US sports brand Nike has been named as the most valuable apparel brand for the second consecutive year by the BrandZ Top 75 Most Valuable Retail Brands report.
The report, commissioned by advertising group WPP and conducted by brand equity research agency Kantar, is based on analysis of financial performance, along with the opinions of millions of consumers surveyed.
Nike was described as the brand for “athletes and fashion trendsetters”, and was valued at $47.4bn (€42.3bn).
The report said: “Nike’s consistent communication and story-telling across channels, including its ad campaign featuring NFL player Colin Kaepernick that sparked a national social debate, helped to reinforce the brand’s leadership credentials despite an initial backlash from some consumers.
“Nike’s scores in the BrandZ measurements of Trust, Advocacy, Fairness, and Responsibility have all increased steadily over the past six years. “
The report was published before yesterday’s revelation that Nike was reviewing its sponsorship pay after several female athletes complained they suffered reductions through pregnancy and early maternity.
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In the sports sector, Nike was joined by sports apparel rival adidas (third) and Under Armour (seventh) in the BrandZ top 10.
Affordable fashion retailers Zara and Uniqlo were ranked second and fourth, respectively. Premium yoga-wear maker Lululemon was ranked fifth.