NikeInc.com

She Runs The Night

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 -0700

On Thursday, 3 May 2012, Nike Australia made history, hosting the country’s first ever female night race.

More than 3,200 women descended on the iconic and picturesque grounds of Centennial Park in Sydney for the 13km race. The inaugural event forms part of the Nike Women’s Race Series taking place in 15 cities around the world, involving more than 50,000 women.

Among the runners were well known local personalities Ruby Rose (DJ/TV Presenter), Erika Heynatz (Model) and Olympic 5000m Athlete – Sonia O’Sullivan. The event was hosted by local TV presenter and host of The Voice Australia, Darren McMullen.

Runners enjoyed a pre-race Nike Training Club warm up with Nike master trainer, Marie Purvis to live music from DJ Anna Lunoe.

The motivational elements throughout the course were inspired by the words from each participant for “why they run the night”. Their answers were projected throughout the park and accompanied by live DJ stations and fireworks.

Post-event, runners celebrated at an after party complete with live music, massages, giveaways, refreshments, Nike Free Run+ 3 trials, Nike+ demos and a photo booth to share their success via Facebook. Participates posted their best shots to Instagram and Tweeted throughout the night, helping #NikeSheRunsAU become the highest trending hashtag in the country.

The event was the first highlight of the ongoing Nike She Runs campaign to bring the women of Australia together to share their passion for running and sport.

Congratulations Kyrie Irving

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 -0700

18.5 points per game. 5.4 assists per game. 30.5 minutes per game. His rookie numbers speak volumes, but there’s more to Kyrie Irving than just statistics.

Born in Australia, educated at Duke and captivating Cleveland, the story of this humble 20-year-old has just begun.

Nike congratulates Kyrie on his 2012 Kia Rookie of the Year honor.

Nike's Method Midnight Putters: New Shapes, New Look, Proven Method Technology

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:29:00 -0700

BEAVERTON, Ore. (May 15, 2012 ) – There’s a new addition to the successful Nike Method putter franchise and it has a dark side. Nike Golf is introducing the Nike Method Midnight putter that features Nike’s revolutionary polymetal groove technology, which has been instrumental in the 34 wins by Nike athletes on the Professional Tours worldwide.

The Nike Method Midnight putter is available in new milled head shapes with a dark chrome finish and will be offered in three new models: Method Midnight 006, 007, and 008. All three models rely on polymetal face groove technology, which combine steel and polymer.

The ground-breaking Method putter technology was born of innovation and fueled by the demands of Nike Golf’s Tour athletes. With major-winning technology, this putter delivers the roll, feel, and sound necessary for clutch putts in big moments.

“The multidimensional face is the primary technology of these products - everything revolves around this,” said David Franklin, Master Model Maker.

The revolutionary and visibly distinctive polymetal groove technology generates a forward roll almost immediately after impact for the kind of accuracy and consistency that is demanded by Tour professionals. While most traditional steel faced putters start the ball with backspin causing the ball to initially bounce, the polymetal groove technology starts the ball with forward spin to minimize bounce and keep putts on line.

The prototypes of the Method Midnight 006 and 007 already have proven Tour success. Nike athletes Lucas Glover and Stewart Cink both used the Method Midnight 006 head shape to win the 2009 U.S. Open and Open Championship, respectively, and Michelle Wie’s first LPGA victory came with the Method Midnight 007 head shape.

Nike Golf’s Method Midnight putters ($323.99 MSRP/$269.99 MAP) will be available June 15, 2012 in all three models. The Method Midnight 006 will also be available in a left-handed version.

Nike Method Midnight

Availability: June 15, 2012

Specifications:

006 (RH/LH), 007 (RH), 008 (RH)

Available in 33”, 34” and 35”

MSRP: $323.99 MAP/Street Price: $269.99

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Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better. For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf. Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit www.nikegolf.com/presscenter. For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf's public relations representative in respective countries for information.

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Contorting the WMNS Nike Free 3.0 V4

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:57:00 -0700

What happens when a contortionist finds a new pair of WMNS Nike Free 3.0's?

The result are some super natural positions that exhibit the flexibile characteristics of the Free sole. Ultimately the contortionist becomes the Free, all packaged up in a box.

NIKE DECLARES $0.36 QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 -0700

BEAVERTON, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share on the company’s outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock payable on July 2, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 4, 2012.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, Nike’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at investors.nikeinc.com.

Nike Unveils "Nike Clash Collection" Football Boots

Mon, 14 May 2012 01:00:00 -0700

As the countdown to Poland and The Ukraine builds momentum and the scene is set for the biggest of football showdowns, Nike is introducing the ‘Nike Clash Collection’ to celebrate what promises to be an exciting summer of football. Some of the world’s best players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Wayne Rooney and Gerard Pique will step out in this new collection of boots, deliver striking style and performance for this summer’s tournament.

Nike’s Mercurial Vapor VIII, CTR360 Maestri II, T90 Laser IV and Tiempo Legend IV boots will feature a color clash design of traditional white with a bold second color signifying each boots style to stand out on pitch.

The boots will be debuted by Nike players in Munich on 19 May. Then worn by national team players in Poland and the Ukraine and later in the summer during competition.

The Nike Clash Collection delivers performance engineering for every style of player. The individual boots are sparked by specific color finished with a white toe upper to create a distinctive yet common theme across the collection. Each chosen color reflects the expression and playing style of each boot, with Mercurial Vapor VIII featuring a solar red for explosive speed, CTR360 Maestri II blue glow for the assured midfielder, T90 Laser IV electric green for the deadly striker and Tiempo Legend IV black for effortless and classic style.

“The clash of traditional white with very modern and youthful colors will make a really powerful and disruptive statement on pitch,” said Andrew Caine, Nike Global Creative Director for Football Footwear. “The Nike Clash Collection delivers highly engineered boots with sharp color contrast reflecting the clash of rivalries and competition we will see this summer. We’re celebrating that with distinctive and stand out color.”

Performance and Innovation

The Nike Clash Collection builds on Nike’s relentless focus on product design and innovation. Combining the latest lightweight materials, plate engineering and upper construction each boot meets the demands of today’s more technical and physical game.

Mercurial Vapor VIII

Re-engineered boot built for explosive speed.

Combines innovation and style with a seamless fit, touch and traction to beat defenders and capitalize on key moments Teijin Microfiber upper offers a sleeker, closer feel to the foot with a suede-like finish increasing ball control and touch Anatomic Last takes the fit of the boot to a new level of support and stability Unique plate construction incorporates two different pieces of glass fiber to increase flexibility and responsiveness

CTR360 Maestri II

Designed for the midfield maestro to dictate the tempo with accurate and incisive passing.

Cushioned zones on the lateral forefoot give great first touch ball control – Receive / Pass Pad for control and accurate passing Asymmetrical lacing design creates an expanded ball control area The plate offers energy return and strength, with bladed studs for optimal traction and stability

T90 Laser IV

The ultimate strikers boot for capitalizing on that one moment to turn a game.

20% lighter than the T90 Laser III and featuring a streamlined silhouette for enhanced fit and feel Reconfigured shoot and swerve zones on the instep of the boot flex naturally as the foot connects with the ball, enhancing a cleaner strike Remodeled studs to maximize traction without increasing stud pressure for players

Tiempo Legend IV

Tradition and heritage combined with innovation to deliver a classic boot.

Premium leather is strong and soft, giving extra comfort, touch and control Lightweight TPU plate delivers combination of strength and agility Remodeled stud configuration delivers optimum traction

All four Nike Clash Collection boots (Mercurial Vapor VIII FG - $220, CTR360 Maestri II FG - $180, T90 Laser IV FG - $220 and Tiempo Legend IV FG - $150) will be available at retail and nike.com starting June 6th, 2012.

Nike Celebrates LeBron James and his third MVP Honor

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:00:00 -0700

To celebrate LeBron’s MVP win, Nike took a "work-in-progress" look at the award and dubbed the basketball superstar “Employee of the Year.” The ad additionally acknowledges what LeBron has repeated over and over – that he’s a man on a mission, focused on his team and capturing his first world championship.

Nike further salutes the three-time MVP with a special edition LEBRON 9 MVP shoe. Designed for elite performance and crafted with style, the LEBRON 9 MVP features striking Miami team colors. Gradient fades from red to black to comprise the upper with pops of yellow while details including an MVP logo on the heel and trophies printed on the sockliner mark the award. This special LEBRON 9 MVP shoe was made specifically for James, but a very limited amount will be brought to market next month.

Nike Football Unveils Manchester United Home Kit for the 2012/13 season

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 -0700

MANCHESTER UNITED will play in a new home kit inspired by the city’s industrious past this season. The 2012-13 shirt will feature the iconic gingham check that hailed from Manchester’s famous cotton mills.

Manchester United Football club’s success has been founded on the traditional values of respect and hard work. Those values are what made Manchester the city it is and from the mid 18th century the cotton mills there were prolific in the industry. From those mills came the gingham fabric, an iconic check that like Manchester United is famous around the world and is now – for the first time – used on a Manchester United home shirt.

The tonal gingham in traditional and iconic red gives the home shirt a bold new look. The black v-neck collar gives the shirt a contemporary look. The inner back neck graphic on the shirt reads, ‘Forged in Industry, Striving for Glory’; paying tribute to the cities industrial past but also the club’s hard-working ethos.

The outer neck graphic is the iconic devil symbol so synonymous around the world with Manchester United whilst a diagonal hatched graphic on the white shorts is a subtle link to the gingham used on the shirt.

The socks are black with a red detail on the top and a white devil icon. They offer a new and innovative design featuring an updated cotton footbed offering the support and comfort enjoyed by professionals to all that wear them.

Whilst the kit combines modern sport and youth style to give the club an iconic new look, Nike’s innovation gives the team our most technologically advanced kit to aid athlete comfort and performance.

The new home kit is made from Nike’s ground-breaking recycled polyester, making it Nike’s most environmentally friendly kit ever produced. Each kit (shirt and shorts) is made using up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles. This innovative manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by up to 30% compared to manufacturing traditional polyester. Since 2010 Nike has used an estimated 115 million recycled plastic bottles to create its high performance kits.

The kits are made out of 23% lighter fabric with 20% stronger knit structure than Nike’s previous kits and feature Nike Dri-FIT technology to wick moisture away from athletes to help keep them cool and dry on-pitch.

Kits have bonded re-enforced t-bar junctions that support critical seams on the shirt and shorts and inner welded seams with a flat finish construction to improve comfort and performance. Temperature regulation is helped by ventilation zones, consisting of a series of tiny laser cut holes from the under arms to the waistband, allowing air to circulate to keep players comfortable.

Nike Pro Combat base-layers are used by athletes to compliment playing kits to further improve comfort and increase protection from injury. Whilst fans and players can enjoy the Nike’s Manchester United Sportswear collection off the pitch, inspired by the club’s heritage.

Washington Redskins Unveil New Nike Anniversary Uniform

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:25:00 -0700

Today the Washington Redskins unveiled their new 2012 “anniversary” NFL Nike Elite 51 football uniform design at an event celebrating the club’s 80th anniversary at the indoor practice facility at Redskins Park. Linebackers Brian Orakpo, and Ryan Kerrigan were on hand to showcase the new look, unveiling the latest version of this highly innovative new uniform system. The jerseys will be worn in two games this season that will be announced at a later date.

Redskins’ owner Dan Snyder and his staff worked closely with Nike to create a look that spoke to the club’s unique heritage while highlighting several key details that helped defined the team’s history. The alternate “anniversary” uniform is a balance between history and tradition featuring a rich darker color palate and updated numbering system. It is a modern interpretation of those worn back in 1937 - a year signifying the team’s move from Boston to Washington, D.C. as well as their first National Championship. The patch on the shoulder is one that was worn in early team history. The design also pays tribute to 1937 QB “Slingin” Sammy Baugh, who in his first year in the league led the newly relocated Redskins to their first National Championship. Sammy was the last surviving member of the 1963 17-member charter class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has been honored by the Redskins with the retirement of his #33 jersey - the only number the team has ever officially retired.

“The Redskins are an amazing organization focused on team, unity and tradition. This new alternate uniform design for the Redskins is a very special one that truly speaks to the team’s long, rich history” said Nike Football Creative Director Todd Van Horne. “We have truly enjoyed working with Dan Snyder and his team on this project and look forward to seeing the new Elite 51 uniform system on the field this season.”

To complete the look, the helmet features a unique leather-like finish and the words “Team, Effort, Tradition” are embroidered on the inside of the neckline serving as a reminder to each athlete of what it means to be a Redskin.

“In honor of 80 years of rich tradition this anniversary uniform displays our heritage” said Daniel M. Snyder. “We hope that it will bring back great memories to our fans.”

Designed and engineered from the inside out, the new uniform focuses on creating a system where the baselayer, padding, jersey and pant work in concert. Lightweight padding is also integrated directly into the crucial “hit zones” in the baselayer. New innovations include integrating Flywire technology into the neckline to reduce weight and provide lockdown fit over pads, increasing sleeve articulation for better range of motion, and integrating new four-way stretch fabrication to provide a streamlined shrink-wrap fit.

Nike and Tom Sachs present Tom Sachs: NIKECraft

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:43:00 -0700

Anyone familiar with Tom Sachs scrappy make-it-yourself sculpture (some call it bricolage) might find the idea of him collaborating with the biggest sporting goods brand on the planet, in the universe, an unlikely partnership. What he, as an artist, considers a large edition size, Nike runs off in prototypes testing iterations of a new sneaker. And yet born from the dynamic between Tom's D.I.Y. aesthetic and the wide reaching Nike brand, comes an artisanal capsule collection, NIKECraft.

Launched on the eve of Tom’s SPACE PROGRAM: Mars, this joint venture between Tom and the Nike design team fuses, in several significant ways, the design sensibility Sachs brings to space travel.

Astronauts must be as fit as an elite athlete to even withstand the rigors of exiting the earth’s atmosphere. Their daily tasks require a substantial effort and endurance. Equally, their equipment must be up to the task of performing under the most unforgiving conditions.

The journey itself would end up inspiring the Tom Sachs: NIKECraft collection - The Mars Yard Shoe, the Trench, The Marsfly Jacket, and the Lightweight Tote. Nike design and Sachs applied materials that have never been used in sportswear, taken from automotive air bags, mainsails for boats and the space suit itself. Each piece is packed with functionality that would prove useful in the voyage through space. Zipper pulls that double as storage containers, paracord that can be fashioned as a tourniquet and embellishments like the periodic table of elements screened on the inside of a jacket - they all merge visual interest with purpose.

Air Force 1 Premium '08

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 -0700

Similar to human DNA, camouflage patterns can tell a unique story. Digital camouflage is a modern motif but it serves a practical military purpose in environments such as the desert, protecting soldiers.

Designed with street sensibilities and modern craftsmanship, this shoe features new HF (high-frequency) weld construction giving a three-dimensional look that includes reflective material. The embossed reflective heel and tongue tabs add a premium touch to this white based shoe with silver accents.

Look out for this shoe to launch globally this summer at select retailers.

Nike Football Unveils New Corinthians Uniforms

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Sport Club Corinthians, 2011 Brasilian champions and a Nike partner since 2003, has unveiled a new Home and Away kit that celebrates the heritage of this iconic club and its home city of São Paulo. Global football icon and former Corinthians player, Ronaldo, was attendance at the launch to celebrate the new kit and unveiling of creative art work capturing his playing days at the club. ‘Goal of the Wall” features the “Phenomenon” scoring his first goal for Corinthians in 2009 and marks the first of 10 goals that will be artistically celebrated at the Corinthians training ground with the final goal featuring the new kit.

Simplicity, style and design innovation distinguish the new uniform. The home jersey is white with a black collar, while the away jersey is black with a white collar. Both jerseys have a message "Corinthians Paulista" (Corinthians from Sao Paulo) on the back of the neck and, inside the badge, the initials CP reflect the first club badge. In line with Nike’s commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new kit’s shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96% recycled polyester. Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

Nike Football Unveils Arsenal Home Kit for Season 2012/13

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 -0700

THE Arsenal home shirt for the 2012-13 season pays tribute to the North London club’s visionary past and bright future, inspired by 126 years of innovation and style.

Arsenal Football Club has long been the benchmark for innovation and change. It was Herbert Chapman – the club’s manager from 1925 to 1934 - who championed the use of floodlights, numbered shirts and white footballs in the modern game. And Nike, official kit supplier and leaders in design and innovation, has unveiled a home kit that pays tribute to club heritage whilst offering players and fans a modern and stylish new uniform.

The shirt boasts the traditional red block body with white sleeves but fans will find a new twist to the kit; a blue (obsidian) hoop detail on the collar, sleeves and socks.

Blue (obsidian) has long been used as a third colour on Arsenal’s shirts throughout their illustrious history and features in the Arsenal crest; and it’s inclusion in the kit for the 2012-13 season nods to that past but gives it a fresh, bold look.

Heritage details include an inner neck graphic which reads; “Victoria Concordia Crescit (the club’s latin logo meaning victory through harmony). The outer neck graphic is a nod to Chapman’s famous ‘WM formation’ that galvanised and shaped the modern game.

As is traditional, the new shorts are white but with a WM formation on the side, and ‘Arsenal’ in the back of the waistband. The home kit socks are white with red and blue (obsidian) hoop detail.

The new home kit is made from Nike’s ground-breaking recycled polyester, making it Nike’s most environmentally friendly kit ever produced. Each kit (shirt and shorts) is made using up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles. This innovative manufacturing process reduces energy consumption by up to 30% compared to manufacturing traditional polyester. Since 2010 Nike has used an estimated 1115 million recycled plastic bottles to create its high performance kits.

Nike Pro Combat base-layers are used by athletes to compliment playing kits to further improve comfort and increase protection from injury. Whilst fans and players can enjoy the Nike’s Arsenal Sportswear collection off the pitch, inspired by the club’s heritage.

Converse China Celebrates The First-Ever Specialty Retail Store

Mon, 07 May 2012 06:35:00 -0700

BEIJING, China (May 7, 2012) – On May 5-6, 2012, Converse China celebrated the grand opening event for its first-ever specialty retail store in Beijing, China. Located in the heart of Sanlitun Village, Beijing’s premium shopping mall, the Sanlitun store brings a brand new shopping experience to Chinese consumers along with the most diverse Converse footwear and apparel assortment in China.

“We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of our first specialty store in Beijing, bringing an expanded Converse retail experience to our Chinese consumers,” said Steve Parker, Vice President and General Manager, Converse Asia Pacific. “We look forward to offering our most expansive product assortment yet and an unparalleled shopping experience that truly celebrates our consumer’s originality.”

Grand Opening Celebration
The celebration of the Sanlitun store, which originally opened in March of this year, culminated during a two-day event that invited local consumers to express themselves as part of an in-store “Connectivity” photo shoot. Following the Converse global Connectivity brand campaign, the Sanlitun Connectivity shoot will be featured in the street level central plaza of Sanlitun Village throughout the month of May. The grand opening event was a true celebration of Beijing’s creative and youth culture scene. Guests included pop star Fu Xin Bo; indie musicians Zhang Shou Wang, Fu Han and Peng Lei; local fashion designers Vega Wang and Xander Zhou; Chinese top model Bonnie Chen; young artists Kong Ling Nan and Nod Young, as well as famous Hong Kong director Peng Hao Xiang.

The Ultimate Retail Experience
The Beijing Sanlitun store offers the most diverse assortment of Converse footwear and apparel in China, showcasing the breadth of the brand’s collections including the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star, Star Chevron, Jack Purcell, One Star and John Varvatos footwear assortments. The store also features exclusive collaboration offerings such as the Converse Gorillaz and Converse Marimekko collections, along with a wide range of Converse China apparel.

The Sanlitun store design platform follows the brand’s new global retail format, making it the first of its kind in China. The retail design features speak directly to Converses distinct sports and rock 'n roll heritage, with several bespoke and reclaimed materials incorporated into the design elements creating a vintage inspired retail environment. Tying back to the brand’s 104-year old American heritage, an American flag made from red, white and blue Chuck Taylor All Star shoes welcomes visitors and can be seen through the storefront window. Taking center stage in the space is a wall featuring an expansive Chuck Taylor All Star footwear collection. Subway tiled and gymnasium bleacher walls throughout the store pay homage to the brand’s urban and athletic heritage, providing an authentic and brand-distinct shopping environment for Converse consumers.

The Converse Sanlitun store is located in Basement Level of Sanlitun Village, South Area and is open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Please visit www.converse.com.cn for more details.

About Converse
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 63 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information on Converse in China, visit www.converse.com.cn

Press Contact:

Fifi Han
Converse
Fei.han@converse.com

Karin Hesselvik
Converse
Karin.hesselvik@converse.com

Manchester City and Nike Announce New Partnership

Fri, 04 May 2012 05:30:00 -0700

NIKE Inc. has announced a new partnership that will see the sponsorship of Manchester City Football Club move from Umbro to the Nike brand from the start of the 2013/14 season.

The Umbro sponsorship of the English Premier League Club, which has been in place since June 2009, will continue to the end of the 2012/13 season, after which all kit, training wear and related products will be designed, manufactured and distributed by Nike. The contract will run until 2019.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to further develop the relationship between City and Nike Inc, which builds on the successful partnership the club has already enjoyed with Umbro, and reflects both the ambitions of the club and the Nike brand’s position within the world of football”, commented Nike Brand President, Charlie Denson.

John Macbeath, Interim Chief Executive of Manchester City Football Club added "We are delighted to have further strengthened our relationship with the Nike family. Nike's deserved reputation as the leading global sports brand, its unparalleled R&D capacity, leading global retail distribution networks and award winning marketing capabilities mean that this is a very important step forward in the evolution of Manchester City.”

Converse Opens Its First Mall-Based Retail Store In New Jersey

Fri, 04 May 2012 03:00:00 -0700

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (May 4, 2012) – Today, CONVERSE Inc. announces the opening of its first mall-based location in Westfield Garden State Plaza, the brand’s fourth inline retail location in the United States, and New Jersey’s largest. Celebrating the global brand’s creative spirit, the newest Converse store location proudly highlights its diverse product offerings and brings its pioneering spirit and innovation in style and self-expression to life.

The Westfield Garden State Plaza mall location will open to the public on Saturday, May 5 and debut a 4,500 square foot store design that evokes the sport and rock 'n roll heritage of Converse. The store will feature a Converse Customization “Ink Bar”, where customers will have an opportunity to showcase their creative spirit and design one-of-a-kind footwear, apparel and accessories.

“We are excited to open our very first mall-based platform in Westfield Garden State Plaza, and the largest in New Jersey,” said Jim Calhoun, President and Chief Executive Officer, Converse. “Converse hopes to give consumers an opportunity to spark creativity with our Converse Customization in-store programming. We look forward to sharing the Converse spirit of originality and innovation with the New Jersey community.”

The Converse Customization Experience
The Westfield Garden State Plaza location takes the interactive retail experience beyond traditional screen-printing, and offers the ultimate in personal expression. At the Converse Customization “Ink Bar” located in the center of the store, shoppers are able to create their own styles of footwear, apparel and accessories by using over 200 graphics and designs. Customers will also have the ability to customize the details of Converse bags, t-shirts, and hoodies by adding grommets and drawstrings, and modifying the piece to suit their individual style. Customization Maestros are available to help guide through the creative process, providing a uniquely collaborative experience that results in a one-of-a-kind Converse item.

Expansive Converse Product Offering
The Westfield Garden State Plaza location offers a premium shopping experience with the broadest assortment of Converse footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children available at a mall. These select Converse offerings include Jack Purcell, Converse by John Varvatos and Converse First String, Converse’s limited-edition collection that celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity and collaboration at the highest level. The store location will also offer exclusive local New Jersey-inspired tee shirts.

The Converse Westfield Garden State Plaza store is located at One Garden State, Paramus, New Jersey 07652 and will be open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., closed on Sunday. Please visit www.converse.com for more details.

About Converse
Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including lifestyle men's, women's and children’s footwear, apparel and accessories. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 63 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.

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Press Contacts:

Lacy Pica
Converse
646.563.7830 / lacy.pica@converse.com

Christina McDonald
HL Group
212.529.5533 / cmcdonald@hlgrp.com

Nike Sportswear Presents 'What the Max'

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 -0700

Nike Sportswear is launching the ‘What the Max’ Collection in Summer ’12, including the Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse, Nike Air Max 95 Hyperfuse and Nike Air Max 2012 Hyperfuse. All three feature Hyperfuse technology in bold neon color pops to highlight the innovation.

The Nike design team first introduced Hyperfuse construction to create a breathable, stable and resilient basketball shoe called the Nike Hyperfuse and the performance technology is brought to life on the past, present and future of Nike Sportswear icon models.

Hyperfuse construction creates a durable composite material composed of three layers; one for stability, one for breathability and the third for durability. All three layers are fused together using heat and pressure to create a level of precision unattainable via traditional cut-and-sew methods.

This construction method allows Nike designers to shed weight without compromising strength. Its modern, minimalist aesthetic lives on with these bold executions for Summer '12. The Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse, Nike Air Max 95 Hyperfuse and Nike Air Max 2012 Hyperfuse launch globally beginning this month.

FY10-11 Sustainable Business Performance Summary

Thu, 03 May 2012 06:15:00 -0700

BEAVERTON, Ore. (May 3, 2012) – NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today released its FY10-11 Sustainable Business Performance Summary which introduces its new targets and outlines its progress against key business, labor and environmental goals. The company also discusses the key challenges and its strategy for its work ahead, demonstrating its commitment to a more transparent and sustainable future.

Nike’s long-term strategic vision – to decouple profitable growth from constrained resources – is underscored by new targets and commitments, including a company-wide commitment to further integrate sustainability principles into its innovation processes, governance and portfolios. The work ahead is structured in two levels: continuous improvement targets against key impact areas to “make today better” and broader innovation commitments to “design the future” that establish how Nike is approaching longer-term change.

“Nike is known globally for our innovative performance products and sustainability has now increasingly become core to our business approach,” said NIKE, Inc. President & CEO Mark Parker. “We have continuously invested in reducing our environmental and social impacts within our own business and supply chain and have made substantial gains over the last decade. We know we cannot achieve our bold sustainability goals simply by delivering incremental improvements. We need to deliver innovations that rapidly evolve the way things are done at Nike, in our industry and throughout business.”

Nike also unveiled its new factory rating system, the Manufacturing Index, which looks comprehensively at a contract factory’s total performance and includes a deeper look at how a factory approaches sustainability. This Index elevates labor and environmental performance alongside traditional supply chain measures of quality, cost and on-time delivery.

Within the overall Manufacturing Index, the company has developed an innovative Sourcing & Manufacturing Sustainability Index (SMSI) which assesses contract factory performance on sustainability measures including measures of lean, environmental performance (including water, energy and carbon, and waste), health and safety, and labor management factors. After more than two years of development work and concluding a successful pilot program, the SMSI is currently being rolled out across NIKE, Inc.’s global supply chain.

Nike’s report focuses heavily on the role of innovation, transparency and collaboration in addressing sustainability issues. The Summary shows that Nike achieved or made significant progress against most of its previous targets, including waste reduction in footwear manufacturing, utilizing its Considered Design Index guidelines in product design and implementing Human Resource Management training programs in contracted factories.

In some areas, including the reduction of excessive overtime at contract factories, progress was slower than targeted. Nike also changed its approach to some targets, including carbon emissions, based on deeper understanding of the challenges and to improve alignment with business strategy. Incremental progress against several targets was a key driver for Nike to redesign its factory evaluation and sourcing criteria to improve performance in the long-term.

Nike worked with Business for Social Responsibility to engage a panel of external reviewers with expertise across broad areas, including representatives from Non Governmental Organizations and academia to business, students and open data advocates, to assess its reporting and engage in discussion on its new set of sustainability targets. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Richard Locke, whose current research is focused on improving labor and environmental conditions in global supply chains, was one of the reviewers and said the process had been well-organized, rigorous and transparent.

“I have been impressed by Nike’s willingness to engage in constructive debate over what is feasible and what is aspirational,” Locke said. “This is a company that takes a leadership position and has clearly learned the value of partnership and that collaboration is a business opportunity, not a risk.”

Some of the key results against the last goals Nike set include:

The number of factory audits showing serious, repeated violations has remained low, at about 5 percent over the past five years. The number of contract factories with unknown conditions has decreased from 48 percent in FY09 to 8 percent in FY11, due in large part to increased monitoring against NIKE, Inc.’s Affiliate base.
Human Resource Management training was conducted in 79 percent of focus contract factories (76 of 98) which covered 94 percent of footwear volume, 43 percent of apparel volume.
CO2 emissions from contract footwear factories used to source NIKE Brand product were down 6 percent from FY08-FY11, despite a 20 percent increase in production.
97 percent of NIKE brand footwear achieved a baseline level or better on Nike’s Considered Index.

“Since we began setting targets years ago, we’ve learned the greatest opportunity to drive change is in the areas where we have the most impact,” said NIKE, Inc. Vice President of Sustainable Business & Innovation, Hannah Jones. “We know our materials create our greatest environmental impact. We control the design so this is where we began to focus when we rolled out our Considered Design ethos in 2009. We are now applying this same discipline and rigor in designing sustainability into the way we source and manufacture our products.”

Nike first began reporting its environmental and social performance around key impact areas including waste, water, energy, toxics, climate and labor in 2001. With improvements in measurement and data, and achievement of some targets, the company continues to reexamine its targets and approach as it has learned more about root causes of issues and where it can bring about the greatest change.

The next phase of sustainability performance targets released in its latest report include:

Product Design – All product improves environmental profile as measured on Sustainability indexes evolved from our Considered Design ethos and indexes. By end of FY15, all new NIKE Brand global footwear will achieve silver rating and all new NIKE Brand global apparel will achieve bronze rating.
Climate/Energy - Achieve 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per unit from FY11 levels through FY15 (from assessed footprint in built environment, inbound transportation and footwear manufacturing).
Labor – Source by end FY20 only from contracted factories that demonstrate their commitment to workers and sustainability by achieving minimum Bronze on our Sourcing & Manufacturing Sustainability Index, which includes measures of worker rights and protections, including health and safety, and progressive movement toward the Fair Labor Association’s definition of a “fair wage” approach.
Chemistry - Achieve zero discharge of hazardous chemicals* for all products across all pathways in our supply chain by 2020.
Water - Improve efficiency by 15 percent per unit in apparel materials dyeing and finishing, and footwear manufacturing (from FY11 through FY15).
Waste - Achieve 10 percent reduction in waste from manufacturing across NIKE, Inc. and shoebox weight per unit (from FY11 baseline through FY15), building on waste reduction in footwear manufacturing of more than 35 percent per pair in first 10 years of program.
Community - Invest a minimum of 1.5 percent of pre‐tax income in communities annually.

In conjunction with the release of its report, Nike has launched an interactive web experience at http://nikeinc.com/pages/responsibility enabling users to explore Nike’s value chain and learn more about its progress and commitments against each impact area. It also provides tools where users can design footwear and clothing, check the environmental impact of various material selections and explore the company’s global contracted manufacturing base with an interactive map.

* Hazardous chemicals are those that show intrinsically hazardous properties (persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic; very persistent and very bio-accumulative; carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction; endocrine disruptors; or equivalent concern), not just those that have been regulated or restricted in other regions.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro International Limited, which designs, distributes and licenses athletic and casual footwear, apparel and equipment, primarily for global football (soccer).

NIKE DESIGNS BESPOKE AIR FORCE 1 FOR DIRK NOWITZKI

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:30:00 -0700

Fourteen years ago, Dirk Nowitzki had a crazy dream: play pro basketball in the US. He trained hard for it and in the end his dream came true. He was drafted by Dallas and in 2011 became the first German to win a world championship in the US.

Nike believes in crazy dreams and in honor of Dirk Nowitzki and his extraordinary achievement have created a customized Air Force 1 design for the German basketball star. Israel Mateo, designer at the NIKEiD studio of the stand-alone store “21 Mercer” in New York, has personalized for Dirk Nowitzki NIKE’s most celebrated basketball shoe inspired by details that symbolize his triumph: the colors of his team, his famed basketball signature move, the so called “fadeaway,” his shirt number and the date on which he became world champion.

And because such a special shoe does not belong in an ordinary box, the “Dreambox,” was created: made by hand with wood from a basketball court and engraved with Nike’s message to Dirk and every athlete who has a body: “All dreams are crazy until they come true. Dirk did it.”

The presentation of the Nike Bespoke iD design for Dirk Nowitzki was equally as exclusive: fans with dreams as crazy as Dirk’s were sought out via Facebook, and thousands participated. The dream that came true in the end was Alexander’s, a 19 year-old basketball fan from Frankfurt/Germany. He couldn’t wait to take his hero on, on court: “I want to play Dirk in one on one.” Alexander won and Nike sent him on his voyage to Dallas to present the inspired Air force 1 and compete one-on-one with Dirk Nowitzki.

Their meeting and the presentation of the Nike Bespoke iD design for Dirk Nowitzki were recorded in this video:

Retail customers can have their individual Nike Sneaker designed at www.NIKEiD.com

NIKEiD and BESPOKE – customized individual footwear for retail customers

New York’s “21 Mercer” is the only shop world-wide that has its own NIKEiD studio, where selected Nike classics can be configured according to the customer’s wishes. And with Bespoke, Mercer 21 also offers its customers a unique and totally exclusive type of customizing: a unique, custom-made Premium Sneaker can be designed through a personal appointment. The Air Force 1 is a part of the Nike Bespoke program.

NIKE Tennis unveils new looks for Paris

Wed, 02 May 2012 09:00:00 -0700

The most physically demanding tennis tournament commands only those willing to leave everything on the court in the search for glory. Paris is the stage where Nike Tennis’ greatest athletes will battle it out to create history.

RAFAEL NADAL

The undisputed King of Clay steps up for an unprecedented 7th title; a feat solidifying his legacy as the greatest clay court player of all-time. On court, the Rafa Finals Clay Crew allows Nadal zero distraction with its minimal design. Dri-FIT fabric and strategically placed mesh panels pull away sweat and keeps Rafa fresh throughout his match and continuing along the design ethos of ‘only what is necessary’ Rafa’s Finals Short is everything he needs and nothing more. With a board short style construction it’s lightweight and stays dry at the most pivotal point. Together the Rafa Finals Clay Crew and Short are the perfect compliment to his trademark endurance and never say die attitude.

ROGER FEDERER

Roger defines greatness. Seeking the opportunity to play in his 24th Grand Slam final, Roger’s own precision and perfection are clear trademarks of his RF Smash Clay Polo. Classic lines and styling combined with moisture-wicking Dri-FIT fabric, welded shoulder, arm and side seams deliver un-restricted movement and flexibility. Federer’s Smash Woven Shorts have a time-honored look but guarantee lightweight performance and a custom fit.

LI NA

The champion returns. Li Na entered the ranks of the game’s elite taking home the trophy last year on the famous clay of Paris. This year Li Na will be able to keep cool and collected with a Dri-FIT mesh back panel for maximum lightweight breathability. The matching, flat-seamed waistband of the Baseline Knit Skirt allows for total match comfort, point after point. Comfort on the court with zero distractions leaves Li Na with a strong opportunity to claim a second title.

MARIA SHARAPOVA

Sharapova’s aggressive baseline power and monster serve have a diversified range of weapons to match. Her agility, precision and shot placement is a huge arsenal to allow for domination on clay which will only increase in the Dri-FIT Maria Statement Set Dress. The open-back ventilation ups the ante on comfort and range of motion, making Maria one of the most feared athletes in the draw

SERENA WILLIAMS

Whether on the offense or defense, Serena’s powerfuel style of play inspires fear in those who challenge her. With the Dri-FIT moisture wicking properties of the Statement Nike Rally Dress, Serena takes control of the game in comfort, while the extra thick strap provides support rendering her torrential backhand and overall power unstoppable.

VICTORIA AZARENKA

Victoria Azarenka — #1 in the world and leading the charge for a new era in women’s tennis. Debuting the Tie Breaker Knit Dress, Victoria stays cool with a Dri-FIT back panel and a pleated knit mesh for ultimate mobility and comfort. Currently one of the most dominant players in the game, she’s here to win and will look good doing it.