Michael Jordan isn’t the only one who can fly at Nike.
Nike’s digital sales sailed 70% higher this quarter, the sportswear maker said Thursday, following its latest financial report.
That wasn’t the only bright spot. Revenue and income are also growing, sending shares up as much as 7% in after-hours trading.
The company’s investments to improve Nike.com and its flashy Nike ID site that gives shoppers endless options to customize shoes and gear were a slam dunk with shoppers.
Customers can pick the color of the bottom and top of their new kicks, the pattern, the shoe lace color, and even have an inspirational message sewn into the tongue of the shoes — all from the comfort of their home.
The options appear to be attracting women with sales of female gear growing faster than men’s. Online sales of women’s shoes and apparel grew significantly, said CEO Mark Parker on a call with investors. He credited the Nike Plus Training Club app for women as one reason for the faster growth. The app has been downloaded 17 million times.
Some of Nike’s success is also due to a bump from the World Cup which took place in Brazil over the summer, said Trevor Edwards, the president of the Nike Brand, on the call.
Nike was not an official sponsor of the tournament, but it did sponsor the most teams at the World Cup, including the U.S. men’s team. More players at the tournament were wearing Nike “boots” than all other brands combined, Edwards said.
Revenue was up across all categories. Sales of footwear, its most profitable business, were up 18%.
On the call, the execs also touted Nike’s endorsement of basketball superstar Kevin Durant. The company recently outbid Under Armour for the deal, reportedly paying $300 million. Nike posted a photo of Durant next to its quarterly earnings report on its website.
