Goodby, Silverstein & Partners is "slated to present"
ideas to Nike for its main brand, "a move that could result
in the agency winning new ad assignments or possibly all
creative duties" on Nike's $250M global brand account,
according to Voight & O'Leary of ADWEEK. Voight & O'Leary:
"This is the latest development to threaten Nike and Wieden
& Kennedy's strained relationship, considered by many to be
one of the most successful advertising partnerships in
recent history." Nike Dir of Global Advertising Geoffrey
Frost: "As we continue the evolution of our brand, we need
to talk to both of our agencies." Eight months ago, Goodby
was selected to handle a handful of Nike assignments
including apparel, outdoor sports and NikeTown. Since then,
Nike's spending on those accounts has risen to "about" $65M.
Goodby's presentation comes as Nike "looks to reposition
itself globally as sales growth slows in the U.S. and
competition intensifies overseas." W&K presented Nike with
a series of possible concepts in late October, but sources
say that Nike "is considering axing" its "Just do it" tag,
which was created by W&K. One source on Nike: "They're
trying to figure out everything. Are they with the right
people, the right agencies, the right categories?
Everything is under consideration right now." Nike's Frost
adds that "only" Goodby and W&K are being approached for
ideas. Nike's U.S. Ad Dir Chris Zimmerman denied that any
new assignments would be moved to Goodby (ADWEEK, 11/10).
