Nike - The most powerful Brand Name in the World? (Nike)

Member Name: Ferrari Red

Product:	Nike
Date:	26/03/01 (1317 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Sports products on the whole...

Disadvantages: Expensive - Brands become addictive...

In 1998 I visited Nike Town in New York with my fiancé (then boyfriend). Whilst there, we did buy a large amount of Nike products, that I doubt we would have bought if we hadn’t been, not for the reason that you could only get them in America, because I am sure that if we searched around London or any of the other big cities in England, we could find them, at a reduced price to what they were in America. A lot of what we bought was bought on impulse, some things were what we planned to buy, and others were bought as presents to take back to my family.

I have decided to write down for you the things I can remember buying, and what I (or whoever they were for) thought of them.

- 2 Nike Baseball Caps: I bought these for my two nephews who were then seven and nine. We wouldn’t have really bought anything for their family, but because they kindly let myself and my boyfriend stay in their house for a six month period, we felt that we should at least bring the children something back, and Nike Town seemed a pretty ‘cool’ place to have something from. Usually, I wouldn’t spend much on a hat; I would tend to go for the cheapest one I could find. Because of the brand name though, I did find that all products like this were expensive, and I ended up paying £14 for one, and about £6 for the other. They looked to me as if they were pretty fashionable and well made, however, I was still reluctant to buy them, as I gathered they would be worth less. I was convinced into buying them by my boyfriend, who said that they were some of the best hats that I could buy, and they would indeed last along time. Well, that was where he was wrong. My eldest Nephew, Oliver, still has his hat in good condition, and as I am told wears it often. The other boy’s hat went missing though, and it turned up at the bottom of the garden, buried by the dog. After this I decided that I would never buy products like this again for children of this age, a
s it was pretty obvious something would happen to it.

- Nike T- Shirts, Sweaters, Jogging Tops, training Tops, Shorts, Tracksuit trousers: Part of the point of being in Nike Town for my boyfriend, was so that he could buy lots of clothes that he could show off to his mates. He also had a practical use for it. He plays a lot of sports, and conveniently needed some new clothes at the time. There were a few offers going, such as buy this, get this half – price and so on, so whilst we were there we decided to buy things for his activities, and also some clothes for casual use for myself. We still have most of the clothes, and I find that they are a lot better made than other brands such as Adidas. The clothes that we did buy were pretty expensive, but then that comes with any brand name. I find that it is not a very good idea buying clothes like this for young children, as they are always growing, therefore it is obvious that they will not fit them for long. Overall I think that products like this for people are very good, as they can literally last forever.

- A set of Nike Underwear: I bought these in a pack of knickers, which looked very much like Kalvin Kline knickers, and sports bras, which I did find gave a lot of support. I found that they are very good and last a long time. My boyfriend also bought some cheep boxer shorts, which he only wears when he seems to have no other clean pairs. He claims that they are uncomfortable (I just think he’s put more weight on to be honest) and he says that he prefers to buy cheep boxers from Burtons.

- Nike Swimming Costume: My old costume was getting a bit worn down, and I decided it was time to buy a new one. So, I went into a shop, and had a look. They had a huge range, and I ended up with a bright yellow stylish one, that still fits well, and is very comfortable and easy to swim in. I give it thumbs up.

- Nike trainers and football boots: My boyfriend bought a pair of both, an
d they did not last long at all. He spent a lot of money on the boots with screw in studs, and lost them after a while. The boots were not really that wide as were the trainers. I still prefer to stick with Puma boots, even though not as fashionable, they are a lot cheaper, and a lot more comfortable.

- Nike Jewellery: This was bought as a present for my boyfriend’s sister; he had a selection of cheep chains and rings, that he thought she would like. Not the most glamorous of presents, but she was only sixteen, and seemed to like them.

So, those are the things we bought, and we came back with a lot heavier baggages, and indeed considerably a lot poorer. Still, I do think what we bought was worth it, and so does my fiancé.

There has been a lot in the media lately about the way that Nike treat their workers. Before Christmas, I watched a panorama programme on the subject, and after watching the way the workers were, I did feel a little guilty about all the items I have. However, I do not personally feel that I should stop wearing or buying Nike products, as I think it is up to the company to change their ways, and it is not my problem. I understand that a lot of people will disagree, saying it will not change unless the public do something about it. I realise this may be true, but we cannot stop twelve year old girls saying they are eighteen, and Nike believing them, (if they really do or not is a different matter). Nike are not the only offenders at this, as Panorama showed, but I think that they are subject to the most critic, as they are really the biggest brand.

Whatever happens, I feel I will continue having Nike over other ‘big’ brands, as I feel they are more reliable, and often feel more ‘secure’ knowing this. I feel it is up to you as an individual to decide on what you will buy, you may go for the cheaper option, but with the more expensive I have found less problems, as I do believe that they
are better made.

There is really one thing that bothers me about Nike; that is the pronunciation of the name. I really think it is Nikee, pronouncing the ee sound. If anyone knows whether it is this or just Nike, I would be grateful If you left me a comment stating which it is.

Thankyou for reading, I do hope you enjoyed my opinion.

:0) Ferrari Red…

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