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Essay on NIKE Inc.: Why It Is Such a Leader

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Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight started Nike Inc. in 1971, formally known as Blue Ribbon Sports. Bill Bowerman was a former track and field coach at the University of Oregon, and Phil Knight was a student-athlete at the University of Oregon. After numerous years of supplying under Blue Ribbon Sports, the two decided to enter the athletic shoe manufacturing business. The first employee of the company was Jeff Johnson, who helped them with branding what is known today as NIKE Inc.
NIKE Inc. main headquarters are located in Beaverton, Oregon. Mark Parker leads the executive team of NIKE Inc. NIKE website says that, “Parker joined NIKE as one of our first footwear designers back in 1979, and he’s been at the center of NIKE innovation ever …show more content…

It operates in more than 170 countries through its retail stores, online presence, independent distributors and licensees. The company capitalizes on its brand equity to drive its sales growth. However, high inventory and declined liquidity are a few causes for concern to the company. Emerging economies, especially Asian could open new growth avenues for the company driven by their accelerating economic activity. Growing counterfeit products market, intense competition and rising manpower cost could challenge the company’s profitable growth. (Global Data, 2012)
NIKE Inc. has been the worldwide leader of athletic shoe sales for many years now. The company’s successful brand image combined competition and enablement for the competitive, athletic user. Nike has to modify their brand to a focus of excitement and freedom and not just competitiveness. By collecting and studying an assortment of material we could be able to understand where NIKE is currently placed in the athletic shoe industry compared to their competition, and how they will be able to adjust their brand focus so it can be more effective in the future. These adjustments can help NIKE reach the more casual group of urban runners and ultimately increase the sales forecasts, while still controlling a percentage of the market for athletic shoes.
Internal Analysis
Strengths
NIKE’s biggest strength is in the

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