Adidas Still Running After Nike

Adidas-Solomon, the German manufacturer and marketer of athletic shoes, is reportedly ready to launch a chain of shops dedicated to leisurewear rather than its core activewear market The plan would put the Herzogenaurach, Germany-based company on a collision course with arch-rival Nike, as well as with fashion brands such as Levi's. Nike has already blazed a trail for such stores with its NikeTowns, which offer sports clothing with a strong fashion edge.

Adidas was one of the glamour athletic brands of the 1980s that foundered in the 90s and at one point approached bankruptcy. It has bounced back, partly by shifting production to Asia and beefing up its marketing budget, and partly by purchasing Solomon, the French ski, golf and bike gear maker. It is still the world's Number Two maker of sporting goods worldwide, behind Nike.