Nike Inc.'s announcement in November 2019 that it will no longer sell products directly on Amazon.com Inc. was one of the most significant steps yet in its ongoing digital-first overhaul. The sportswear company has previously signaled that it would sever ties with many smaller retailers to prioritize selling directly to consumers through its own stores and online. But not extending its two-year pilot with the preeminent e-commerce company is a strong statement of intent.
A Nike store in |
Analysts have suggested that other major brands could follow in Nike's footsteps. The presence of fake goods on the platform has been a particular gripe for companies, including German shoemaker Birkenstock, which cited the issue when it stopped selling on Amazon's European sites in 2017.
Amazon will not be panicking just yet, such is its unparalleled reach. But it may feel an increasing need to address the issues that globally recognized brands are highlighting if it is to prevent Nike's departure turning from a one-off to a trend.
Consumer Edge is a weekly collection of critical developments across the automotive; retail; and food, beverage, and tobacco industries. Drawing on exclusive analysis and value-added content from the Consumer News team at S&P Global Market Intelligence, it is published every Thursday. Click here to subscribe.
Chart of the week
Automotive
Former Nissan-Renault boss Carlos Ghosn flees Japan, arrives in Lebanon
Ghosn confirmed in a written statement that he was in Lebanon and would begin communication with the media soon, the Financial Times reported.
2020s US electric sales to pivot on EVs, rooftop solar
The rollout of electric vehicles, which boost power demand, and distributed solar, which reduces it, are among the key uncertainties for utilities, regulators and grid planners. Diverging scenarios in California highlight the challenges.
CarMax, Darden pull down S&P Consumer Discretionary index in December
The S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary index posted a 2.8% gain in December 2019, compared to the 3% growth in the overall S&P 500 index, according to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
US layoffs surged in 2019 amid restructurings, trade problems, report finds
Layoffs in the automotive sector rose 66% year over year to 50,776, the highest level since 2009.
Retail
Nike's breakup with Amazon may lead other brands to call it quits: analysts
The athleticwear-maker's departure may lead other high-profile brands to consider breaking up with the e-commerce giant.
S&P: Global corporate defaults surge to 2nd highest level since 2009
The retail and restaurant sector had the second-most defaults during the year.
Food, Beverage & Tobacco
US FDA restricts sale of cartridge-based flavored e-cigarettes
The new policy marks the latest development in the ongoing debate over how best to regulate the fast-growing e-cigarette industry at a time when youth vaping is on the rise.
Hunt's maker Conagra tops S&P 500 Consumer Staples in December on strong Q2
The consumer staples sector booked a 2.4% gain during the month as just six out of the 33 constituents of the index recorded share-price declines.
S&P 500 Consumer Staples and Discretionary indexes