Nike to leave Russia months after suspending operations, joining western brand exodus

Nike is making a full exit from Russia three months after suspending its operations there, the US sportswear maker said on Thursday, as the pace of western companies leaving the country accelerates.

Key points:

Nike's exit, like an increasing number of major Western brands, is in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine

The sportswear maker said it would "responsibly scale down… operations over the coming months"

Moscow may pass laws in coming weeks that could see foreign companies having assets seized or facing criminal penalties

Nike said on March 3 it would temporarily suspend operations at all its Nike-owned and -operated stores in Russia in response to Moscow's actions in Ukraine, adding that those still open were operated by independent partners.

On Thursday, it joined other major Western brands, like McDonald's and Renault, in confirming it will leave the country completely.

"Nike has made the decision to leave the Russian marketplace," Nike said in an emailed statement.

"Our priority is to ensure we are fully supporting our employees while we responsibly scale down our operations over the coming months."

Sportswear makers pulling back

Foreign companies seeking to exit Russia over the war in Ukraine face the prospect of new laws being passed in the coming weeks allowing Moscow to seize assets and impose criminal penalties.

That has encouraged some businesses to accelerate their departure.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-24/nike-to-join-mcdonalds-in-russian-exodus/101182664