Consistent with the attention to design excellence and detail that draws sports enthusiasts to NikeTowns around the world, "nike.com" is utilizing state-of-the-art internet technology to assist consumers in finding  the products they want with the ease of a few keystrokes. A specialized feature, the "Product Finder" will  empower cyber-consumers to locate footwear, apparel and equipment within a price range they want in the  sports category of their choice.  

Nike this week launched its highly anticipated Ecommerce Web site.

Philip H. Knight, Chairman and CEO, said, "As we approach the new millennium, the new "nike.com" site is  just one of several strategies we are implementing to remain competitive as the market leader in the athletic  goods industry. On-line commerce is a partial return to our original roots of selling products at track meets from the trunks of our cars-rekindling the direct relationship between Nike and its consumers." 

Mary Kate Buckley, General Manager of "nike.com", defines the new site not as a goal reached but a journey  begun. "The new site is really just the next phase in a grand experiment," she said. "Three months ago we  launched a small test site that taught us a lot about the potential of e-commerce and consumer preferences.  More than anything, our work over the last six months has proven that the future of internet presence for a  global brand like Nike will be in a constant state of incubation." 

On the technology side, "nike.com" is taking an aggressive stance on content creation. "I wouldn't say we're  on the bleeding edge of design technology," said Bob Lambie, Creative Director for "nike.com", "but I will say we're on the bruised edge. Anyone who wants to get the most out of "nike.com" should invest the two minutes it takes to get the necessary plug-in. It's like the difference between sitting courtside and sitting four  sections up behind a pole. Without the plug-ins, you may be at the game, but you can't see what's going on." 

 In addition to the Product Finder, other new features of "nike.com" include: 

- "Boot Recommendor" for soccer footwear. As the most popular sport in the world, it is important to have  the right gear to compete. This exciting new feature will assist cyber-shoppers to match their level of expertise with the right products for maximal performance on the pitch-indoor or outdoor. 
 
- Frequently updated content arranged by sports category will feature product and technology background, athlete and event coverage, playground prodigies, training tips, and other quick-change content. 

- Movie-Maker takes the idea of the digital postcard and stretches it into a new realm of personal
expression. Users can compose their own message using Nike images and a variety of sound tracks and editing styles and then e-mail it to a friend. 

- Store Locator lists thousands of retailer names and addresses (with detailed maps) to help shoppers get Nike products the way they choose to get them, whether it's over the internet or around the corner. 

 "If you have a U.S. zip code, you can make a purchase on "nike.com" or opt to shop at one of our traditional retail partners throughout the United States," said Mark Duggan, Director of U.S. Sales. "In an ever-evolving retail environment, we're expecting this medium to be good for everyone selling Nike products." 

Among the many products available for purchase on "nike.com": 

 M9 Mia Hamm Soccer boot: With intimate involvement from Mia Hamm, the greatest woman soccer player of all time, this boot was designed on a women' specific footwear last and engineered for the women's game. Ultralight KNG-100 provides the comfort and touch of kangaroo leather without the stretching and water retention. 

Nike Typhoon ACG Watch: An award-winning timing device that is wired to monitor coastal tide levels from Antigua to Zuma. The Typhoon also contains 50 years of preprogrammed data for 175 beaches worldwide and other programmable features. 

JORDAN product: Not long ago, the month of June was noted for the beginning of the NBA Finals and the debut of a new Air Jordan. MJ is not on the floor this June but his performance footwear is on "nike.com". Check out the low-top version of the Air Jordan XIV-the shoe MJ wore in his last game...and sixth championship. 

Nike Dri-FIT apparel: A variety of apparel across sports categories designed to provide both comfort and moisture management from head to toe. 

Products are available at full retail price plus nominal shipping and handling costs. As a special introductory offer, shipping costs will be waived for all customers. However, on-line purchases will only be fulfilled to customers with addresses within the United States (48 contiguous states, Alaska & Hawaii) at this time. 

In seeking the best possible partners for the e-commerce initiative, Nike worked with a variety of technical consultants on the site's creative design, order fulfillment and logistics services. For order fulfillment, UPS Worldwide Logistics was selected for their proven ability to deliver on innovative, fast-track projects, and for  their existing global network. UPS Worldwide Logistics will offer overnight, second-day and ground delivery of orders for "nike.com". They will also provide inventory management, returns management and a customer call center. 

The creative and technical consultants for "nike.com" are: Red Sky Interactive  (creative/production/engineering); Digex (web & applications hosting); Fort Point Partners (systems integration); Vicinity Corporation (Store Locator); Vertax (tax and financial); CyberSource (buy function/credit card security); and, Inter World (e-commerce engine). . 

Web publishers: if you think your site has the right stuff, I might feature it here and send it to my contacts. Request URLwire fees via Email

This is a private Web-based version of Eric Ward's URLwire. URLwire is a low frequency E-mail news alert service which covers significant Web launches, events, and online happenings, and is sent only to writers, reporters, Web guide editors, and site reviewers who earn a living covering the high end of the Web. It is matched personally by me to your subject interests, not automated, and importantly, not annoying. Send your exact subject interests to: Eric@urlwire.com (Voice 423.637.2438). 

Online news headline linking services are welcome to link to this story.