Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the athleisure market grow even more. Market participants are also taking various strategic initiatives to grow their footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the athleisure industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.
One of the primary business strategies manufacturers adopt in the athleisure industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector is manufacturing locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, the athleisure industry has focused on developing a diversified product portfolio, which has intensified the competition in the market. The athleisure market major player such as Under Armour Inc. (US), Lululemon Athletica (Canada), Adidas AG (Germany), Nike Inc. (US), and others are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.
Lululemon Athletica (Canada) is a Canadian multinational athletic apparel retailer headquartered in British Columbia and incorporated in Delaware, United States. It was established in 1998 to sell yoga pants and other yoga clothing, but it has grown to sell athletic wear, lifestyle clothing, accessories, and personal care items. In June 2020, Lululemon announced a $500 million acquisition of MIRROR. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are doing virtual exercises at home instead of visiting a gym.
Also, Puma SE (Germany) creates and produces sporting goods like clothing, footwear, and accessories that are marketed under the PUMA and Cobra Golf names. It was created as a result of a family business split into Adidas and PUMA by German brothers Rudi and Adi Dassler. Although PUMA's heritage is in shoes, garment sales are increasing. Men's golf, sailing, motorsports, and denim items have been added to its growing collection of sporting gear styles. Moreover, PUMA runs its retail locations and manages product distribution.
PUMA is one of the top athletic shoe brands, along with NIKE and Adidas, and has long-standing sponsorship deals with leading sports clubs, including Manchester City, AC Milan, and the Italian national soccer team. In July 2021, 18 Indian athletes signed contracts with Puma to compete for their nation in national and international hockey, shooting, and other sports competitions.
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