IMO, Fed looked the best under Nike. But in his final years with Nike, the on court tennis gear was getting bland and repetitive, and the short term RF brand that Nike created for Fed was over priced and just did not sell, with many items seeing Nike Outlet or Marshalls racks. I believe Uniqlos acquisition of Fed was not to specifically sell tennis or RF gear, but to use his to get the brand name of Uniqlo to the mass market. That is why in many Fed advertising pics, he is selling the casual attire which does not have the Uniqlo logo.
Also, i've purchase more current Uniqlo Dry EX t shirts, short, hoodies because of Fed's usage in recent years, compared to his last years with Nike, where I didn't purchase anything at all.
But the one positive about have Fed at Nike is, they actually made good shoes for him. There's no way Fed would be playing with the current Vapor crap.
Creating hype is really important. Uniqlo never achieved anything so far. Uniqlo does not need Fed to sell more apparels for casual apparels. Nike knows how to create and re-energize tennis market.
If I charge RF brand, start to introduce previous apparels and shoes with current technology. It will create enough interest and people start to buy something. Going discount stores are actually not bad thing. Nike’s strategy is over-producing products and selling whatever they can since bulk orders reduce production cost more. I consider 2009 as a peak time for fed items and those items were all over the places (outlets, Ross, TJmaxx etc…)
Fed contract needs to reconstruct now and split $15 mils for Nike and $15 mils for Uniqlo.
Nike produce RF brand tennis releated items and Fed still be their model for casual apparels.
Fed got one of worst contract with Nike in early his career then end of career their relationship was sour. Uniqlo just overpaid and not doing anything for almost half of his contract. I think both sides should shake up and reevaluate themself. They should not waist time since tennis industry does not look promising at all currently.
RF brand can bring some excitements to tennis and making interesting and good products will give decent success.
when people get good/interesting items, people usually buy more items than they are actually needed.
usually people might be okay with 5 shorts, 5 shirts, 2 Jackets and 2 shoes but suddenly those numbers will double or triple with good and exciting products.
currently tennis market is extremely boring everywhere.
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