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 Unveils 5-Year Growth Plan
The company intends to grow net income by 15 percent per year on high single-digit sales gain.
Thousands of Chinese Workers Strike at Nike and Adidas Supplier
Foes Nike and Adidas are experiencing a case of déjà vu: Up to 5,000 workers at the world’s largest athletic…
Pharrell Williams Reaches CFDA Icon Status
Pharrell Williams — musician, producer and Adidas Superstar collaborator — will soon add a new achievement…
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Pharrell Williams Reaches CFDA Icon Status
Pharrell Williams — musician, producer, G-Star Raw collaborator, Adidas Superstar designer and the founder of…
Adidas Seeks New Leadership
After an underperforming 2014, Adidas is looking to replace its current CEO, Herbert Hainer. According to an…
Adidas Beats Sustainable Cotton Target
On its path toward sustainability, athletic wear retailer Adidas committed to sourcing 100 percent…
Booster Shot: Adidas Releases the Ultra Boost
Adidas is charging ahead with its Boost technology. The athletic company released the updated Ultra Boost on…
Breaking the Internet: The Yeezy 750 Boost
Kanye West knows how to nab the spotlight — in more ways than one. The rapper and his team of celebrity…
Adidas to Source in Myanmar
Sporting goods retailer Adidas said it will start sourcing product from Myanmar as it endeavors to evolve its…
Adidas Launches First-Ever Reservation App
Sneakerheads will have more time to enjoy leisurely weekend brunches now that they don’t have to stand in…
Six New Brands Commit to the Responsible Down Standard
At the Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow last week, Textile Exchange, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating…
New Balance Buys Rockport, Bob Infantino to Lead New Business
Adidas Group and Rockport are parting ways. Boston-based investment firm Berkshire Partners LLC, together…
Adidas and Marks & Spencer Named Among Most Sustainable Companies
Adidas and Marks & Spencer ranked among the top 20 most sustainable retailers in the world in Toronto-based…
Jeremy Scott and Adidas Originals Create a Unisex Scent
Always innovative and always funky fashion designer Jeremy Scott is teaming up again with Adidas for a new…
Sneaker Releases to Watch in 2015
Sneakers are making noise. Last month the NPD Group revealed the athletic footwear category recorded $93…