Nike’s direct sales play pays off

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Reuters

Nike’s efforts to sell its shoes and clothing directly to consumers are starting to pay off.

The firm, which has faced controversy over its Colin Kaepernick ad campaign, said revenue rose by 10% year-on-year in the three months to the end of August, reaching $9.9bn (£7.5bn).

Profits jumped by 15% to more than $1tn in the quarter, lifted in part by direct sales, which allow the firm to command higher prices.

Product launches also fuelled sales.

Nike shares have climbed over the last year, as growth in the important North America division returned.

Sales in North America increased by 6% in the quarter, accounting for about 40% of overall revenue.

Sales rose by 24% in Greater China and 11% in the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

This month, the US sportswear giant attracted attention when it unveiled an advertising campaign featuring the athlete Colin Kaepernick.

Mr Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the American football team, the San Francisco 49ers, is known for his refusal to stand during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racism.

His action inspired other players to follow suit, but was attacked by Donald Trump and other conservatives, leading to heated debate in the US.

Early sales suggested the Kaepernick campaign has been a success for Nike.

The firm got further publicity when actress Jenifer Lewis, who has a leading role in the television show Black-ish, wore a Nike sweatshirt to the Emmy Awards.

However, the quarterly results reported Tuesday pre-date the launch of that campaign.