Podcst

Why Chinese Customers Are Running From Nike

The Journal.

The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

May 20, 2026

Show Notes

Nike co-founder Phil Knight visited China nearly 50 years ago and dreamed of selling sneakers. He laid out an ambitious vision—“One billion people, two billion feet”— it was an ambitious strategy. By 2010,China was among Nike’s most lucrative markets, offering a blueprint for U.S. companies seeking to cash in on China’s rise. Today, Nike’s China business is bleeding. WSJ’s Jon Emont explores the cautionary tale of Nike’s rise and fall in China. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:
- CanNike Make Its Shoes Cool Again?.

- TheMissteps That Led Nike Off Course

- The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks

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Why Chinese Customers Are Running From Nike — Podcst