The Strategy Story

Nike Business Model: Not a business but an inspiration

Born in a family of runners, Nike has always been a household name. I would spend a considerable amount of time trying new models and visiting the Nike Website for any possible discounts.

Quite recently, I finished Phil Knight’s Memoir- Shoe Dog. The story behind the brand speaks of resilience. Nike entered an already dominated market, faced supply-chain issues, financial problems, and lawsuits.

Each hurdle had the potential to put them out of business, but they fought against all odds and emerged to be the most dominant player in the sportswear market. Today, let us analyze the industry and the business model & strategies that made Nike a success story.

The Sportswear Industry

The sportswear industry in the world is dominated by Nike, Adidas, Asics, and UnderArmour. The global sportswear market size is projected to reach US$ 113190 million by 2026, from US$ 93160 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 3.3% during 2021-2026.

The sportswear industry saw a hit during the COVID 19 pandemic; however, it fared far better than the rest of the apparel industry. There was a shift in the sales pattern; people started to buy sportswear for indoor sports rather than outdoor sports.

The industry saw a change in their customer base- there was an increase in women buyers, and currently, more than 50% of buyers are women. Moreover, the pandemic shifted the public’s focus towards physical health and the importance of an active life, which boosted sales for the sportswear industry.

The industry is highly competitive as there is a shortage of raw materials and incredible demand. This problem causes an imbalance in the supply chain. New companies often do not have the funds to handle such an imbalance. Nike faced the same issue for a very long time and was floating due to supply-chain delays but eventually dealt with it after it introduced the idea of “futures” to its stockholders.

The problem was then resolved after the cash inflow when the company became public. However, even a small market share in this segment can yield good profits. Nike was not the first to enter this market, but with its innovative designs and marketing strategies, it managed to make its way to the top. Nike doesn’t sell shoes. It sells an idea with its marketing strategy!!

Infographic: Nike Remains a Firm Favorite of American Teens | Statista

Nike’s Outsourcing Business Model

Nike has a mass-market business model which caters to sports enthusiasts. The product categories are broadly shoes, sports apparel, and accessories. Their first products were running shoes, given that Phil Knight was a runner himself.

Before they went public, they opened their Apparel line, which has been equally successful. They ventured out to Basketball sneakers and slowly created a demand for shoes as footwear used for daily use.

business plan of nike company

Nike Inc. (originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports) first started as a reseller for Onitsuka Tiger shoes from Japan. Post their fallout, they outsourced their manufacturing from 300 independent suppliers in 35 countries such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, etc. Today, there are 1096 Nike retail stores worldwide, apart from E-commerce and online platforms. They sell their products in 170 countries across the world. Nike currently has a brand value of 34.8Bn USD.

business plan of nike company

They have the highest market share in the shoes and sports apparel department. They were the first American shoe-selling company to open their warehouse and sell their products in the Chinese market. Countries such as India, Italy, Mexico, and Argentina have manufacturing units catering to local markets. This move significantly lowers the supply chain woes and makes Nike accessible all over the world.

Infographic: The World’s Most Valuable Apparel Brands | Statista

Value Proposition

Nike’s business model focuses on Innovation and Customization. Despite the sportswear being outsourced, Nike maintains strict quality checks. It spends a lot of resources and time for designing, research, and development.

Bill Bowerman (Nike’s early partner) would often use waffle irons to experiment with shoes! Their designs are admirable- anyone who has a pair of Nike’s Air Zooms can vouch for this. They introduced the world to Air-Cushioning technology in shoes.

Infographic: Nike Still on Top of the Sneaker World | Statista

There is a special team- Nike Explore Team Sport Research Lab, which is responsible for innovations. It employs researchers with doctorates in biomedical engineering, biomechanics, kinesiology, mechanical engineering, physics, physiology, and systems science. The company maintains advisory boards and research committees consisting of athletes, trainers, coaches, orthopedists, podiatrists, equipment managers, and experts who can guide the product design and development process.

Customization is another feature that Nike provides. NikeID is a service that allows buyers to customize their shoes. They can choose colors, sports style, and traction. One can visit Nike by You, Custom shoes and have a shoe tailored to their needs and likes.

Brand positioning and Advertising

When Knight first started Nike, he did not believe in the power of advertising. Funny how things change, Nike spent 3.59 billion U.S. dollars only on advertising and promotional events in 2020. Nike roughly spends 10% of its revenue on advertising. However, their marketing strategy often reminds me of a verse from the book and their spirit throughout the book.

business plan of nike company

I’d tell men and women in their mid-twenties not to settle for a job or a profession or even a career. Seek a calling. Even if you don’t know what that means, seek it. Phil Knight

The first employees of the firm were Shoe dogs. Bill Bowerman was Phil Knight’s track coach. Jeff Johnson and Phil Knight went for 13-mile runs when they met to discuss strategies. All of them loved running and shoes. Their love for running pushed them to sell shoes and build amazing designs for runners around the world.

They were passionate about the cause and reflected the same in their marketing strategies. More than advertising their shoes, they advertise running and sports. They are master storytellers; they create demand for themselves by inspiring people to take up sports.

Another amazing strategy that makes the brand alluring is that it is inclusive and takes a firm stand on social issues. Nike was one of the first brands to release Pro Hijab, a product for Muslim women in sports. They’ve encouraged women empowerment and involvement of women in sports- their social media channel NikeWomen inspires women to take up sport and a healthy lifestyle.

Nike’s worldwide fan following is certainly anchored to its essence of standing for social justice over and over again. The recent decision of  Nike to split with soccer player Neymar  based on an allegation raised by a female employee of sexual harassment by the soccer player affirms the brand’s willingness and effort to stick to social norms.

Check out this story on how Nikes stand for social justice has created a powerful  node  in its  brand association .

The company supported and debuted an ad campaign centered on Colin Kaepernick. He was a former NFL player who refused to stand for the national anthem before his games in protest of racism and discrimination in America. The sport boycotted him due to political pressure, but Nike debuted an ad campaign supporting the cause right after the event.

When Nike first started, celebrity endorsements were considered one-way tickets to putting a brand’s shoes on the map. Nike has indeed continued to follow this particular strategy and has the world’s leading athletes to promote its products, including Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, and many more. In the 2016 Olympics, In the category of shoe brands- Nike had the highest number of players who won medals.

Wrapping up

Shoes are one of the world’s oldest creations. One thing that can be observed is how Nike has always been a pioneer in innovating shoes and sports apparel. Nike has built a business model that observes trends and always stayed relevant to the market.

Entrepreneurs can surely take a leaf out of Nike’s books. Stay resilient, relevant, do not be intimidated by competition, and sell a vision rather than a product.

-AMAZONPOLLY-ONLYWORDS-START-

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Manasvi is an aspiring entrepreneur - always on hunt for problems she can solve. She’s an education, business and public policy enthusiast. She loves spending her weekends teaching underprivileged children or on her couch reading books.

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Nike: Business Model, SWOT Analysis, and Competitors 2023

Inside This Article

Nike is a global sports apparel giant, renowned for its iconic swoosh logo and innovative products. This blog article delves into Nike's business model, providing insights into how the company operates and generates revenue. Additionally, a SWOT analysis will be conducted to evaluate Nike's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the ever-evolving market. Furthermore, the article will explore Nike's competitors and examine how the company maintains its competitive edge in the industry. Stay tuned to gain a comprehensive understanding of Nike's current position in the market and its future prospects for 2023.

What You Will Learn:

  • Who owns Nike: Discover the ownership structure of Nike and the key stakeholders involved in the company.
  • Nike's mission statement: Gain insights into Nike's mission and values, and how they shape the company's overall direction and decision-making.
  • How Nike makes money: Explore the various revenue streams and business strategies that contribute to Nike's financial success.
  • Nike Business Model Canvas Explained: Understand the different components of Nike's business model canvas and how they interrelate to support the company's operations and growth.
  • Nike's competitors: Learn about the main competitors in the sports apparel and footwear industry and how Nike positions itself against them.
  • Nike SWOT Analysis: Explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing Nike, providing a comprehensive understanding of the company's current position in the market.

Who owns Nike?

Ownership structure of nike.

Nike, the globally recognized sportswear brand, operates under a complex ownership structure. As a publicly traded company, Nike is owned by a diverse group of shareholders who hold its stock. However, a few significant stakeholders have a notable influence on the company's direction and decision-making processes.

Founders and Executive Team

Nike's origins trace back to its founders, Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. Although they no longer have direct ownership, their legacy is deeply ingrained in the company's core values and vision. Today, Nike's executive team, led by CEO John Donahoe, plays a crucial role in shaping Nike's future strategies and operations.

Institutional Investors

A significant portion of Nike's ownership lies with institutional investors. These investors are typically large financial institutions such as mutual funds, pension funds, and asset management companies. They hold substantial amounts of Nike stock on behalf of their clients, including individual investors and organizations.

Individual and Retail Investors

Individual investors, including retail investors, also play a critical role in Nike's ownership. These are everyday people who buy Nike stock through brokerage accounts, retirement plans, or other investment vehicles. Their collective ownership, though dispersed, can have a meaningful impact on the company's overall ownership structure.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Another important category of Nike's ownership is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These investment funds pool money from multiple investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, including Nike. By investing in ETFs, individuals can indirectly own Nike shares without purchasing them directly.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

Nike offers Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) as a way to incentivize and reward its employees. Through these plans, employees can become partial owners of the company by receiving shares or stock options. This ownership structure further aligns the interests of employees with the success and performance of Nike.

Other Stakeholders

Apart from the aforementioned ownership categories, Nike's ownership extends to other stakeholders as well. These include suppliers, business partners, and strategic investors who may hold specific ownership stakes or have influence over the company's operations due to close business relationships.

In summary, Nike's ownership is distributed among a wide range of shareholders, including founders, institutional investors, individual investors, ETFs, and employees. This diverse ownership structure reflects the company's commitment to maintaining a broad base of ownership and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards its success.

What is the mission statement of Nike?

Nike's mission statement.

Nike's mission statement is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. The company believes that if you have a body, you are an athlete, and it strives to create products and experiences that empower and motivate individuals to reach their full potential.

Inspiring and innovating

Nike's mission statement reflects its commitment to inspire and innovate. By constantly pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, Nike aims to create products that not only meet the needs of athletes but also exceed their expectations. This drive for innovation can be seen in the advanced technologies and materials used in Nike's footwear, apparel, and equipment.

Inclusive athleticism

Nike's mission statement emphasizes inclusivity by stating that everyone is an athlete. This means that Nike's products and experiences are designed to cater to individuals of all ages, genders, sizes, and abilities. By embracing diversity, Nike aims to celebrate and empower athletes from all walks of life, encouraging them to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.

Empowering individuals

Nike's mission statement also highlights its objective to empower individuals. Through its products, campaigns, and initiatives, Nike aims to inspire people to believe in themselves, overcome obstacles, and unleash their full potential. By providing athletes with the tools they need to succeed, Nike seeks to empower individuals to push their limits and achieve greatness in their respective fields.

Global reach

Lastly, Nike's mission statement emphasizes its global reach. The company's commitment to bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world demonstrates its ambition to connect with individuals worldwide. By expanding its presence in various countries and cultures, Nike aims to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes globally, fostering a sense of community and unity through the power of sport.

In summary, Nike's mission statement encapsulates its dedication to inspiring and innovating, promoting inclusive athleticism, empowering individuals, and reaching a global audience. These core principles guide Nike in its pursuit of excellence and its mission to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.

How does Nike make money?

Selling athletic footwear and apparel.

One of the primary ways Nike generates revenue is through the sale of athletic footwear and apparel. Known for its iconic swoosh logo, Nike offers a wide range of products for various sports and activities. From running shoes to basketball sneakers, and from soccer jerseys to yoga pants, Nike caters to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

Nike's footwear line is particularly popular, with innovative designs and technologies that aim to enhance performance and provide comfort. Whether it's the latest Air Max series or the timeless Jordan sneakers, Nike constantly introduces new styles to attract customers. The company also collaborates with athletes, celebrities, and designers to create limited edition and exclusive collections, further driving demand.

Licensing and endorsements

Nike's brand recognition and global reach have allowed the company to secure licensing agreements and endorsements with various professional sports leagues, teams, and individual athletes. Through these partnerships, Nike can use team logos, player names, and other intellectual property on its products, including jerseys, shoes, and accessories.

Endorsements play a significant role in Nike's marketing strategy. The company sponsors numerous world-renowned athletes, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Serena Williams. By associating its brand with these high-profile figures, Nike aims to create a positive image and inspire consumers to purchase its products.

Direct-to-consumer sales

In recent years, Nike has placed a strong emphasis on its direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales channel. This includes selling products through its own physical stores, as well as its e-commerce platform. By bypassing third-party retailers and selling directly to customers, Nike can maintain better control over pricing, inventory, and the overall shopping experience.

Nike's online store has become increasingly important, offering a wide selection of products and personalized shopping experiences. Through its website and mobile app, customers can customize shoes, join exclusive member programs, and receive personalized recommendations based on their preferences and previous purchases. This direct relationship with consumers not only allows Nike to gather valuable data but also enables the company to build brand loyalty and increase customer lifetime value.

Other revenue streams

Apart from its core business of selling athletic footwear and apparel, Nike also generates revenue through other avenues. These include:

  • Equipment sales: Nike produces a range of sporting equipment, such as soccer balls, basketballs, and golf clubs. These products are sold through various channels, including sports stores and online platforms.
  • Brand licensing: Nike licenses its brand to third-party companies to produce and sell products such as bags, accessories, and even technology like fitness trackers and smartwatches.
  • Converse subsidiary: Nike owns Converse, a popular sneaker brand with a distinct style. Converse operates as a subsidiary and contributes to Nike's overall revenue through its own product sales.

In summary, Nike's revenue primarily comes from selling athletic footwear and apparel, leveraging licensing and endorsements, focusing on direct-to-consumer sales, and exploring additional revenue streams outside its core business. Through these various avenues, Nike continues to strengthen its position as a leading global sports brand.

Nike Business Model Canvas Explained

What is a business model canvas.

A Business Model Canvas is a strategic management tool that allows businesses to describe, design, challenge, and pivot their business models. It provides a visual representation of the key components and relationships of a business model, helping organizations understand and communicate how they create, deliver, and capture value.

The Key Components of Nike's Business Model Canvas

Nike's Business Model Canvas consists of nine key components that work together to drive the company's success. Let's explore each component in detail:

Customer Segments: Nike targets a diverse range of customer segments, including athletes, sports enthusiasts, and fashion-conscious consumers. By segmenting their customer base, Nike can better tailor their products and marketing efforts to meet specific needs and preferences.

Value Proposition: Nike's value proposition centers around providing high-quality athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment that enhance the performance and style of athletes. Their focus on innovation, sustainability, and brand image sets them apart from competitors.

Channels: Nike utilizes various distribution channels to reach its customers, including their own retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with retail chains. This multi-channel approach ensures broad market coverage and convenient access for consumers.

Customer Relationships: Nike cultivates strong customer relationships through various means, such as personalized marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, and social media engagement. They strive to create an emotional connection with their customers and foster brand loyalty.

Revenue Streams: Nike generates revenue through the sale of its products and services. This includes revenue from direct sales, wholesale partnerships, licensing agreements, and endorsements by professional athletes. They also offer additional services like customization and digital fitness apps.

Key Activities: Nike's key activities revolve around product design, development, and marketing. They invest heavily in research and development to create innovative products that cater to the evolving needs of athletes. Marketing efforts focus on brand building, sponsorships, and collaborations.

Key Resources: Nike's key resources include their manufacturing facilities, design teams, supply chain network, and brand reputation. Their extensive global supply chain ensures efficient production and distribution of products worldwide.

Key Partnerships: Nike collaborates with various partners, including athletes, sports teams, suppliers, and retail partners. These partnerships help them leverage expertise, expand market reach, and enhance brand credibility.

Cost Structure: Nike incurs costs related to manufacturing, marketing, research and development, logistics, and retail operations. They also invest in sustainability initiatives, corporate social responsibility, and brand promotion. Cost management is crucial to maintaining profitability.

Nike's Business Model Canvas provides a comprehensive overview of how the company operates and creates value. By understanding the key components and their interdependencies, Nike can continuously adapt and innovate to stay ahead in a highly competitive industry. This strategic tool serves as a roadmap for success and guides decision-making processes within the organization.

Which companies are the competitors of Nike?

One of the main competitors of Nike is Adidas. Adidas is a German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures sports shoes, clothing, and accessories. It is known for its iconic three stripes logo and its wide range of athletic footwear and apparel. Like Nike, Adidas has a strong presence in the global market and sponsors numerous professional athletes and sports teams. The rivalry between Nike and Adidas is intense, with both companies competing for market share and constantly innovating to stay ahead of each other.

Under Armour

Under Armour is another major competitor of Nike. Founded in 1996, Under Armour is an American sports clothing and accessories company that specializes in performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. It gained popularity for its moisture-wicking fabric technology, which quickly became a staple in the athletic apparel industry. Under Armour has built a strong brand image and has a significant customer base, particularly among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The company's focus on innovation and high-performance products puts it in direct competition with Nike.

Puma is a well-known sportswear brand and a direct competitor of Nike. Founded in 1948, Puma is a German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company has a diverse product portfolio that caters to various sports and lifestyle segments. Puma is known for its bold and distinctive designs, collaborating with renowned celebrities and designers to create unique collections. With a strong global presence and a focus on performance and style, Puma competes directly with Nike in the sports apparel market.

New Balance

New Balance is a Boston-based company that has been competing with Nike in the athletic footwear and apparel space for decades. Established in 1906, New Balance initially focused on arch supports and orthopedic shoes but later expanded into athletic footwear. The brand is recognized for its emphasis on fit, comfort, and quality. New Balance has a loyal customer base, particularly among runners, and is known for its wide range of sizes and widths, accommodating various foot shapes. While Nike dominates the market in terms of revenue and brand recognition, New Balance remains a strong competitor, especially in the running shoe segment.

Reebok, a subsidiary of Adidas since 2005, is another prominent competitor of Nike. Founded in 1958, Reebok is an American athletic footwear and apparel company that specializes in sports and fitness products. It has a rich heritage in the fitness industry and has collaborated with various athletes and fitness influencers to create innovative products. Reebok's focus on cross-training and functional fitness gives it a unique positioning in the market. Although Reebok may not be as large as Nike, it competes fiercely with the brand in certain segments, such as fitness and training shoes.

Nike SWOT Analysis

  • Strong brand image and reputation: Nike is one of the most recognizable and valuable brands in the world. The company has established a strong brand image through its innovative products, marketing campaigns, and endorsements by top athletes.
  • Extensive product portfolio: Nike offers a wide range of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for various sports and activities. This diverse product portfolio allows the company to cater to the needs and preferences of different consumer segments.
  • Robust distribution network: Nike has an extensive global distribution network that includes owned retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with third-party retailers. This widespread presence enables the company to reach customers in different regions and effectively distribute its products.
  • Strong research and development capabilities: Nike invests heavily in research and development to continuously innovate and improve its products. The company's focus on technological advancements and performance-enhancing features gives it a competitive edge in the market.
  • Effective marketing and advertising strategies: Nike's marketing campaigns are known for their creativity, emotional appeal, and ability to connect with consumers. The company's partnerships with top athletes and teams, as well as its use of social media platforms, help to create a strong brand presence and drive consumer engagement.
  • High dependence on third-party manufacturers: Nike outsources the manufacturing of its products to third-party suppliers, primarily located in Asia. This dependence on external manufacturers exposes the company to risks such as supply chain disruptions, quality control issues, and labor-related controversies.
  • Vulnerability to changing fashion trends: The sports apparel and footwear industry is highly influenced by changing fashion trends. Nike needs to continually adapt its product offerings to stay relevant and meet evolving consumer preferences. Failure to do so could result in a decline in sales and market share.
  • Potential negative impact of counterfeit products: Nike's popularity and strong brand image make it a target for counterfeiters. The presence of counterfeit Nike products in the market not only affects the company's revenue but also damages its brand reputation.
  • Limited presence in certain geographic markets: While Nike has a strong global presence, its market share in certain regions, such as parts of Asia and Latin America, is relatively low compared to its dominance in North America and Europe. Expanding its footprint in these regions could be a growth opportunity for the company.

Opportunities

  • Growing athleisure trend: The increasing popularity of athleisure, which combines athletic and casual wear, presents an opportunity for Nike to expand its product offerings. By introducing more fashionable and versatile products, the company can tap into this growing consumer segment.
  • Emerging markets: Developing countries, especially in Asia and Latin America, offer significant growth opportunities for Nike. As disposable incomes rise and consumer spending on sports and fitness increases, the demand for Nike's products is expected to grow in these markets.
  • E-commerce growth: The rapid expansion of e-commerce presents an opportunity for Nike to reach a wider customer base and increase sales. By investing in its e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies, the company can enhance the online shopping experience and drive online sales.
  • Sustainability and ethical sourcing: With increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products, Nike has the opportunity to strengthen its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. By adopting sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and promoting transparency, the company can attract environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Expansion into new product categories: Nike can explore opportunities to expand into new product categories, such as wearable technology, fitness apps, and health-related services. By leveraging its brand equity and expertise in athletic performance, the company can diversify its revenue streams and stay ahead of competitors.
  • Intense competition: Nike faces intense competition from both established and emerging players in the sports apparel and footwear industry. Competitors such as Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma pose a threat to Nike's market share and profitability.
  • Economic uncertainties: Nike's financial performance is influenced by macroeconomic factors such as economic downturns, currency fluctuations, and trade policies. Economic uncertainties can impact consumer spending and result in reduced demand for Nike's products.
  • Changing consumer preferences: Consumer preferences and trends are constantly evolving, making it crucial for Nike to stay ahead of changing demands. Failure to anticipate and respond to shifts in consumer preferences could lead to a decline in sales and market share.
  • Counterfeit products: The presence of counterfeit Nike products in the market not only affects the company's revenue but also erodes consumer trust in the brand. Nike needs to continue investing in anti-counterfeiting measures to protect its intellectual property and maintain brand integrity.
  • Regulatory challenges: Nike operates in multiple countries, each with its own regulations related to labor practices, environmental standards, and product safety. Compliance with these regulations can be complex and costly, and non-compliance could result in reputational damage and legal penalties.

Key Takeaways

  • Nike is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by shareholders who hold its stocks.
  • Nike's mission statement is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Nike generates revenue primarily through the sale of athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment, both through its own retail stores and online platforms.
  • The Nike Business Model Canvas showcases the key elements of Nike's business model, including its value proposition, customer segments, key activities, and revenue streams.
  • Nike faces competition from companies such as Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and New Balance, among others. A SWOT analysis of Nike reveals its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the market.

In conclusion, Nike is a globally recognized brand that has become a household name in the sports industry. As for the ownership, Nike is a publicly traded company, with the majority of its shares held by institutional investors and individual shareholders.

Nike's mission statement is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. They define an athlete as anyone with a body, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Nike generates its revenue through various channels, including the sale of footwear, apparel, and equipment. They have a strong presence in both the retail and e-commerce sectors, with a significant portion of their sales coming from direct-to-consumer channels.

The Nike Business Model Canvas provides a comprehensive overview of the key elements that drive Nike's success. It highlights their value proposition, customer segments, distribution channels, and key activities that enable them to deliver their products to consumers worldwide.

In terms of competition, Nike faces stiff competition from other major sportswear brands such as Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and Reebok. These companies constantly strive to capture market share and innovate in order to attract and retain customers.

A SWOT analysis of Nike reveals its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Nike's strengths lie in its strong brand image, extensive product portfolio, and effective marketing strategies. However, weaknesses such as labor controversies and dependency on third-party manufacturers pose challenges. Opportunities for Nike include expanding into emerging markets and leveraging digital technologies, while threats include intense competition and economic fluctuations.

Overall, Nike's success can be attributed to its strong brand positioning, commitment to innovation, and ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences. As they continue to evolve and navigate the competitive landscape, Nike remains a dominant force in the sports industry.

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How Nike Makes Money

Nike North America is the company's largest geographic segment

Nike Inc. ( NKE ) is a global footwear and apparel company that designs, develops, markets, and sells athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. Although primarily designed for athletic use, many of its products are worn for casual or leisure activities. The majority of Nike's products are manufactured by independent contractors and are sold either direct-to-consumers through Nike retail outlets and digital platforms, or through independent distributors, licensees, and sales representatives.

Nike, which is based in Oregon, has a large number of major global rivals, including Adidas AG ( ADDYY ), ASICS Corp. ( 7936 ), Lululemon Athletica Inc. ( LULU ), Puma SE ( PUMSY ), and Under Armour Inc. ( UAA ).

Key Takeaways

  • Nike designs, develops, markets, and sells athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories.
  • Nike's business results and operations continue to be impacted by the pandemic and its effects on global supply chains.
  • Most of Nike's sales are generated by selling footwear to wholesale customers in North America.
  • Nike announced in January that it was taking steps to improve its supply chains, including new distribution centers and using technology like AI and machine learning within its distribution centers.

Nike’s Financials

Nike announced in March financial results for Q3 of its 2022 fiscal year ( FY ), the three-month period ended Feb. 28, 2022. The company posted a net income of $1.4 billion, down 3.7% from the year-ago quarter. Revenue grew 5.0% year over year ( YOY ) to $10.9 billion. Earnings before interest and taxes ( EBIT ), a profitability metric Nike uses for its individual business segments, rose 1.4% YOY to $1.7 billion.

Nike said in its financial statement filings for the quarter that the COVID-19 pandemic and its related impacts continue to affect global supply chains and create volatility in the company's global business results and operations. In Greater China, the company continues to experience heightened levels of temporary store closures due to a resurgence of coronavirus cases. The availability of the company's products also continue to be impacted by lengthy inventory transit times, which are due to port congestions, transportation delays, and labor and shipping container shortages.

Nike’s Business Segments

Nike breaks its financial metrics into three categories: NIKE Brand; Converse; and Corporate. The NIKE Brand also is further broken down into geographical segments: North America; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; Asia Pacific & Latin America; and Global Brand Divisions. The NIKE Brand segment comprises 95% of the company's total revenue.

Nike also breaks out revenue, but not profits, for its major product lines and distribution channels. The share of revenue generated by each of Nike's product lines in Q3 FY 2022, for example, was: Footwear (66%); Apparel (30%); Equipment (4%); and Other. A negligible amount is attributable to Other, which includes revenue from licensing businesses of the Global Brand Divisions and Converse segments, and to foreign currency hedge gains and losses accounted for in the Corporate segment.

Nike reports both revenue and EBIT for its individual business segments. The data reported in the pie charts above and in the share percentage calculations in the breakdowns below exclude negative revenue and EBIT amounts.

NIKE Brand: North America

Nike's North America segment posted $3.9 billion in revenue in Q3 FY 2022, comprising nearly 36% of total revenue. EBIT came in at $967 million, comprising about 31% of the total. The segment's revenue grew 8.9% while EBIT fell 0.3% compared to the year-ago quarter.

NIKE Brand: Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Nike's Europe, Middle East & Africa segment posted $2.8 billion in revenue during Q3 FY 2022, comprising about 26% of total revenue. EBIT was $713 million, about 23% of the total. Revenue and EBIT for the quarter rose 6.5% and 33.8%, respectively.

NIKE Brand: Greater China

Nike's Greater China segment posted $2.2 billion in revenue in Q3 FY 2022, about 20% of total revenue. EBIT was $784 million, comprising more than 25% of the total. Revenue and EBIT were down 5.2% and 19.4%, respectively, compared to the same three-month period a year ago.

NIKE Brand: Asia Pacific and Latin America

Nike's Asia Pacific & Latin America segment posted $1.5 billion in revenue during Q3 FY 2022, about 13% of total revenue. EBIT was $478 million, about 15% of the total. Revenue and EBIT rose 11.1% and 17.2%, respectively.

NIKE Brand: Global Brand Divisions

Nike's Global Brand Divisions segment revenue is attributable to NIKE Brand's licensing businesses that are not part of any of the geographic segments, demand creation and operating overhead expense, and costs associated with its global digital operations and enterprise technology. The division posted $41 million in revenue in Q3 FY 2022, making up a small fraction of total revenue. The segment posted a $975 million loss before interest and taxes while revenue increased nearly sevenfold.

Nike's Converse segment is engaged in the design, distribution, licensing, and sale of casual sneakers, apparel, and accessories under the following trademarks: Converse, Chuck Taylor, All-Star, One Star, Star Chevron, and Jack Purcell. The segment posted $567 million in revenue during Q3 FY 2022, comprising about 5% of the total. It reported $168 million in EBIT, about 5% of the total. Revenue fell 0.5% while EBIT rose 12.0% compared to the year-ago quarter.

Nike's Corporate segment revenue primarily consists of foreign currency hedge gains and losses related to revenues generated by Nike's other operating segments. The segment posted revenue of -$19 million in Q3 FY 2022, a significant deterioration from revenue of $14 million in the year-ago quarter. The segment reported a loss before interest and taxes of $412 million.

Nike also breaks down the share of revenue from its distribution channels: Sales to Wholesale Customers (55%); Sales through Direct to Consumer (i.e. NIKE Direct) (44%); and a negligible amount from the rest. The Direct to Consumer distribution channel grew 15.9% YOY in Q3 FY 2022, while Wholesale Customers' revenue declined 2.4% YOY.

Nike’s Recent Developments

On Jan. 19, 2022, Nike announced that it was making a number of changes to improve its supply chain in order to better serve customers. The company said that prior to winter 2020, North American business operated almost entirely through its distribution centers in Memphis, TN. Nike said that it would not only transform those distribution centers into omnichannel facilities, but was adding entirely new distribution centers in Los Angeles, CA, Bethlehem, PA, and Dallas, TX. The company also added a regional service center in Madrid to complement its European logistics center in Belgium. Nike also said it was using new technology, including AI and machine learning, to improve the efficiency at its distribution centers. The company announced several other initiatives to improve its supply chains.

How Nike Reports Diversity and Inclusiveness

As part of our effort to improve the awareness of the importance of diversity in companies , we offer investors a glimpse into the transparency of Nike and its commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and social responsibility. We examined the data Nike releases to show you how it reports the diversity of its board and workforce to help readers make educated purchasing and investing decisions.

Below is a table of potential diversity measurements. It shows whether Nike discloses its data about the diversity of its board of directors, C-Suite, general management, and employees overall, as is marked with a ✔. It also shows whether Nike breaks down those reports to reveal the diversity of itself by race, gender, ability, veteran status, and LGBTQ+ identity.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 ," Page 1.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 ," Page 5.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2022 ," Page 1.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2022 ," Page 34.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2022 ," Page 25.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2022 ," Page 22.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2022 ," Page 23.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2022 ," Page 20.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended February 28, 2022 ," Pages 20-21.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 ," Page 41.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 ," Page 63.

Nike Inc. " Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2021 ," Page 32.

Nike Inc. " How Nike Is Transforming Its Supply Chain to Best Serve Consumers ."

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Nike Marketing Strategy: How Nike became a market leader and you can "just do it" too!

Learn about nike's iconic marketing strategy and advertising campaigns. read how nike aces the 4ps of marketing mix - product, price, promotion & placement..

  • overview#goto" data-overview-topic-param="history">Revolutionary history
  • overview#goto" data-overview-topic-param="first">Nike's First Shoes
  • overview#goto" data-overview-topic-param="mix">Nike's Marketing Mix
  • overview#goto" data-overview-topic-param="strategy">Nike's Marketing Strategy
  • overview#goto" data-overview-topic-param="noteworthy">Noteworthy Marketing Campaigns
  • overview#goto" data-overview-topic-param="key">Key Takeaways

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When you hear the word Nike, it’s impossible that you don’t see the Swoosh logo right in front of your eyes along with the words “Just Do It”. This is the result of Nike’s exemplary marketing and brand positioning since its inception in 1964. Today, Nike has established itself as the undisputed leader in the sportswear industry.

Being a consumer brand, Nike has managed to develop a competitive advantage of customer loyalty and strong brand recognition. What marketing strategy did Nike use to be the top-valued brand worth USD 176 billion in the sportswear industry? Let's find out!

green, grass, shoes

Revolutionary history and innovation of the first Nike shoes

Inspiration and innovation are Nike’s deeply rooted core values. To understand this better, we need to know Nike’s history to understand why it is the way it is.

Foundation of Nike as a company

Nike Inc, previously known as Blue Ribbon Sports, was founded in the year 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. Nike is an American sportswear company headquartered in Oregon.

Fun Fact - Bill Bowerman was a track and field coach at the University of Oregon, and Phil Knight was his former student.

 Blue Ribbon retail store

Source - Business insider

The jogging revolution

Jogging wasn’t mainstream in the early 1960s. It was believed to be only for athletes. 

On a trip to New Zealand in 1962, Bill discovered jogging and its benefits. He published a pamphlet on jogging in 1966, which was then turned into a book the next year. Bill is credited for bringing the jogging craze which swept America in the late 1960s. Jogging was then seen as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

First shoes by Nike – Waffle Trainer

Nike’s first retail outlet was opened in 1966. Once, while having breakfast, Bill looked at the waffle and said the top part would be perfect for the track field. He got the materials for making the shoe soles and poured them into the waffle iron. This is how Nike created its first shoe, Waffle Trainers. Nike launched them in 1973.

Where did Nike derive its name and logo from?

Blue Ribbon Sports was renamed Nike Inc in 1979 and went public in December 1980. Nike derived its name from the name of the Greek Winged Goddess of Victory. The logo represents the wings, symbolising motion and speed.

Nike’s first content marketing strategy

In Nike’s case, content marketing came before the product. The customer base was built before the idea of the product was even thought of. Which marketing strategy did Nike use in its initial days?

Customer awareness

In the 1960s, people were unaware of the benefits of jogging. Selling shoes in a market that didn’t know it needed them would have been a fool’s act. Nike sold shoes only when customer awareness was shifted from Unaware to Solution aware.

Existing pain point 

Nike solved an existing problem which is ‘how to get fit’. It didn’t try to solve a non-existing pain point. 

You must develop products keeping your customers in mind.

Benefit-centric marketing

Nike shoes were sold as a means to support a healthy and sporty lifestyle. It didn’t boast about its product features. It used a benefit-centric marketing plan instead of a product-centric one.

Sell products you believe in

Bill Bowerman invented shoes that were lighter and faster. This shows how passionate he was about them. Nike’s belief in providing the highest customer value originates from its founders themselves. Nike truly believes in its products. This reflects in Nike’s customer perception as well.

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Nike Marketing Mix - The four P’s of marketing

Nike uses its marketing mix to determine the strategies to be applied to execute its marketing plan. Nike’s marketing mix focuses on high-quality sportswear sold through online or offline mediums at a premium price while using customer-centric promotion strategies.

Nike Product Strategy

Although Nike shoes are the MVP, it’s a sportswear brand. Nike's products range from sports shoes, clothes, backpacks, sports equipment, and accessories. 

Nike has positioned itself as a leader in the sportswear industry. It focuses on high-quality products that are durable, visually appealing, and trendy. 

Nike produces distinct shoes for different sports like running shoes, basketball shoes, tennis shoes and ice hockey skates. Air Jordan is the most valued Nike shoe brand. Modern technology and innovation are the core elements of the creation process of Nike products.

 Nike products in a store

Nike’s Pricing Strategy

Nike charges a premium price for its product quality, the value it provides, and the intensive technology investment.

Nike's strategy consists of the below two pricing plans:

Value-based pricing strategy

In this pricing strategy , Nike analyses the consumer perception that is the maximum price the consumers are ready to pay for its products and charges value-based prices.

Premium pricing strategy

Nike charges premium prices to establish itself as a premium brand amongst its competitors. Premium branding is done by partnering with high-profile sports celebrities and sponsoring them as brand ambassadors as well as being a sponsor of sports events like being an Olympic sponsor. This establishes Nike as a brand with premium products.

Nike’s Distribution channels

Nike sells its products through online and offline mediums for higher market reach.

Retail stores

Nike uses retail stores to sell its products to a wider target market without spending extra costs on infrastructure. These are strategically located to be easily accessible to consumers. This includes local stores as well as shopping malls. 

Online store

Nike’s online store website offers a wider range of choices along with the convenience of place and time. It offers an effortless and fun user experience through vibrant pictures, detailed filters, and smart product recommendations. Online store product prices are lower because other than delivery and manufacturing cost, there isn’t any added cost.

Nike-owned retail stores

Nike-owned retail outlets are called NikeTown. In these stores, only Nike athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories are sold. This allows them to control the sales process and provide customers with a brand-focused user experience. As of May 2022, Nike owns 1,046 retail stores all over the world. 

Nike retail store

Source - Nike Website

Nike Promotion Marketing Strategy

Nike uses a highly influential promotion marketing strategy to maintain a strong brand image and bring in maximum sales.

Nike Shoes Instagram Ad Template

It uses every possible marketing trick in the book to amp up its reach like Banner Advertising, placing a sales team for personal selling through retail outlets and direct marketing via website, emails, and social media networks. Nike also spends a ton of money on sales promotions by offering discount codes. It's also heavy with its Public Relations activities and ads via digital marketing strategy to improve its brand value.

As of 2022, Nike's global ad spending amount to USD 3.22 billion alone, minting them USD 46 billion in revenues!

Nike's Marketing Strategy

Nike has adapted well to the ever-changing trends and dynamic technology without losing its core identity, brand message, and voice. Their approach is still consumer-centric and benefit-driven. Even in a fiercely competitive market, Nike manages to be the talk of the town with below methods:

Brand positioning

The Nike marketing strategy operates in a focused target market which is the sporting goods industry. Nike’s target audience is professional athletes, sportspersons, and people who want a healthy and sporty lifestyle.

Focused marketing helps the Nike company be at the top of the mind of its consumers. When people think of sportswear, they automatically think of Nike. 

It uses a customer-centric approach. Instead of boasting about the product and its features, Nike focuses on their consumer’s pains and problems and how a Nike product can solve them. Few companies are doing it like Nike.

As a brand, you must  define your ideal customers and serve only them. If your marketing message doesn’t target a specific group of people, or you are serving multiple vertical markets, you are writing your doom. 

Your consumers don’t care about the brand-new features of your product. They care about how it can make their life easier. Don’t sell products, sell benefits.

Emotional storytelling 

Nike is the ace of brand storytelling. Through Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ campaign, it tells stories to encourage and inspire people to achieve their fitness and sports goals.

Authentic stories build trust and a strong connection with the brand. Nike helps people to dream big and customers feel like they belong. This builds a strong community and unshakable consumer loyalty, which is rare to find in other brands.

Nike’s very first commercial shows a shirtless 80-year-old man running across the Golden Gate Bridge. He runs 17 miles every morning. The core message is, if an 80-year-old can do it, you can too!

Nike - Just Do It (1988) - Very first commercial

Nike’s Find Your Greatness campaign conveyed the message that greatness isn’t for a select few. It’s in every single one of us. This ad shows people from various parts of the world and ages overcoming their fears and achieving greatness.

Nike: Find Your Greatness

By taking inspiration from the Nike marketing strategy, you must use storytelling in your content marketing strategy. Take your potential customers on a Hero’s journey where they are the protagonist fighting their way through obstacles and achieving victory.

The Nike social media strategy

Nike’s consumers are the younger generation between the ages of 15 and 45.

The company depends on this data to find out on which social media platforms Nike users hang out and develops a marketing plan to provide value to them on those platforms.

Social media marketing channels help Nike improve its brand recognition and be at the top of its target customers’ minds.

Nike differentiates itself based on the value it provides instead of price or any other factor.

Nike’s social media content types include:

Sports celebrity endorsements

Iconic Nike christmas Air Jordan ad

Nike collaborates with high-profile faces in the sports industry and uses emotional marketing and storytelling to celebrate their achievements and talk about their failures.

Endorsements by famous athletes like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Ronaldo, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and many more establishes Nike as a premium brand.

In this Instagram post, Olympian and gold medallist Simone talks about how becoming the first Black swimmer to win gold impacted the future of the next generation of Black swimmers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClboXHrrVMj/

Joining customer’s social conversations

Nike joins existing customers' conversations on social media where it is mentioned. This ensures direct communication with Nike customers. Nike’s audience feels heard and valued, further solidifying its relationship with its customers.

Twitter conversation between Nike and its customers

Source - Twitter

Affiliate marketing by influencers

Nike developed an affiliate marketing program through which influencers can earn commission by promoting the line of products Nike sells. This enables the brand to earn mentions across various social media channels in the form of product unboxing, reviews, or use case videos. Nike reaps the benefits of influencer marketing without spending extra costs on advertisements.

Nike’s Email marketing strategies

Email marketing is at the core of the Nike marketing strategy. Nike sends 3 - 4 emails every week to its customers to keep them engaged and eager for more.

The emails are automated responses to various touchpoints like signing up, leaving reviews, successful purchases, product delivery, and newsletters. Their email marketing strategy enables them to be in direct contact with their target consumers and stay consistently connected.

4. Ensuring a simple, fun, and hassle-free online shopping experience

Nike ensures a smooth user experience for online shopping through its strategic eCommerce marketing strategy

Nike website theme - bold, vibrant, and youthful

Nike uses youthful, fearless, bold, and athletic pictures on its website to align with its brand image. Nike positions itself as a sports brand that is unique, youthful, and vibrant.

Two women exercising in Nike sportswear and shoes

Source - Nike website

The detailed product filtering process

Customers can filter products on the basis of type, gender, price, colour, brand, sport, athletes, weather, and collaborator. This detailed filtering helps customers to find exactly what they want, fast!

Nike website filter options

Product recommendations

Nike's website recommends relevant products to the product the user is viewing. This makes the buying process easy, quick, and effortless for the buyer.

Nike membership

Nike membership provides members exclusive products, Nike by you customization, and special offers to its members.

5. High-quality, unique and innovative products

Nike puts its customers first. It collects data on its target customer behavior to optimize its products and services to meet its needs.

Nike uses advanced and innovative technology for constant improvement in its products.

One of the most innovative Nike products is HyperAdapt 1.0. A Shoe with adaptive lacing technology that laces itself when you put your heel in.

Nike’s HyperAdapt 1.0 shoe

Source - Amazon Website

Noteworthy Nike Marketing Campaigns

Nike’s creative advertisements are at the centre of the Nike marketing strategy. They deliver impactful messages that stay with the viewer long after seeing them. Nike is well known for its campaign ‘Just Do It’ which encourages people to go after their dreams and just do it! 

Ten of Nike’s most noteworthy advertising campaigns:

I am not a role model - Charles Barkley, 1993

Nike’s controversial ad sparked an uproar about whether   athletes   should be looked at as role models.

Nike "I Am Not a Role Model" commercial w/Charles Barkley - 1993

Hello World - Tiger Woods, 1996

This advertisement introduced Woods to the world when he was just starting his career in golf. Nike claimed Woods will be influential in the future, and its predictions came true.

Failure - Michael Jordan, 1997

In this Nike ad, Michael Jordan talks about his failures. This is a retrospective ad on his Basketball career.

Love me or hate me - Kobe Bryant, 2006

This ad was crucial because it was Nike’s first ad with Kobe Bryant after he was faced with sexual misconduct allegations. While others didn’t want anything to do with him, Nike stood their ground and supported him.

I feel pretty - Maria Sharapova, 2006

This ad was aimed at eliminating the “Pretty Girl” label Maria was given despite taking the tennis world by storm.

No excuses - Matt Scott, 2007

Matt Scott, an American wheelchair basketball player, points out excuses people use to not do something in this powerful ad.

Bottled Courage - Olympics, 2008

This Nike ad’s message is that the courage you are seeking on the outside is already within you.

Equality - 2017

Nike aimed at fighting the prejudice and discrimination against Black people with this ad.

What are girls made of? - 2017

This stunning Nike ad starts with the girl stating the general stereotypes about girls and then goes on to share that girls are made of iron, resilience, dreams, and dedication.

One day we won’t need this day - 2020 

On International Women's Day in 2020, Nike honoured women’s achievements by featuring women athletes in its ad, hoping that someday we won’t need a day to celebrate women.

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Key takeaways from the Nike Marketing strategy for entrepreneurs 

Nike’s marketing strategy is a gold mine to learn from and grow your brand. These are the key takeaways you must apply to your brand to see exponential growth.

Identify what your target customers want from you

Nike identified its target customer’s need to become fit. It smartly positions itself as a brand that helps its customers reach their fitness and sports goals.

Identify your target customer’s problems, pains, concerns, fears, and doubts and help them overcome them. You can build brand authority by answering your target customer’s most prominent concerns. Provide them value instead of boasting about your product and being salesy.

Instead of putting all your focus on product features and competitor strategy, identify what your customers want from you and give them that. 

Research the best medium to reach your customer

Determine your target customer, know where they hang out and how best you can reach them. 

Don’t be on a platform just because everyone else is. If your target audience is below 25, they will be hanging out on Instagram way more than on Facebook. If you are on Facebook instead of Instagram, then you are doing it wrong. Create content with your audience in mind and share them on the right platform at the right time.

Bonus tip: Provide consistent value to stay on the top of your target audience’s mind.

Create customer-centric content

Whatever form of content you create - blog, social media posts, videos, white papers, they should all be customer-centric. That is, they must provide the best content to solve your customer’s problems.

If you provide high-quality content, then you’ll be seen as a market leader. Your content will be widely shared and spread.

The biggest key takeaway from the Nike marketing strategy is that your customer must be your hero and included in your brand image . Everything you create and share must be done keeping them in mind. If you're building a retail product, we would also recommend you read our marketing case study on Jockey which also uses similar product-focused marketing tricks.

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Nike Strategy

Nike leverages both a wholesale and direct distribution strategy . Indeed, while still in 2023, most sales come from wholesale distribution , in reality, since 2020, Nike has been ramping up its direct distribution through its NIKE stores and e-commerce platform (SNKRS).

Nike’s business model and strategy is based on creating demand for its products. Indeed Nike combines product development and demand creation to build a footwear empire that generated over $46 billion in revenue in 2022.

nike-revenue-breakdown

Yet, this was based on a demand creation strategy , in which Nike spent over $3.8 billion in deals with athletes and demand creation to generate demand.

nike-demand-creation-expense

Nike’s Distribution and Revenue Generation Highlights:

  • Wholesale and Direct Distribution: Nike utilizes a dual distribution strategy , with both wholesale and direct distribution channels , including NIKE stores and its e-commerce platform, SNKRS.
  • Shift Towards Direct Distribution: Since 2020, Nike has been increasing its focus on direct distribution through its own stores and online platform.
  • Demand Creation Strategy: Nike’s business model centers on creating demand for its products by combining innovative product development with effective demand creation.
  • Revenue Breakdown: In 2022, Nike’s revenue composition includes over $29 billion from footwear, $13.5 billion from apparel, $2.35 billion from equipment, and over $1.6 billion from the Converse brand .
  • Athlete Partnerships: Nike invests significantly in athlete endorsements and partnerships, spending over $3.8 billion on deals with athletes and demand creation to stimulate demand for its products.
  • Revenue Generation: Through its demand creation strategy , Nike achieved impressive revenue of over $46 billion in 2022, demonstrating the success of its approach.
  • Footwear Focus: Nike’s revenue is largely driven by footwear sales, highlighting the brand ’s strength in the athletic footwear market.
  • Diverse Product Line: Beyond footwear, Nike’s revenue streams are bolstered by sales of apparel, equipment, and the Converse brand .
  • Integrated Strategy: Nike’s strategy integrates product development, brand promotion, and athlete partnerships to create a cohesive and powerful revenue-generating approach.
  • Investment in Marketing: Nike’s substantial investments in athlete endorsements and demand creation initiatives highlight its commitment to driving consumer engagement and product desirability.
  • Consumer-Centric Approach: By focusing on creating products that resonate with consumers and leveraging influencer partnerships, Nike cultivates consumer demand.
  • Global Footprint: Nike’s distribution and demand creation strategies are implemented on a global scale, solidifying its presence in various markets.
  • Continued Growth: The combination of effective product development and demand creation underpins Nike’s consistent revenue growth and market leadership .

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COMMENTS

  1. Nike Business Model

    Posted on August 16, 2023 by Daniel Pereira. The Nike Business Model is based on producing and selling athletic and sports products, including footwear, clothing, equipment — and also some services. Everything is under one of the most famous brands in the world. Let’s take a closer look at how and why Nike company has become so relevant in ...

  2. A deep look at business model of Nike - The Strategy Story

    Nike has a mass-market business model which caters to sports enthusiasts. The product categories are broadly shoes, sports apparel, and accessories. Their first products were running shoes, given that Phil Knight was a runner himself. Before they went public, they opened their Apparel line, which has been equally successful.

  3. Nike: Business Model, SWOT Analysis, and Competitors 2023

    Additionally, a SWOT analysis will be conducted to evaluate Nike's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the ever-evolving market. Furthermore, the article will explore Nike's competitors and examine how the company maintains its competitive edge in the industry. Stay tuned to gain a comprehensive understanding of Nike's current ...

  4. Complete Business Model of Nike | IIDE

    Business Model of Nike The business model is used to determine a company’s plan for generating revenue. It determines the products or services the business plans to sell, its identified target market, and any anticipated expenses. Let’s take a look at all the elements of Nike’s Business model one by one. Let us start with Nike’s product ...

  5. Nike Business Model: Demand Generation As Core Asset

    Nike makes money by primarily selling footwear via wholesale customers that distribute the Nike brands across the globe. As of 2020, over 66% of revenues came from footwear and over 30% in apparel. The most successful Nike brand is the Jordan Brand, which in 2021 brought over $4.7 billion in revenues to the company. Nike is the master of demand creation and generation through its influencer ...

  6. How Nike Makes Money: Footwear, Apparel, and Equipment

    Learn how Nike, the world's leading sports brand, makes money from its footwear, apparel, and equipment segments. Investopedia explains Nike's business model and growth strategies.

  7. Nike Marketing Strategy: How Nike became a market leader and ...

    Value-based pricing strategy. In this pricing strategy, Nike analyses the consumer perception that is the maximum price the consumers are ready to pay for its products and charges value-based prices. Premium pricing strategy. Nike charges premium prices to establish itself as a premium brand amongst its competitors.

  8. Nike Strategy - FourWeekMBA

    Nike’s business model and strategy is based on creating demand for its products. Indeed Nike combines product development and demand creation to build a footwear empire that generated over $46 billion in revenue in 2022, and yet this was based on a demand creation strategy, in which Nike spent over $3.8 billion in deals with athletes and demand creation to generate demand.

  9. Nike Marketing Strategy: A Company to Imitate

    This paper takes an in depth look at how Nike became the largest company in its industry and how other companies across various industries have tried to model Nike’s plan for success. At the heart of Nike’s business plan are the company’s unique marketing strategy and culture that significantly helps foster innovation and creativity.

  10. Nike’s Generic Strategies & Intensive Growth Strategies

    The Porter’s Five Forces data concerning Nike Inc. indicates that competition is a major external force influencing to company’s plans, including its intensive growth leadership. Intensive Growth Strategies of Nike Inc. (Ansoff Matrix) Select development is a primary intensive achieving strategy that makes Nike’s business development. The ...