Nike designs athletic footwear, apparel and equipment, and outsources manufacturing to partner factories, concentrating its own energy on product innovation and marketing. The swoosh is among the most recognized brands on earth, built through decades of athlete endorsements and storytelling. Sales flow through wholesale partners, its own stores and a digital business the company has pushed hard to grow. Jordan Brand alone would rank among large sportswear companies by itself. Nike began in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, reselling Japanese running shoes.