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Adidas News & Releases
Adidas' flagship store in Shanghai, China. Courtesy

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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

<b>Adidas</b> Streamlines China Trade Activities with Amber Road

Adidas Greater China is in growth mode and making the proper preparations. The apparel and footwear company…

WWD Law Review: Cheerleader Uniforms, Stripes — and Counterfeits

The Supreme Court issued its long-awaited ruling in the case involving cheerleader uniforms, while Adidas…

Adidas Continues Litigation Spree With TM Suit Against Juicy Couture

The German company is continuing its habit of going after alleged copycats whenever it finds them.

Adidas Takes Personalization to New Level With In-Store Knitting Machine

If it can make products faster using personalization, Adidas said it could increase its full-price sales by…

Adidas Sues Asics Over String of Tech Patents

Asics is allegedly using technology covered by nearly a dozen patents registered to Adidas.

Adidas Tries for Major Sales Boost by 2020

Adidas continues its upward swing by announcing that the activewear brand expects to increase its North…

Europe’s Stock Markets Climb on Fed Rate Rise

Retail and luxury stocks were also on the rise in mid-morning trading.

Europe’s Markets Uneven in Mid-Morning Trading

Retail and luxury stocks were uneven.

The Inside Scoop on How Adidas Became One of the Industry’s Most Sought-After Brands

In an FN exclusive, Adidas' Mark King gets candid on the brand's winning strategy.

Adidas to End Contract With Olympique de Marseille

The German sporting goods giant has decided not to renew its contract with the French league one soccer club…

Executive Roundup: Barneys Appoints New Creative Director, AAFA and SPESA Shake Up Leadership

Barneys appointed Matthew Mazzucca as its new creative director, meanwhile AAFA and SPESA announced…

WWD Law Review: Forever 21 v. Adidas — and a Nail Salon

The fast-fashion retailer is taking on Adidas over alleged over-aggressive enforcement of the activewear…

Adidas Talks a Digital Future

The German activewear giant raised its earnings guidance for 2020 following a record year of sales and…

European Stock Markets Uneven in Midmorning Trading

Retail and luxury stocks were mostly up on Wednesday morning.

Adidas Raises Profit Guidance

In 2016, the German activewear giant's profits passed the billion-euro mark for the first time.