| Few sports equipment manufacturers have | | | | marketable due to the high profile of the brand |
| created more trends than Nike. Established in | | | | name. What sets Nike apart is the willingness to |
| 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, this public traded | | | | expand into related markets quickly. A simple ad |
| Fortune 500 Company became Nike, Inc in 1978. | | | | in print media in 1977 was so successful Nike |
| The name is from the Greek goddess of victory | | | | immediately created a poster featuring the ad. |
| which is an apt trademark for a company that | | | | Featuring a runner alone on a country road with |
| has won over the sports public and professionals | | | | the tagline "There is no finish line", that simple ad |
| as Nike has. | | | | led to a new poster business for Nike. |
| By sponsoring high profile athletes and sports | | | | In recent years, Nike has become the sponsor |
| teams, Nike has made its "Just do it" slogan a | | | | for many of the world's top athletes and sports |
| term recognized by sports enthusiasts around the | | | | teams. With a clothing line as well as footwear |
| world. The simple Swoosh logo was introduced | | | | and all of the sports equipment and gear to go |
| with the first Nike running shoes in 1972 and is | | | | with them, Nike is a leader in promoting athletic |
| used to this day. For Nike products, the name isn't | | | | with sales in over 160 countries. Products are sold |
| necessary as the simple Swoosh clearly states | | | | directly from the manufacturer but also through |
| "this is a Nike product". | | | | independent distributors, subsidiary companies and |
| The growth of this powerful company has been | | | | license agreements. |
| due to the expansion into various sports in a | | | | The favorable public view of Nike as a company |
| targeted and effective way. By marketing its | | | | is promoted by contributing to local and regional |
| products under its own brand name and also | | | | sports teams, local distributors who sponsor |
| marketing through subsidiary companies, the | | | | events in the Nike brand name and the award |
| reach of Nike extends worldwide from its US | | | | winning commercials the company has produced |
| base in Oregon. | | | | over the years. Though there have been |
| The marketing strategy used by Nike positions | | | | complaints about working conditions in some |
| the brand products as premium quality with | | | | production facilities that might harm the public |
| superior design. Though once associated with very | | | | image of other companies, Nike has been able to |
| affordable products, the focus in recent years has | | | | address the complaints without suffering harm to |
| moved toward higher end pricing which is | | | | their image. |