Nike is an international conglomerate that produces a vast range of sporting goods. This includes virtually anything from athletic apparel, hats and shoes to accessories and equipment. Its customer base reaches the entire world: from Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa to Latin America, and Asia.
Originally called Blue Ribbon Sports, the company was founded by Philip Knight and William Jay Bowerman in January 1964. The company first began its operation in Eugene, Oregon.
At the beginning, times were of course tough. The company sold over a thousand pairs of Japanese running shoes in its first year, earning a mere $8,000. But they bounced back quickly. By the following year, their sales boosted to $20,000. The company soon opened a store in 1966 in California. From then on, it made greatly impressive sales, causing it to expand its operations.
In 1971, Blue Ribbon Sports changed its name to Nike and embarked on a major rebrand. It was also during this time that the company has started using its famous ‘Swoosh’ logo.
Nike went on to completely dominate the athletic shoe market in the United States (and, over time, the world). Television and print advertisem*nts were used to further increase its impact –
the famous “Just Do It” slogan was coined in 1988. In 1990, the company set up its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
Today, Nike continues to attract consumers. It is still well-renowned for its excellent designs and high-quality products. It has also started using environmentally friendly materials in its products such as recycled materials, organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.
