Nike
Nike was founded on January 25, 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, under the name “Blue Ribbon Sports.” Bowerman, a track coach, and Knight, a track athlete, sold their proprietary waffle-iron fashioned rubber-sole running shoes out of Knight’s car during track meets at Hayward Field. The company officially became Nike, Inc. in 1971, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The company's headquarters, located in Beaverton, Oregon, pay homage to the company starting in Oregonian cities like Eugene and Springfield.
Nike’s history as a sports shoe company has been punctuated by several popular shoes with significance expanded to popular culture. The Nike Cortez shoe was released in 1972 during the Mexico Olympics and has since been released in several colorways and regained popularity when featured in the film “Forest Gump.” In 1982, the Air Force 1 was released as the first basketball shoe to feature air in the sole. Air Force 1s continue to be one of the most popular Nike shoes today. In 1984, the Air Jordan 1 was produced exclusively for Michael Jordan. The shoe’s logo, a silhouette of Michael Jordan, known as the “Jumpman” logo is synonymous with the shoe. The first Nike Air Max was released. In 1987 and featured a visible air pocket. There have been many other Nike shoe releases over the years, but the three mentioned have had a sustaining place in pop culture to this day.
Nike’s advertising and sponsorship have also been a cultural touchstone since the company’s inception. From partnering with and sponsoring Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Serena Williams and more to advertising campaigns, logos, and slogans like “Just Do It,” Nike has cemented their place as one of the most famous companies worldwide.
Nike
Knight Officially Passes Torch to Parker In Nike Chairman Succession
Nike announced on Thursday that Nike chairman Phil Knight had officially retired, allowing Mark Parker to…
Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight Officially Retires as Chairman
Nike is changing up its executive board.
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Phil Knight Retires as Nike Chairman
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The company also appointed Apple's Tim Cook as its board's lead independent director.
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Nike Unveils Team USA Olympic Uniforms
The brand showed USA medalist, track and field, women's soccer and tennis uniforms.
Sluggish Sales in North America Weigh on Nike Profit
Good isn't always good enough for Nike investors.
Stocks Higher As Markets Adapt to Brexit Decision
Stocks are moving higher as markets are adjusting to the U.K. decision to leave the European Union.
Nike’s Mark Parker Looks Beyond Fourth-Quarter Profit Slip
Mark Parker, who's targeting $50 billion in sales by 2020 for Nike, topped $32 billion in sales for the year…
Markets Rally as Nike Earnings Disappoints Investors
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Mixed Results for Converse in Trademark Battle
Converse got some but not all of what it wanted Friday in a ruling on its 2014 lawsuit with 31 different…
Activewear Brands’ Digital Efforts Fall Short in UK
Five brands collectively own half of all U.K. activewear sales–but that could change if other labels stepped…