Adidas
Adidas was founded on August 18, 1949, by Adolf “Adi” Dassler following his legendary split with brother Rudolf “Rudi” Dassler. Together they ran a pioneering footwear company for nearly 30 years before parting ways following World War II. Their breakup is one of the most legendary stories in athletics — and created one of its biggest rivalries. Rudolf went on to found Puma. Both companies remain based in the Dasslers’ hometown of Herzogenaurach.
Adidas is now a multinational giant providing cutting edge athletic wear and fashion and lifestyle products in every major market across the globe. Since its inception, football/soccer has been a core focus, resulting in one of its most enduring hit shoes, the Samba. Originally designed by Adolf in 1949 for football players to wear on icy fields, the Samba has grown into an icon worn by generations of fans. Another core item in its Classics collection is the Stan Smith, which traces its origins to the tennis court in 1965. After facing a financial crisis in the early 1990s, Adidas transformed into a marketing-driven company under then-CEO Robert Louis-Dreyfus. The strategy was a winner. Adidas went public in 1995 and over the years has cemented its place in the culture through partnerships with athletes such as Lionel Messi, David Beckham and James Harden, as well as musicians, models, actors and fashion designers, including the highly controversial Kanye West.
Adidas
Adidas Downsizing Golf Business to Increase <em>Focus on Footwear</em>
Despite an otherwise rosy first quarter which saw revenue grow by 22 percent, Adidas Group announced during…
Adidas to Sell Golf Brands
The German sporting goods firm has put its TaylorMade, Adams and Ashworth brands on the block to focus on…
Stella McCartney, Adidas Reveal Uniforms for Britain’s Olympic Athletes
Materials are 10 percent lighter than four years ago, according to Adidas.
European Stock Markets Rise Ahead of Central Bank Decisions
Shares in Adidas, Swatch Group, Geox, MySale Group posted gains.
Adidas Boosts Guidance on Robust Q1 Sales, Profits
Net income from continuing operations should increase between 15 percent and 18 percent, up from previous…
Rita Ora On Her Sneaker Obsession & Eyeing The Competition
The pop star and Adidas partner told FN, "I don't watch what other people are doing. I just keep my mind on…
BHV Launches Fashion Sport Division
The French department store is looking to capitalize on the growing trend for women.
Adidas <em>Eliminates</em> Plastic Shopping Bags from Stores
Adidas aims to eliminate 70 million plastic shopping bags per year by ridding all 14,000-plus of its retail…
German Court Sides with <b>Puma</b> in Adidas Patent Dispute
A German court isn’t going to let Adidas block rival Puma from releasing a pair of sneakers which it claims…
Puma Scores Against Adidas in Legal Battle Over ETPU Soles
Both sporting-goods makers are claiming the rights to the innovative shoe technology, which promises high…
Adidas to Launch Shoe Collection From Recycled Plastic
The German sporting goods-maker also released its most holistic sustainability report to date.
Yohji Yamamoto Creates Y-3 Sport Label for Adidas
Y-3 Sport collection launches with a short film by director Nathalie Canguilhem and i-D's fashion director…
Boston Retailers Gear Up for 120th Running of the Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon-related events are expected to lead to a $188.8 million boost to the area's economy.
Google and Levi’s to Discuss Latest on Project Jacquard at Wear Conference
Adidas, Levi Strauss & Co., Google and Flextronics, to name just four, will discuss the future of wearables…
European Stock Markets Make Gains
Retail and luxury stocks were uneven in morning trading on Friday.