Li Ning, a $1 billion sports brands in China, has opened a retail
showroom in Portland, OR, as well as launched a retail website (www.li-ningusa.com
). Jay Li, general manager of Li-Ning USA, welcomed Portland Mayor Sam
Adams (right) during the grand opening.
“Over the years, Li-Ning has built a reputation of quality and value
in China by providing the right products at the right place and time,”
states Li. “Our objective for coming to the United States is to
sustain a solid standing by developing vital core competencies that
keep us focused as a company.”
Li-Ning USA’s product offering includes footwear, apparel, equipment
and accessories for badminton, table tennis and basketball as well as
lifestyle lines.
During the grand opening, Baron Davis of the Los Angeles Clippers and
Li-Ning USA’s staff unveiled the BD “Baron Davis” Doom basketball
shoe. Consumers lined the streets to have an opportunity to buy the BD
shoe as well as a limited-edition BD “Beardman” vinyl toy autographed
by Baron Davis.
“Li-Ning looks to establish deep partnerships with its global
sponsored athletes and teams in order to provide them with innovative
products that enhance their performance” says Rick Soberanis, senior
vice president of sales and marketing, Li-Ning USA. “Baron’s active
contribution in the product development process, tremendous talent on
court and engaging personality off court is exactly in accordance with
this strategy.”
In addition to Davis, Li-Ning has three sponsored NBA athletes:
Shaquille O’Neal, Jose Calderon, Hasheem Thabeet.
