Nike
Nike is a globally-recognized sports and fitness brand known for its high-quality athletic shoes and apparel. The brand’s iconic “Swoosh” logo and “Just Do It” slogan are familiar to people all over the world. But how did Nike become the successful company it is today?
Phil Knight – 1964
The origins of Nike can be traced back to 1964, when University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman teamed up with former University of Oregon runner Phil Knight to import and sell Japanese-made running shoes in the United States. The two men founded a company called Blue Ribbon Sports, which they initially operated out of Knight’s car trunk.
Nike Cortez – 1974
Blue Ribbon Sports soon gained a reputation for selling high-quality, low-cost running shoes, and the company began to grow rapidly. In 1971, the company released its first shoe under its own brand, the Nike Cortez, which quickly became a hit. The success of the Cortez helped to establish Nike as a major player in the athletic shoe market.
Swoosh Logo
In 1978, Nike introduced its iconic “Swoosh” logo, which was designed by a graphic design student named Carolyn Davidson. The simple yet eye-catching design helped to solidify Nike’s brand identity and set the company apart from its competitors.
Influencer Marketing in the 80’s
In the 1980s, Nike expanded its product line to include a wider range of sports and fitness gear, including apparel and equipment for basketball, football, and other sports. The company also signed major endorsement deals with top athletes, including Michael Jordan, who became the face of the brand’s Air Jordan line of basketball shoes.
Just Do It
The 1990s saw further growth and expansion for Nike, as the company continued to release popular new products and signed more high-profile endorsement deals. In 1992, Nike launched its “Just Do It” ad campaign, which became one of the most iconic and enduring advertising campaigns in history.
Today, Nike is a global leader in the sports and fitness industry, with a strong presence in markets around the world. The company continues to innovate and release new products, and its iconic brand remains as popular as ever.
