Being an authorized Nike retailer?

What's up guys,

I haven't been on here in quite some time. I hope everyone is well, getting their desired sneakers, enjoying and prospering in life as a whole!

I have been in the game for over 10 years now. To say the least, things have changed dramatically. Being that I'm a bit older now, have a newborn and am married now, don't really have to time to run around grabbing raffle tickets or keeping up with bots, I figured it may be smart to try and become an authorized Nike retailer.

A few questions about it, before contacting Nike directly, to get some unbiased, experienced, hands on responses.

1. How do Nike accounts work? How does Nike determine which stores get what shoes? I remember back in the day, there were LS accounts, GR accounts, etc. that determined different stores eligibility for certain shoes. If I also remember correctly, I think re-payment has something to do with it. The quicker you pay Nike back for merchandise, the more 'non-hype' items you sell, the more clothing you sell, etc. all plays into what they send you.

2. Does Nike prefer a brick and mortar location, website or both? I have a brick and mortar location, building a website is easy, but as we know, "the first impression is the last impression". I don't want to fill out an application with Nike and NOT have my ducks in a row.

3. What's the approximate monthly expense for Nike merchandise? Obviously, this will depend on what they send you, but a ballpark idea will definitely help. Plus, considering they send you stuff for about half of retail, I'm unsure where to start with a number.

4. How much different do you have to be or what are the standards to sell BOTH Nike and Jordan? I know a handful of local spots that ONLY sell Nike. I would assume it is easier to obtain a Nike license than a Nike AND Jordan license.

5. Are there certain things that will get you in trouble or risk your license with Nike? Obviously, selling GM shoes, marking up retail to resale prices, selling on eBay, selling out the back door, not paying for merchandise, etc. I think I'm looking for a response that isn't so obvious.

I think this is all for now. If there are any other pointers, pieces of information or insight, things to stray away from or things to target, etc. please feel free to share.

Glad to be back! Thanks in advance for the help!

I worked in research and development, retail, and sports marketing for NIKE Basketball.  I was asked a variation of this question frequently and I always referred people to the website.  

http://help-en-us.nike.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/710/p/3897

If you’re interested in becoming an authorized Nike retailer, you must have a business license (issued by your local government) and a retail store front. Applications to sell Nike product from home or on auction websites will be not be considered.

U.S. retailers can fill out Nike's Electronic Retailer Application  to begin. If you are requesting an account outside of the U.S., please work with your Nike regional office.

Nike will review completed applications in the order they are received and notify you when a decision is made. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The total review process may take up to 60 days. Your patience is appreciated. If you have questions about the application forms, please contact m.newdoor.inq@nike.com.
[h3]WHAT DO I NEED TO BECOME AN AUTHORIZED NIKE RETAILER?[/h3]
You must have a business license and a retail store front to apply. Your application will then be reviewed by marketplace and territory managers.
[h3]I WANT TO SELL NIKE PRODUCTS ONLINE. IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS THE SAME?[/h3]
At this time, Nike is not seeking new online accounts. Applications to sell Nike product on an auction site (such as eBay) will not be considered.
[h3]IF MY APPLICATION WAS TURNED DOWN, CAN I APPLY AGAIN?[/h3]
In order to re-apply, you must wait one year from the date of your last application.
[h3]IS THERE A FEE TO APPLY?[/h3]
No, there is no fee to apply to become an authorized Nike retailer.
[h3]WHAT WILL BE MY PRICING AND MINIMUM ORDER?[/h3]
All pricing and order information will be shared with you after you’ve successfully applied to become a Nike retailer.

Thank you my friend.

Can anyone else provide some insight to questions 1, 3, 4 and 5?


UPDATE: So I spoke to a local shop that is not high profile or franchised out. They said they order their products about 6 months in advance. For the 'hype stuff', Nike just sends it to you; you don't have the option to order, they give you what they think you deserve ' you've earned.

why does it take so long for Nike to respond to Retailer Applications?  I have a retail store in Long Beach, California and sent my ERA application in through the appropriate site and emailed them but have heard nothing back.  I called Nike Corporate Headquarters and they said the only option is to keep emailing that address and that I would be lucky if I receive even just a response in 60 days.  I already missed the holiday sales.  Now what?  Please help!