LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Apr 11, 2012) - Respect Your Universe, Inc. (RYU) (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]), [ http://www.ryu.com/ ], is pleased to announce the successful launch and roll out of its inaugural Spring '12 apparel line to retail, and the commencement of the revenue stage of its business plan.

RYU's sales drive started with a strong industry debut at the February Magic apparel show in Las Vegas, where the brand was well-received by industry executives and buyers. At Magic, RYU was fortunate enough to garner a key endorsement from the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), who chose to promote RYU as one of four "new school" companies that are "changing the face of MMA."

Following Magic, RYU has made great headway in forging key retail partnerships. In addition to its own website, [ https://shop.ryu.com ], the line currently is available on several leading MMA apparel websites. The Spring '12 line is also selling at a variety of key physical channels, including several specialty boutiques across North America that deal in both MMA and specialty athletic wear. RYU is making headway into larger retail stores with several key accounts that include an upscale Midwest department store, a world-renowned premium boutique in Vancouver, Canada, US Marines exchanges and a pilot program with one of the nation's leading sports retail chains.

"RYU's roots are in the authentic execution of performance athletic wear and the initial reaction from fans, athletes and retail in that category has been very positive. The RYU team is thrilled with the response by the retail market," said RYU CEO Christopher Martens.

For more information on RYU visit [ http://www.ryu.com ] or call +1-888-455-6183 ext. 101.

*Warrior Ethic
It is essential to keep the spirit of the warrior in mind twenty-four hours a day, whether walking, standing still, sitting down or reclining. Never forget it.

About Respect Your Universe
Respect Your Universe, Inc. (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]) is a premium performance apparel and equipment company rooted in and inspired by Mixed Martial Arts. Focused on the needs of the athlete, RYU brings innovative design, development and production of premium authentic performance gear with style to mixed martial artists and athlete enthusiasts worldwide. The RYU brand is based on respect, strength, honor and sustainability.

Safe Harbor Statements
Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," "plans," "hopes," "estimates," "projects" or "intends," or stating that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, our branding and endorsement initiatives, the results of our athlete spokespersons, the actual results of sales and designs of our apparel, the MMA industry and market, the apparel industry and market, the availability of capital to fund our business plan and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, and product manufacturing and sourcing. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.