Nike was started in 1958 by Phil Knight, a track runner. His idea was to create a good American running shoe. Phil Knight and his coach designed a running shoe, and had a shoe manufacturer create it. Then called Blue Ribbon Sports, Knight changed the name to Nike after the Greek goddess of victory, and the swoosh logo was added. Then, in 1972, four of the top seven Olympic marathon runners were wearing Nike shoes, persuaded by Knight and Bowerman. Running was increasingly popular, and after the next design of the waffle running shoe, Nike increased profits considerably. Then, after running became less popular, Nike shifted its products to conform to the newest rage in fitness, and continued doing so. Then, when Nike created basketball shoes, they began to profit enormously. Using Michael Jordan to advertise, they quickly made it to the top with their Air Jordan’s.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand.
Mission "To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world."
Slogan: "Just Do It"
They are an amazing company. I remember growing up in the 60s. We had "tennis shoes" (which are now called deck shoes). That was it.
ReplyDeleteThey also really brought to the forefront the design and study of materials to improve footwear that has affected numerous other shoe companies.