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SHORT CASE SUMMARY Nike, Inc. (503-671-6453, www.nike.com) is the worlds #1 athletic shoe and apparel seller. Nike currently employs 20,700 employees, with total sales of $8.78 billion. Nike and the athletic shoe industry have evolved into one of the most competitive market in recent years. But, analysts believe that athletic shoe sales will slow down over the next few years. The slowdown will come with the change in consumer trends. For instance, the younger market is beginning to buy more casual shoes and work boots. Another reason for the slowdown is that people are buying more medium priced athletic shoes and not going for the high price brand name shoes. As a result, this is bringing Nike a lot more competition to surpass. In order for Nike to remain on top of the athletic shoe industry they must establish an exceptional global strategy. If Nike penetrates the global market successfully than this will give the company an overall competitive advantage. Nike doesn't only sell athletic shoes, but a wide variety of sporting goods and clothing. They also design, develop, and market high quality active sports apparel, equipment, and accessory products. Their huge lines of products are designed for just about every sport in existence. Their products are made for men, women, and children of all ages. Nike has 20,000 retail accounts throughout the U. S. using independent distributors and also has contracts with 110 other countries. The company also has agreements with Internet companies and subsidiaries. Nike, Inc. has many retail outlets around the world, including their famous outlet "NIKETOWN" located in major cities. "NIKETOWN" gives customers the experience to become more educated on the company's goals and objectives for their products. The store educates its customer while at same time entertaining them too. This store gives customers a chance to become more brand loyal to Nike, Inc. Over the years Nike has gained an enormous amount of consumer awareness that they have eliminated the company name from all other products. The "swoosh" logo is automatically associated with the company name by just about anyone in the world. The meaning for Nike has lived up to the company's expectations. Nike means "the goddess of victory," which is exactly what the company has had since its creation. HISTORY A competitive runner, Phil Knight, incorporated Blue Ribbon Sports in Oregon in 1968. Blue Ribbon Sports was the first to receive the "swoosh" logo, but changed its name to Nike in 1978. Nike's research and development department used technological expertise to produce several different athletic shoes, which changed the whole outlook on the industry.
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