Reebok: Difference between revisions
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In 1979, Paul Fireman, a partner in an outdoor sporting goods distributorship, spotted Reebok shoes at an international trade show. He negotiated for the North American distribution license and introduced three running shoes in the U.S. that year. At $60, they were the most expensive running shoes on the market. |
In 1979, Paul Fireman, a partner in an outdoor sporting goods distributorship, spotted Reebok shoes at an international trade show. He negotiated for the North American distribution license and introduced three running shoes in the U.S. that year. At $60, they were the most expensive running shoes on the market. |
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Reebok surged in popularity in 1982 after the introduction of the Freestyle, which was specifically designed for women and came out when the [[aerobics]] fitness craze started. Not only was the Freestyle popular as athletic wear, but also on the streets as casual wear. As a result the Freestyle became an icon of the [[1980's]]fashion scene with hitop versions (including two [[velcro]] straps at the top) and colors including white, black, red, yellow, and blue. Reebok continues to produce the Freestyle to this day as it is popular in [[cheerleading]], [[ |
Reebok surged in popularity in 1982 after the introduction of the Freestyle, which was specifically designed for women and came out when the [[aerobics]] fitness craze started. Not only was the Freestyle popular as athletic wear, but also on the streets as casual wear. As a result the Freestyle became an icon of the [[1980's]] fashion scene with hitop versions (including two [[velcro]] straps at the top) and colors including white, black, red, yellow, and blue. Reebok continues to produce the Freestyle to this day as it is popular in [[cheerleading]], [[aerobic]] dancing, and dedicated consumers. |
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Following the heals of the Freestyle success, Reebok also introduced a popular workout shoe for men the called the Ex-O-Fit. Similar to the Freestyle, it came in low-top and hitop versions; however, unlike the Freestyle hitop with two [[velcro]] closure straps, the Ex-O-Fit only had one strap. |
Following the heals of the Freestyle success, Reebok also introduced a popular workout shoe for men the called the Ex-O-Fit. Similar to the Freestyle, it came in low-top and hitop versions; however, unlike the Freestyle hitop with two [[velcro]] closure straps, the Ex-O-Fit only had one strap. |
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Revision as of 13:12, 28 June 2005
Reebok International Limited NYSE: RBK is a Fortune 500 company and producer of athletic apparel named for named for a type of African gazelle.
Reebok's early beginnings date back to the 1890's under a United Kingdon company called J.W. Foster and Sons which made running shoes. The family-owned business proudly made the running shoes worn in the 1924 Summer Games by the athletes celebrated in the film Chariots of Fire.
In 1958, two of the founder's grandsons started a companion company that came to be known as Reebok.
In 1979, Paul Fireman, a partner in an outdoor sporting goods distributorship, spotted Reebok shoes at an international trade show. He negotiated for the North American distribution license and introduced three running shoes in the U.S. that year. At $60, they were the most expensive running shoes on the market.
Reebok surged in popularity in 1982 after the introduction of the Freestyle, which was specifically designed for women and came out when the aerobics fitness craze started. Not only was the Freestyle popular as athletic wear, but also on the streets as casual wear. As a result the Freestyle became an icon of the 1980's fashion scene with hitop versions (including two velcro straps at the top) and colors including white, black, red, yellow, and blue. Reebok continues to produce the Freestyle to this day as it is popular in cheerleading, aerobic dancing, and dedicated consumers.
Following the heals of the Freestyle success, Reebok also introduced a popular workout shoe for men the called the Ex-O-Fit. Similar to the Freestyle, it came in low-top and hitop versions; however, unlike the Freestyle hitop with two velcro closure straps, the Ex-O-Fit only had one strap.
In the past, Reebok had an association with sweatshops, but today it is firmly committed to human rights. In April 2004, Reebok's footwear division became the first company to be accredited by the Fair Labor Association. The company holds exclusive rights to manufacture and market both authentic and replica uniform jerseys and sideline apparel of the teams of the National Football League since 2002, the National Basketball Association since 2004, the Canadian Football League since 2004, and the National Hockey League (through the purchase of The Hockey Company in the spring of 2004), and is the official shoe supplier to the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball. Reebok was also a major sponsor of tennis star Andy Roddick, but ended their 12 year relationship in April 2005. Reebok continues to endorse Venus Williams.
The company includes such brands as Rockport, Ralph Lauren RLX shoes, CCM, Koho, Jofa, and Rbk equipment and apparel, and Reebok Classic, G-UNIT, S. Carter street lifestyle shoes and apparel. It maintains its relationship with its origins in England through a long-term sponsorship deal with Bolton Wanderers, a Premiership football club. When the team moved to a brand new ground in the late 1990s, their new home was named the Reebok Stadium. Another English Premiership club, Manchester City, signed a near £5m four-year kit deal with Reebok in 2003 [1].
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