Nike Inc., the world’s largest athletic shoemaker, will stop selling shoes and other products to Sears, Roebuck and Co. following Kmart Holding Corp.’s purchase of the retailer in March.
Nike will stop selling products, including shoes, to Sears at the end of October, Nike spokeswoman Joani Komlos said in a statement. Nike has sold shoes to Sears, now a unit of Sears Holdings Corp., since 1999 after distributing them to the department store in the 1980s.
“This was a brand decision following a routine account review and the recent expiration of Nike’s agreement with Sears,” Komlos said.
Nike, known for its Air Jordan sneakers costing more than $100, may be concerned about damaging its brand if the shoes are offered at Kmart’s discount stores, said New York-based Debbie Millman, a president of brand consultant Sterling Group.
“We were surprised, and although we are disappointed, we respect” Nike’s decision, said Sears spokeswoman Lee Antonio.
Sears also sells Nike products such as $99.99 inline skates and $45 hockey bags on its website.
