RYU Apparel inks distribution deal with Mexico's Grupo Pavel

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Feb 23, 2021

RYU Apparel Inc. announced on Monday the launch of a wholesale distribution agreement with Mexico City-based fashion, athletic apparel and cosmetic distributor Grupo Pavel.

As part of the agreement, Grupo Pavel will sell RYU's sports apparel throughout Mexico. Grupo Pavel, which is a leading distributor in Mexico since 1967, currently distributes for brands such as Lorna Jane, Garmin, and New Era, to name a few.

The Canadian apparel brand described the milestone agreement as “a key step in the company's wholesale strategy”.

"Premium sportswear and athleisure represent a strong, growing market in Mexico, and our team is very excited to introduce RYU's award-winning clothing, aesthetic, and brand message to our customers" said Cesare Fazari, in a news statement. 

Fazari was named chairman and CEO of RYU, in April 2020, following the resignation of the brand's founding-CEO Marcello Leone. 

"I am honored, on behalf of our entire team, to have the opportunity to become a partner of RYU and introduce it to our clients in Mexico" said Federico Velez Parsons, CEO of Grupo Pavel. "Mexico is eager to wear and experience new great brands and RYU reflects our values: we look forward to a great partnership”.

RYU experienced years of rapid growth before putting the breaks on expansion plans in February 2020, as the company disclosed that it was facing a funding shortage.

The Vancouver-based athletic brand has since launched a new strategic direction focused on its e-commerce business and the kick-off of a RYU loyalty program. 

Other initiatives announced in November that are meant to allow the renewal of the RYU brand include streamlining RYU's design and production, re-establishing production in Canada through the development and launch of a new 'Made in Canada' product line, the planned reopening of its flagship store, and more.