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Originally Founded as Blue Ribbon Sports
The company now known as Nike, originally started as Blue Ribbon Sports. It was founded by Phil Knight, an University of Oregon athlete and coach Bill Bowerman. -
BRS Sells 1,300 Shoes
Blue Ribbon Sports sold 1,300 pairs of shoes in it's first year. Mostly out of the trunk of their cars at track meets. They only sold Onitsuka Tiger shoes (now owned by ASICS). -
Open up first retail location
It's first retail store was opened this year in Santa Monica, California. -
Expansion
Due to sales increasing at a high rate the company expanded distribution and retail to the east coast. -
A Relationship Ends
BRS and Onitsuka Tiger end their longstanding relationship. BRS prepares to launch their own line of footwear. -
Swish First Used
In preparing for their new line of shoes, The Swoosh was decided on to become the logo for the newly named Nike. The Swoosh was designed by Carolyn Davidson. -
Swoosh gets Registered
The Swoosh gets registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on this date, an important step in them building the Swoosh into an icon. -
More Accomplishments
In December of 1980, Nike achieves 50% market share in the U.S. athletic shoe market. In addition, the company went public. -
Michael Jordan is Signed
Michael Jordan signs with Nike and with his help launch the Air Jordan brand down the line. It's one of their most successful lines to date. -
"Just Do It"
Nike uses the slogan "Just Do It" for the first time in ad campaigns. This slogan is still used to this day. -
New Headquarters
Nike moved into it's new headquarters building in Beaverton, Oregon.
