CA-based Oakley confirmed it has developed a new line
of performance footwear. The company said it plans to
manufacture all of its footwear products in the U.S.,
without outsourcing any of it foreign subcontractors.
Oakley did not disclose any further details about the new
product or timing of the launch, but said wearable
prototypes are currently being tested (Oakley).
A ROLL OF THE DICE? In Portland, Jeff Manning wrote
that while "industry observers voiced some skepticism about
Oakley's plans," they do give Oakley "credit for its record
of innovative product design." Manning added that if Oakley
has "come up with a way" to manufacture athletic shoes in
the U.S. more profitably than doing so in Asia, "it could
force sweeping changes onto the rest of the business." But
if Oakley foray into the shoe business is not successful,
"it could be the beginning of the end for Oakley," as the
company has "struggled in the past 12 months." With
Oakley's direct competition with Nike, Manning called the
move "the latest step in a friendship gone bad" between
Oakley Chair Jim Jannard and Nike Chair Phil Knight. In the
past, Nike had been often "rumored" to be interested in
buying Oakley and its sunglasses line, but instead "opted to
create its own line of eyewear" (Portland OREGONIAN, 8/13).
