards have been recognizing the very best retailers and retail initiatives for over a decade.

Winning an award aligns your business with the world's most visionary, influential retailers (and past winners) including Tommy Hilfiger, Sephora and The Body Shop. The categories offer an opportunity for your success and achievements to be recognized as the best in the global retail industry.

About RYU

Respect Your Universe is an award-winning urban athletic apparel and accessories brand engineered for the fitness, performance and lifestyle of the athletic man and woman. Designed without compromise for fit, comfort, and durability, RYU exists to facilitate human performance. For more information, visit: http://ryu.com

On Behalf of the Board

RYU APPAREL INC.
"Marcello Leone"
Marcello Leone, CEO, President and Chairman of the Board
Tel: 604-235-2880

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.

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SOURCE RYU Apparel Inc.