LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Jul 9, 2012) - Today, Respect Your Universe, Inc. (RYU) (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]), [ http://www.ryu.com/ ], is thrilled to announce the introduction of the their first retail location. A lease agreement for the RYU Las Vegas flagship store has just been completed between RYU and The Shoppes at the Palazzo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Located in The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, The Shoppes at The Palazzo is one of the world's emporiums of style and a mecca for the fashion-forward, featuring dozens of premier luxury brands including Diane von Furstenberg, Chloé, Christian Louboutin, Salvatore Ferragamo, Fendi, Ralph Lauren and more.

Set to open in late September 2012, RYU's new retail store will be located between Michael Kors and Seven for All Mankind (and across from Burberry and Barney's New York). Design is currently underway by acclaimed architects, Skylab Architecture. With the release of the Men's 2012 Fall Collection and unveiling of the new Women's 2012 Fall Line set for July, RYU's retail location will have 120 styles (1500 skus) available from both the Men's and Women's Fall Lines in the store for customers including apparel and accessories.

"Las Vegas and The Shoppes at the Palazzo are a perfect fit for our first retail store. We intend to offer a premium shopping experience that serves as a true extension to brand. A modern space that will reflect the premium quality, performance, sustainability, craftsmanship and design of our apparel and products," said RYU CEOChristopher Martens.

Founded on the principles of respect, strength, honor and sustainability, and influenced by the dedication of the athlete to the ancient sport of Martial Arts, RYU's innovative premium apparel and product for both performance and lifestyle was created to inspire all athletes to achieve greatness. By producing products that are environmentally, and ethically, sound, all of RYU's apparel and products are comprised of up to 90% organic and recycled materials utilizing some of the best yarn and fabric suppliers in the world.

Through the creation of innovative apparel and products that have less of an impact on the environment, RYU's fabrics and technologies boast the attributes of Moisture Control Fabric (AIR Weave), Thermal Control Fabric (FIRE Weave), Weather Resistant Fabric (WIND Weave) and Eco-Friendly Fabric (TERRA Weave). RYU's authenticity in its apparel and products is also reflected in the design of each item containing one or more symbols from ancient Samurai iconography. 

RYU is an official sponsor of the UFC and will be visible in various elements throughout the UFC events in 2012 including logo displays and live announcements during bouts along with television promotions and placement on the UFC website including their web store. 

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

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. Respect to the End.

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 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 success of our retail store, 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.