Nike may be running out of sneakers. Specifically, its flagship model the Air Force 1 in the “Triple White” version. However, the reason behind the absence of this iconic model from the shelves seems to have come to light. According to an article published on Reuters, Nike may be suffering the consequences of a crisis linked to the advancement of Covid-19 in Vietnam. In fact, Nike’s two Vietnamese suppliers, Chang Shin Vietnam Co. and Pou Chen Corp., had to suspend their operations due to a surge in infections. A stop that could cause enormous damage considering how Made in Vietnam sneakers in the last year made up 82% of the Beverton brand’s shipments.
The risk is therefore that it will not be possible to place orders for stocks for the winter seasons.
A crucial period for shopping, given its correspondence with the Christmas holidays. As if that were not enough, Covid-19 has caused other problems for the supply chain of many brands, including the lack of containers and space in international ports. It is no coincidence that Nike’s CFO, Matt Friend, has predicted that the logistical problems will last until 2022, but a spokesperson for the brand stressed the importance of compliance with anti-Covid measures:
«The health and safety of our teammates, as well as that of our suppliers, remains our top priority. We continue to work with our suppliers to support their efforts in response to the dynamic and unprecedented nature of Covid-19. […] We are confident in Nike’s ability to conduct itself in these short-term dynamics and we remain cautious in our planning ».
To try to overcome this problem, while guaranteeing safe working conditions for its workers, Nike is currently trying to increase production in China, currently equal to 54.6% of the total.
