Technically... Nike reported its earnings last week. Technically it missed analysts' expectations for the 1st time in 7 years. But we're more focused on CEO Mark Parker's call with investors after the earnings report. Just in time for today's USA vs. England World Cup match, he thinks 2019 is a "true tipping point" for women's sports.
Women are winning Nike... 14 of the 24 Women’s World Cup teams enjoy a Nike swoosh across the chest. And the combo of Nike spending big on this ad, covering almost 2/3 of the jerseys, and record TV ratings are doing it. These Nike stats just arrived:
- The US Women's National Team jersey is the #1 selling soccer jersey — men's or women's — ever sold on Nike.com.
- And enthusiasm for women's apparel has extended to bras — Parker announced Nike's now the biggest seller of bras across North America.
Nike vs. Lululemon... That's the biggest matchup worth watching right now. Both are focusing on the opposite genders in the same (non-US) places. It's a fight worth watching.
- Lulu’s 5-year plan: Double men’s sales and quadruple international sales (especially in China) since the majority are sold to North American women.
- Nike’s focus: Sell more to women and to China — 75% of its apparel sold is to men, and China is its fastest-growing market with nearly 20% of all sales.