K-Swiss Inc: Case study

Jason K.

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K-Swiss Inc: Case study

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Abstract

The juggernauts of the sneaker industry go to great lengths to advertise their products to their loyal customers, but sometimes their marketing strategies overshadow the truth behind their products. Brands such as Nike, Reebok, and Adidas possibly garner the most consumers than any other shoe company in the United States, possibly the entire world. Although most of their sneakers are absurdly overpriced, Reebok offers many reasonably priced shoes and because of this; K-Swiss is often overlooked. K-Swiss offers the most comfortable sneakers at the most remarkable prices. Not only are they well known for their excellent sneakers, but stylish tennis apparel too. The three major brands in the shoe industry do offer apparel as well, but K-Swiss offers quality over quantity which is a big plus for consumers who are looking for durable athletic wear. Could that create problems for K-Swiss in the long-run against their competitors? In this case study I will examine K-Swiss's products, financial health, and competitors.

Introduction and summary
History of K-Swiss
Financial analysis
1. Liquidity ratios (from 2004 to 2008)
2. Profitability ratios (from 2004 to 2008)
3. Activity ratios (from 2004 to 2008)
Executive officers of K-Swiss
1. Steven Nichols
2. Edward Flora
3. Lee Green
4. David Nichols
5. George Powlick
6. Kimberly Scully
7. Brian Sullivan
Competitors
1. Problems and solutions
Corporate organization of K-Swiss
Notable shoes
Conclusion
Bibliography

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[...] K-Swiss should easily garner a few NBA athletes at best. This is the golden opportunity to not only expand the Swiss brand in the United States, but the entire globe. In the National Basketball Association you have your Superstars and you're all-stars. The all-stars are mainly players who are talented, but their abilities aren't as influential like the superstars. I believe K-Swiss should persuade athletes who are not endorsed by any brand and then market their shoes to China. Since K-Swiss's overall financial health shows no sign of any weaknesses. [...]

[...] Edward Flora: Vice President-Operations: Edward Flora was based in the consumer goods sector for K-Swiss as the vice president of operations since 1994. Before earning that position, Flora was a consultant for K-Swiss in 1990. Before his success with K-Swiss, Flora was also vice president of distribution for Bugle Boy which was a very popular manufacturer of apparel for all ages during the 1990s. Lee Green: Corporate Counsel: Mr. Lee was also based in the consumer goods sector as a Corporate Counsel for K-Swiss since 1992. [...]

[...] name of Steven Nichols saw something special in K-Swiss's Classic K-Swiss shoe. Mr. Nichols at the time was the Vice President of Merchandise for a shoe marketer called Stride Rite. The now famous K-Swiss Classic caught Nichols' eye because it was what he called a 50-year shoe which meant a shoe that has the ability to maintain a significant audience for many years to come. Nichols urged his bosses to purchase the lowly company, but they rejected the idea leaving him to make a life changing decision. [...]

[...] After analyzing their quick ratio results, K-Swiss still remains healthy and making it a very company. The stats for the debt/equity ratio are not incorporated because the financial leverage calculates and provides identical results. Liquidity ratios Debt/Equity n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Debt(liabilities) Equity Liquidity ratios represent the overall financial health of a business Analysts and businesses use profitability ratios to formulate a company's earnings for a particular amount of time which in this table's case would be annually. K-Swiss's plunging EPS for the years 2005 and 2006 are likely due to the competitiveness from Nike because they are clearly the athletic footwear of choice among all demographics. [...]

[...] Miss Scully's experience as a corporate controller should also be acknowledged since she was one before K-Swiss with an electronic service provider company called SMTEK International, Inc. Brian Sullivan: Sullivan has been the Vice President of national accounts for K-Swiss since 1989 (20 years). This was not the first time he had served as a vice president, but in fact Sullivan was once the general manager and vice president for another shoe company called Tretorn, Inc back in 1986. Tretorn, Inc was another sneaker manufacturer that specialized in tennis shoes at the time. [...]

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