Under Armour Globalization

Under Armour should exercise a focused, differentiated approach by exclusively developing performance apparel. Its non-standardized products are good for customers who prefer performance than price. For this reason, the corporation should have more emphasis on research and development to offer products, which are superior to what is in the market. On the other hand, its focus strategy should aim at particular sports, serving each sport’s needs more precisely than the broad apparel companies like Adidas and Nike. Combining a focus differentiation strategy will enable the firm to create a fertile niche positioning meanwhile meeting the customer’s specific needs (Kenyon,

Under Armour is a very famous sportswear company in the world. It sold products in three categories: apparel, footwear, and accessories. It had a wide variety of innerwear and outerwear in the apparel segment, a broad line of footwear, and a line of accessories for both men and women. Kevin A. Plank, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Under Armour (UA), was a walk-on special team’s player for University of Maryland football team. As an athlete, he knew what kind of sportswear material would be popular for athletes. Under Armour created a new category of sports apparel: “performance apparel” which focused on the athlete’s performance. In this segment, it had a 78% market in 2009. Because, it paid more attentions on quality, performance

The first exposure is presented to Under Armour is their relationship with the overseas manufacturing partner. Shortages of raw materials, delays, and inefficiencies in the manufacturing process can disrupt the product launch. If Under Armour is going to make claims to deliver top notch equipment in a period of time, they have to rely on overseas communication, manufacturing and delivery to do so. There is a concern that the increases in the manufacturing costs can start reducing profit-margins. As seen over the past election debates,

a. Under Armour’s approach towards innovation is very unique, they think and plan out their projects thoroughly in order to create a one of a kind product that could be appealing to their consumers. The company has been extremely progressive throughout the years in order to stay ahead of the other competitive companies in their targeted industry. By constantly updating and coming up with different product lines, such as compression shirts and cleats, Under Armour is able to compete with other top athletic wear company’s in their market. If

Most of Under Armour's sales were in North America they have reached 90 percent, even the international sales were growing by retailers. The company growth strategy are continuing broaden the company's product, increasing its breakthrough of the market for athletic footwear, expand their sales on foreign countries and growing global awareness.

In today’s athletic market world, being the number one is what many athletes strive for—that is what sets the standards for many sport clothing companies, to deliver products that allow athletes increase their performance while striving to take the number “one” spot. Under Armour works to deliver products that do that and more. Under Armour is currently one of the leading companies in the sports apparel industry whose mission is to “Make all athletes better through passion, design, and the relentless pursuit of innovation” (Under Armour, Inc). Baltimore, Maryland-based Under Armour, founded in 1996 by ex-football player Kevin Plank, who transformed the sports apparel industry by creating apparel that used synthetic materials as an alternative to natural fibers, such as cotton, or other materials, such as polyester. Plank’s mission was to develop a shirt using synthetic materials that handled perspiration most efficiently than was previously expected. Under Armour’s ability to target their products to a wide range of potential clients has enhanced their ability to continue to grow within the athletic marketplace. Under Armour, it is classified as a high-end fitness clothing supplier that appeals to a diverse income audience. This audience has been reached by the outstanding advertising strategies and that include men, women and children. Under Armour currently uses a mixture of pull marketing and different campaigns for its diverse product lines. The overall goal for Under

Under Armour Inc. is a relatively new competitor in providing high quality and functional sporting goods. Under Armour Inc. encompasses footwear, apparel, and accessories for all types of sport enthusiasts. The company currently provides jobs to about 10,700 employees. However, they are still up and coming and are expected to create new opportunities and work for many others. Their main headquarter is located in Maryland, Baltimore. Though they operate all over North America, Asia, and certain countries of Europe. Throughout all their operations they mostly sell through retailers and whole sale. In addition, they do have factory outlets and their own “direct to consumer” channels located in North America. Under Armour has really been on the

Under Armour is currently one of the leading companies in the sports apparel industry whose mission is to “Make all athletes better through passion, science, and the relentless pursuit of innovation”.1 When Under Armour first broke into the sports apparel industry it was a disruptive pioneer that initially made the two giants, Nike and Adidas, a little weary. Under Armour revolutionized the sports apparel industry by creating apparel that used synthetic materials as an alternative to natural fibers, such as cotton, or other materials, such as polyester. This all-important switch to these materials resulted in a 2“shirt that provided compression and wicked perspiration off your skin rather than absorb it. A

Global expansion is paramount if Under Armour wishes to succeed in taking a larger portion of the athletic apparel industry. Under Armour obtains only 12% of its revenue from the international market, in comparison to over 50% with Nike and Adidas. My analysis shows that Nike and Adidas have mastered their craft on a global level. In order to obtain a similar status, Under Armour will have to expand to international markets. From the case review, it was obvious that Under Armour has an issue with supply chain management.

In the meantime Under Armour has been the pioneer in the latest technology in athletics gear; the second step would be how to transfer the technology into fashionable designs that could satisfy female’s needs and taste. By centering on direct market segment, UA can be the leader and innovator of the female’s market with most fashionable and technologically athletics gear products.

UnderArmour is a sports fashion line that has gained 4 billion dollars in annual sales. It also has a continuing rise in stocks since the business began operating. The company’s products consist of a large variety of active and outdoor footwear as well as clothing, accessories, undergarments, and equipment for certain sporting categories. UnderArmour’s products are made from top quality materials via advanced technology so that the footwear can sustain any environment. The company’s footwear has even won against larger companies such as Nike for their better quality in basketball shoes and sneakers. The company has achieved a large number of global endorsements via athletes, sporting events, and department stores.

The article entitled Under Armour Overtakes Adidas in U.S. Sportswear market, written by Germano, claims that Nike is number one seller of sportswear & footwear in the US market followed by Under Armor. Adidas was directly behind Nike in the US market yet it lost its No. 2 position in the acutely focused U.S. sportswear advertise a year ago to Under Armor Inc., which expanded both clothing and footwear deals at its German adversary's cost. Nike has long held the top roost in U.S. offers of sweats and tennis shoes, with its Nike and Jordan brands representing more than 90% of the American business sector for basketball shoes. Be that as it may, both the footwear and attire divisions of Nike and Under Armor expanded their piece of the overall

Globalization involves global interaction and cooperation between individuals, corporations, countries and their governments. As demand for products grows and the technology it takes to improve the process by which products can be manufactured more cheaply grows, globalization grows as well. It is supported by advancements in technology. These changes can have both short-term and lasting effects on issues surrounding economics, politics, the environment, and human rights. Thanks to globalization, companies like Nike are able to transform themselves. In Nike’s case, from a small local company to a global sports shoe and apparel superpower and a globally-recognized brand. However, as Nike

The industry that will be analyzed in the following paper will be the athletic wear industry. The firm in particular that will be analyzed will be analyzed is Under Armour. Assessing the athletic wear industry using Porter’s 5 forces, New Entrants is the first thing analyzed. The threat of new entrants within the industry is low. It is medium because there are already many well-established brand names; including Nike, Adidas, Rebook, Puma, Champion, Patagonia, and The North Face are just a few examples of these brands. Triefs Under Armour analysis shows these companies can create competition by joining sub industries that Under Armour is involved in that they are not as competitors. Also there is often large capital cost within the industry for branding, advertising and creating demand. When analyzing the rivalry within the industry Under Armour faces , Triefs

Under Armour’s business strategy towards market segmentation is broken down into three different basis; Age, Gender, Uses. The first major market segmentation is by age, different age groups demand different products and Under Armour has produced certain merchandise to appeal to each generation. The second is Gender, both male and female respectively make up roughly 50% of the market equally.To appeal to females UA produces apparel in brighter colo, as a fashion forward athletic wear. While for males they they cater toward masculine vibe of tight fitting and resistant to wear and tear. Lastly, UA segments by the range of uses for their products.