Nike

Nike is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. Some key facts about Nike:

  • Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight before officially changing the company name to Nike, Inc. in 1978. The name Nike comes from the Greek goddess of victory.
  • Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon and has offices all over the world.
  • Best known for their athletic shoes and apparel, especially their Air Jordan and Air Force 1 sneaker lines. Other major product lines include Nike Pro, Nike+, Nike Golf, and subsidiary brands like Converse and Hurley.
  • One of the most valuable brands in the world, with their iconic "Swoosh" logo being instantly recognizable.
  • Uses celebrity endorsements and sponsorships as part of their marketing, most famously their deals with Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
  • Main competitors include other major athletic brands like Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and brands owned by their parent company Nike Inc. like Converse and Hurley.
  • Criticized for labor practices and outsourcing manufacturing to places like China and Indonesia where workers are paid low wages in poor conditions.
  • Revenue in 2022 was over $46 billion with over 75,000 employees worldwide.

So in summary, Nike is the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and one of the most recognizable brands, known for their innovative products and marketing campaigns. However, they have faced criticisms over labor practices.