This paper endeavors to recommend a viable marketing plan for the footwear giant, Nike. The plan has been adequately substantiated with thorough research on different factors affecting the firm along with various ways of addressing future challenges. This research paper highlights that Nike is confronted with multifarious issues which need to be negotiated amicably. Result of the study concludes that there is still a world waiting for the Nike to be exploited, outsmarting its competitors employing its innovative and creative business strategy.
MINI BUSINESS / MARKETING PLAN NIKE, INC.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
In 1962, two individuals from the University of Oregon established a small company with the name of Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). In 1972, the company was renamed to Nike, the name adopted from the Greek goddess of victory. At present, Nike owns facilities in Oregon, Tennessee, North Carolina and The Netherlands. It also operates leased facilities for 15 Nike-towns, over 80 Nike Factory Stores, 2 NIKEgoddess boutiques and over 100 sales and administrative offices. There are approximately 23,000 people employed by the Nike, worldwide. The company's first year sales did not cross $ 10,000 however, its present revenues exceed well over $ 10 billion. [Facts, Nikebiz.com, page 3]
The Nike mission is "To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world". [Nikebiz.com, page 4] Nike research lab is constantly pursuing innovation in the field of sports. The research work in the lab is distributed into three categories including biomechanics, physiology and sensory/perceptual attributes. The research mainly focuses on differentiating factors like geography, gender, age and skill level. [Product Technology, Nikebiz.com, page 6]
Products of Nike can broadly be distributed into two categories as footwear and equipment. The footwear has been sub categorized into various product lines including sports culture, running, basketball, soccer,