Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$24.1 billion in its fiscal year 2012 (ending May 31, 2012). As of 2012, it employed more than 44,000 people worldwide. In 2014 the brand alone was valued at $19 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses. The company was founded on January 25, 1964, as Blue Ribbon Sports, by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, and officially became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971. The company takes its name from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Nike markets its products under its own brand, as well as Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Air Jordan, Nike Blazers, and subsidiaries including Cole Haan, Hurley International, Umbro, and Converse. Nike also owned Bauer Hockey between 1995 and 2008.
In the early 1970s, BRS, then a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS), opened its first retail store in Santa Monica, California. The store was called Nike, and the company later adopted the name as its own. The company initially operated in a single retail store in Santa Monica, but expanded quickly. The company’s first manufacturing facility was in Exeter, New Hampshire. BRS prepared to move its headquarters to Portland, Oregon, in 1978 in order to take advantage of the city’s proximity to Asian manufacturers and lower labor costs. BRS also expanded its product line to include a variety of sports equipment and clothing, and changed its name to Nike, Inc. in 1978.
Nike is the largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel in the world, with more than US$24.1 billion in revenue during 2012. Its global headquarters are located near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area. The company is headquartered in the Portland suburb of Beaverton, but it has offices in other parts of the world.
Nike’s worldwide operations are divided into five geographic regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. The company has significant market shares in the athletic shoe, sporting goods and apparel industries, and is considered one of the world’s most valuable and recognizable brands.
Nike’s brand is widely recognized for its iconic “Swoosh” logo, which was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971. The company’s slogan, “Just Do It,” was introduced in 1988 and has become one of the most recognized slogans in advertising history.
In the 1990s, Nike expanded its product line to include apparel for various sports, such as basketball, running, soccer, and golf. The company also acquired other brands, including Cole Haan, Converse, and Hurley International. In addition, Nike has formed partnerships with several high-profile athletes and sports teams, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and the Brazilian national soccer team.
Nike has also been the subject of controversy in recent years due to its use of sweatshop labor in the production of its products. In response to these criticisms, the company has implemented various measures to improve working conditions and wages in its factories, including the establishment of the Fair Labor Association in 1999.
Despite these controversies, Nike remains one of the most successful and influential companies in the world. Its brand continues to be recognized and respected globally, and its products are worn and used by athletes and non-athletes alike.
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