Core Viewpoint - Nike is facing significant challenges in the Greater China market, necessitating a strategic overhaul to enhance brand differentiation and adapt to local consumer insights [1][3]. Financial Performance - For Q2 of FY2026 (September-November 2025), Nike reported total revenue of $12.427 billion, a year-on-year increase of approximately 1%, while net profit fell to $0.792 billion, a decline of 32% [1]. - Revenue from the Greater China region was $1.423 billion, down about 17% year-on-year, with direct sales (Nike Direct) declining by 18% and digital sales (Nike Digital) dropping by 36% [1]. - Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) in the Greater China region halved, decreasing by 49% [1]. Challenges Faced - Nike's management highlighted several ongoing challenges in the Greater China market, including decreased foot traffic, lower sell-through rates, and aging channel inventory [2]. - The brand's frequent discounting in digital channels has weakened its market influence, leading to increased discount rates, higher return rates, and rising costs associated with inventory clearance [2]. - In the fiscal quarter ending August 31, 2025, revenue in the Greater China region also declined to $1.512 billion, a 10% year-on-year drop [2]. Strategic Adjustments - Nike is implementing various measures in the Chinese market, including store upgrades, a focus on sports, reduced promotions, self-service inventory clearance, and adjusted purchasing plans [2]. - Total inventory has decreased by double digits compared to the previous year, with a 20% reduction in inventory items [2]. - Despite a 35% year-on-year drop in sales during the "Double 11" shopping festival, management indicated this was in line with their expectations [2]. Organizational Changes - Nike is undergoing a structural transformation, eliminating the positions of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, while creating a new Chief Operating Officer role [3]. - The new COO will oversee end-to-end operations, including the technology department, and regional leaders will report directly to the CEO [3]. - The company is reducing manpower in stores and enhancing the management of product displays and retail presentation [3]. Competitive Landscape - The decline in Nike's performance in China is attributed to increasing competition, with local brands capturing approximately 60% of the market share among the top 20 brands [5]. - The 2025 version of a report by McKinsey and WFSGI indicates that traditional sports brands have lost 3% of market share from 2019 to 2024, while challenger brands are rising through targeted cultural marketing and omnichannel strategies [5]. - Local brands like Anta and Li Ning are gaining traction by investing in R&D and aligning closely with Chinese cultural symbols, creating a new consumer paradigm that emphasizes quality, cultural recognition, and price advantages [6]. Market Dynamics - The rise of domestic sports brands and the outdoor market is exerting pressure on Nike's market position [6]. - Local brands are perceived to better understand consumer psychology, focusing on product performance, unique design, and alignment with consumer values [6]. - Nike's recent product strategy has been criticized for being rigid, with a tendency towards luxury pricing, which contrasts with the more competitively priced offerings from local brands [6].
耐克在华失速 高层坦言需调整策略