Li-Ning

ane Wade. The brand underwent a significant revitalization in 2010, introducing a new logo and the slogan "Let the Change Occur" to signal its forward-looking vision. Li-Ning has expanded internationally with stores and partnerships, including a U.S. flagship store and collaborations with global sports organizations. Despite commercial successes, the company has faced controversies related to human rights concerns in its supply chain. Li-Ning also actively participates in sports sponsorships worldwide and has showcased its fashion-forward collections at major events such as Paris Menswear Fashion Week.

Philosophy

Li-Ning's philosophy centers on the boundless potential of the human body, exploring the tensions between past and future, man and nature, flexibility and strength. The brand is driven by innovation, perpetual research and development, and a commitment to delivering forward-thinking products and experiences. Its slogan, 'Let the Change Occur,' reflects a dedication to transformation and progress in sportswear design and technology.

Sustainability

Issues: Li-Ning's production facilities have been linked to human rights abuses against Uyghurs, and the company has faced allegations of using North Korean labor in its supply chain. These issues led to the Government Pension Fund of Norway excluding and divesting from Li-Ning in 2022 due to 'unacceptable risk' of contributing to serious human rights violations. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection detained Li-Ning products from entering the U.S. market for similar reasons. Response: No detailed public information on Li-Ning's sustainability initiatives or responses to these allegations was found in the provided sources.

Founders

Li Ning, Background: A former Chinese Olympic gymnast of Zhuang ethnicity, Li Ning is a highly decorated athlete with 106 gold medals, including six medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Known as the 'Prince of Gymnastics,' he founded Li-Ning Company Limited in 1990 to provide Chinese athletes with a national brand on the global stage. Li Ning is also a billionaire entrepreneur and has served as chairman of the company's board.

Background

Founded in 1990 in Sanshui County, Guangdong Province, Li-Ning began as a sportswear brand aimed at outfitting Chinese athletes for international competition. The company quickly expanded, opening thousands of retail stores in China and entering international markets, including the U.S. It has formed strategic partnerships with global sports organizations and athletes, enhancing its brand visibility. Li-Ning has experienced fluctuations in financial performance but has shown strong revenue growth and profitability in recent years. The brand also embraces its cultural heritage while pushing innovation in athletic apparel and footwear.

History

Li-Ning was founded in 1989/1990 by Olympic gymnast Li Ning. The brand registered its trademark in April 1990 and began mass production of sports apparel. Early milestones include outfitting Chinese athletes at the 1990 Asian Games and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The company expanded rapidly, reaching over 4,000 stores by 2007. In 2010, Li-Ning rebranded with a new logo and slogan, aiming to revitalize its image. It opened a U.S. headquarters and flagship store in Portland, Oregon, and partnered with NBA star Dwyane Wade in 2012. Despite some financial setbacks in the early 2010s, Li-Ning reported strong revenue and profit growth from 2019 to 2020. However, in 2022, the company faced exclusion by Norway's sovereign wealth fund and U.S. import restrictions due to human rights concerns linked to its supply chain.