In N.Y., Micah Maidenberg notes Nike "is not giving up on its physical stores" despite move its focus more toward online shopping. The company will use its stores to try to "foster relationships with customers and further link the shops to its digital efforts." Nike will also try to "speed up how quickly it designs and works with its suppliers to deliver new gear." The company wants to "cut its product-creation cycle time in half." Retailers have "found success by continually delivering fresh products to its physical and online stores" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/16). CNBC's Sara Eisen said Nike's refocused efforts are "confirmation that growth has slowed down and is slowing at Nike, and that Nike hasn't been fast and adept at keeping up with consumer changes and styles and habits" ("Closing Bell," CNBC, 6/15).
AMONG THE STARS: In Michigan, Edward Pevos noted former NFLer Calvin Johnson "appears in a new ad for the upcoming 'Transformers' movie." In the spot Johnson's Megatron nickname "comes back to haunt him in everyday life." Megatron in the film is the leader of the evil Decepticons. "Transformers: The Last Knight," which was "partially shot in and around Metro Detroit," hits theaters on Wednesday (MLIVE.com, 6/15).
WHERE'S THE BEEF? In Boston, Olivia Vanni noted last minute Father's Day shoppers can listen to a suggestion from Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, "give dad a tie made entirely out of dried meat." Gronkowski and Seahawks CB Richard Sherman released videos titled "Father's Day Moments" in "collaboration with jerky company Oberto." In both videos they "explain all the reasons their dads ... deserve the gift of delicious dehydrated cow flesh" (BOSTON HERALD, 6/14).
