Adidas’s marketingstrategy emphasizes brand positioning, productinnovation, and consumer engagement. They leverage customer emotions, partnerships with athletes and celebrities, and impactful advertising campaigns. By targeting specific market segments and creating a strong brand identity, Adidas aims to establish itself as a leading sportswear brand globally while fostering customer loyalty and advocacy.
Marketing Strategy
Description
Example
Implications
Integration
Athlete Endorsements
Adidas collaborates with professional athletes to promote its products and enhance its sports-oriented brand image. Athlete endorsements create a strong connection between Adidas and sports enthusiasts.
Adidas partnered with soccer superstar Lionel Messi, producing signature Messi cleats and apparel. Additionally, collaborations with NBA players like Damian Lillard and James Harden led to signature basketball shoes.
– Builds credibility and authenticity in the sports industry. – Attracts sports fans who admire and follow their favorite athletes. – Requires substantial investment in endorsement deals and marketing campaigns.
Athlete endorsements are integrated into Adidas’s marketing campaigns, featuring athletes in advertisements, promoting signature products, and aligning with sports events.
Brand Sponsorships
Adidas sponsors major sports events, leagues, and teams to increase brand visibility and connect with sports enthusiasts. This strategy helps Adidas establish itself as a prominent player in the sports world.
Adidas sponsors major events like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and the Olympics. The brand is also the official kit supplier for various soccer clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.
– Enhances brand recognition on a global scale. – Connects Adidas with sports fans and communities. – Requires significant financial investments in sponsorship deals.
Brand sponsorships are integrated into Adidas’s marketing campaigns, featuring event-related content and leveraging the brand’s association with top sports competitions and teams.
Innovative Products
Adidas focuses on innovation, creating cutting-edge products with advanced materials and technologies. These innovations help differentiate Adidas from competitors and attract consumers seeking high-performance sportswear.
Adidas introduced Boost technology, offering superior cushioning in its running shoes. The Adidas Futurecraft 4D sneakers feature 3D-printed midsoles, showcasing the brand’s commitment to technological advancements.
– Drives product differentiation and premium pricing. – Attracts tech-savvy consumers seeking advanced sports gear. – Requires ongoing research and development investments.
Innovative products are integrated into Adidas’s product offerings, showcased in marketing campaigns, and highlighted as key selling points in product descriptions and advertisements.
Sustainability
Adidas is committed to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices. The brand’s sustainability initiatives resonate with environmentally conscious consumers and align with global sustainability goals.
Adidas launched the “Parley for the Oceans” collaboration, creating products from recycled ocean plastic. The brand also aims for circularity by using recycled materials in its products.
– Appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. – Enhances the brand’s reputation and social responsibility. – Requires investments in sustainable sourcing, manufacturing, and communication.
Sustainability initiatives are integrated into Adidas’s products, marketing campaigns, and brand identity, showcasing the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Customization
Adidas offers customization options, allowing customers to personalize their sportswear and footwear. This strategy provides a unique and personalized shopping experience, attracting customers looking for one-of-a-kind products.
Adidas allows customers to design their own sneakers through the “mi adidas” platform, selecting colors, materials, and personalization options.
– Enhances customer engagement and loyalty. – Attracts consumers seeking unique and personalized products. – Requires technology infrastructure for customization options.
Customization features are integrated into Adidas’s e-commerce platform, providing customers with the tools and options to personalize their sportswear and footwear.
Content Marketing
Adidas invests in content marketing to engage consumers, share brand stories, and showcase its products. Through compelling content, Adidas creates brand awareness and fosters connections with its target audience.
Adidas creates engaging content through its YouTube channel, featuring athlete stories, behind-the-scenes footage, and product highlights. Additionally, the “Adidas Originals” content showcases lifestyle and fashion elements.
– Builds brand awareness and storytelling. – Engages consumers with relevant and entertaining content. – Requires content creation and distribution resources.
Content marketing efforts are integrated into Adidas’s digital presence, featuring compelling content on its website, social media channels, and video-sharing platforms.
Social Media Presence
Adidas maintains a strong presence on social media platforms to connect with consumers, share brand updates, and interact with its community. Social media helps Adidas engage with a younger, digitally savvy audience.
Adidas actively uses platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to share product launches, athlete partnerships, and user-generated content from the #Adidas community.
– Engages with younger, digitally connected consumers. – Facilitates real-time communication and feedback. – Requires dedicated social media management and content creation.
Social media presence is integrated into Adidas’s digital marketing strategy, enabling real-time engagement with consumers, influencers, and brand advocates.
Adidas’s Marketing Strategy Highlights:
Brand Positioning: Adidas focuses on positioning itself as a global leader in sportswear, emphasizing its commitment to performance and style.
Product Innovation: The company’s strategy revolves around continuous productinnovation, introducing cutting-edge technologies to enhance athletic performance.
Consumer Engagement: Adidas engages consumers emotionally by aligning its brand with athlete stories, personal achievements, and inspiring narratives.
Partnerships: The brand leverages partnerships with athletes, celebrities, and influencers to resonate with its target audience and build credibility.
Advertising Campaigns: Adidas creates impactful advertising campaigns that connect with consumers, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiration.
Market Segmentation: The company targets specific market segments, catering to athletes, sports enthusiasts, and fashion-conscious consumers.
Brand Identity: Adidas emphasizes a strong brand identity that reflects athleticism, innovation, and a modern lifestyle.
Global Reach: The company’s global presence allows it to connect with consumers worldwide, offering a consistent brand experience.
Customer Loyalty: Through performance-focused products and engaging marketing initiatives, Adidas aims to build customer loyalty and advocacy.
Social Responsibility: Adidas engages in social responsibility initiatives, aligning with consumer values and contributing to positive social impact.
Adidas is a German multinational best known as a designer and manufacturer of sportswear and related accessories. It was founded in 1924 in the Bavarian town of Herzogenaurach, Germany, and did not take on the Adidas name until 1949. The new company, known today as Adidas AG, is the holding company for the Adidas Group and the sole owner of Adidas. Some of the company’s largest shareholders include: Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA (7.6%), Nassef Sawiris (3.3%), and Norges Bank Investment Management (2.8%).
Revenue in 2019 was $23.64 billion.
Revenue in 2020 decreased to $18.43 billion.
Revenue increased in 2021 to $21.23 billion and further increased in 2022 to $22.51 billion.
Net income in 2019 was $1.97 billion.
Net income in 2020 dropped to $432 million.
Net income in 2021 increased to $2.11 billion but decreased in 2022 to $612 million.
In 2019, Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories and Gear had revenues of $13.52 billion, $8.96 billion, and $1.15 billion, respectively.
In 2020, Footwear revenue decreased to $10.13 billion, Apparel to $7.31 billion, and Accessories and Gear to $0.991 billion.
Revenues in 2021 increased for Footwear ($11.33 billion), Apparel ($8.71 billion), and Accessories and Gear ($1.19 billion).
In 2022, Footwear revenue grew to $12.4 billion, Apparel remained relatively stable at $8.7 billion, and Accessories and Gear increased to $1.49 billion.
Between 2019 and 2022, Footwear consistently generated the most revenue, followed by Apparel and then Accessories and Gear.
In 2022, E-Commerce (Direct-to-Consumer) contributed to 20% of total revenue.
Own Retail (Direct-to-Consumer) accounted for 19% of total revenue in 2022.
Wholesale made up the majority of revenue in 2022, at 61%.
In 2022, the company had 31,477 employees in own retail.
Sales function comprised 3,112 employees in 2022.
There were 8,254 employees in the logistics department in 2022.
Marketing had 4,685 employees in 2022.
Central Administration, Production, R&D, and IT had 5,161, 558, 1,031, and 4,980 employees, respectively, in 2022.
In terms of Footwear production, 34% came from Indonesia, 32% from Cambodia, 16% from Vietnam, and 18% from China.
Apparel production was distributed as follows: 22% from Indonesia, 17% from Cambodia, 44% from Vietnam, and 17% from China.
For Accessories & Gear production, Vietnam contributed 28%, Turkey 26%, Pakistan 25%, and 21% came from other countries.
In 2022, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) generated €8.55 billion in revenue.
North America contributed €6.4 billion in revenue in 2022.
Greater China, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America had revenues of €3.18 billion, €2.24 billion, and €2.11 billion, respectively, in 2022.
Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
