Nike has appointed Stuart Nishikawa as its first UK retail director
with a brief to develop store concepts and improve the brand's retail
focus.
Nishikawa, who takes up the post next month, moves from Nike Europe,
where he had a senior role in the company's retail operations.
The appointment of Nishikawa is likely to herald an acceleration of
Nike's UK retail activity as it attempts to build on the success of its
Niketown store in London.
Nishikawa will work alongside UK marketing director Rod Connors, and
will have a seat on the UK management board. He will report to UK
general manager Jim Tucker.
"The creation of this role underlines the importance of the retail
experience to our customers' perception of the brand," said a
spokeswoman.
"We are looking at whether to open standalone stores for women or
whether we should take up space in other retailers' shops," added the
Nike spokeswoman.
"Stuart's remit is to look at the whole retail operation."
The spokeswoman added Nike was happy with the performance of Niketown,
"both from a customer experience and commercial perspective".
Earlier this year, Nike promoted Phil McAveety to the post of European
marketing director.
The sportswear giant's global advertising is handled by Wieden &
Kennedy, with its most recent campaign, Freestyle, focusing on
expressing personality through sport.
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