The Early Days of Nike
Nike was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. The company started out as a distributor of Japanese Onitsuka Tiger shoes, which were imported from Japan to the US.
In 1971, Nike introduced its first line of footwear. It was called Nike Cortez and it was a running shoe. Nike also introduced its first apparel line in 1972 with the introduction of Dri-FIT fabric technology which is designed to wick sweat away from the body.
In 1978, Nike signed a contract with Michael Jordan and in 1982 they launched the Air Force 1 shoe for him to wear on court. In 1984, Nike went public on the New York Stock Exchange and became one of the first companies to do so after receiving its certification from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Nike's Rise to Fame in the 1980s
Nike's rise to fame in the 1980s was a result of its innovative and groundbreaking products. The company had already been around since 1964, but it wasn't until they started making shoes that were specifically designed for running that they became a household name. The Nike Air Max and Nike Running Shoes were both released in 1987, which helped cement their place as one of the best shoe companies on the market.
Nike's Growth in the 1990s and 2000s
Nike's growth in the 1990s and 2000s can be attributed to a number of factors. The company had a strong brand and was able to capitalize on its popularity with an iconic logo. Nike was also able to grow by expanding overseas, which made the company more profitable. Nike also grew by partnering with other companies and brands, like Michael Jordan's "Jordan Brand."
Nikes' Recent Successes and Future Plans
Nike has always been at the forefront of innovation. They were the first to introduce the concept of sports shoes in 1972 and today, they are one of the most popular brands in this industry.
Nike’s recent successes and future plans are outlined below:
- Nike is investing heavily in AI research for its products and services.
- Nike has also announced that it will be opening an AI lab in New York City to work on new ideas for its products.
- Nike is also partnering with startups like Niantic Labs, a company that develops augmented reality games which will help them explore new ways to interact with consumers. Click here for more info.