Nike to Raise Prices Starting June 1, Returns to Amazon After Six-Year Hiatus

Nike has announced it will raise the prices of select footwear and apparel beginning June 1, citing routine seasonal planning. The price adjustments come as global brands continue to navigate economic pressures, including evolving U.S. trade policies and consumer spending trends.

The sportswear giant clarified that the move is not directly linked to the tariffs introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, despite ongoing concerns about the broader impact of such measures on global commerce.

As part of this strategic shift, Nike will also resume selling directly on Amazon in the U.S. — marking a significant reversal after its exit from the e-commerce platform in 2019. The return reflects a broader change in Nike’s distribution strategy, aiming to expand consumer access while regaining momentum amid softening domestic sales.

What’s Changing

Beginning Sunday:

• Footwear priced over $100 will see increases of up to $10.

• Clothing and equipment will rise by $2 to $10.

• Popular items such as Air Force 1s, children’s products, footwear under $100, and Jordan-brand apparel and accessories will remain unaffected.

According to a source familiar with Nike’s internal planning, the price adjustments were influenced by both “internal evaluations” and “external market conditions.” A Nike spokesperson explained:

“We regularly evaluate our business and make pricing adjustments as part of our seasonal planning.”

Tariff Tensions Loom

The move comes as companies brace for the end of a 90-day pause on U.S. tariffs set to expire in early July. These tariffs, which were announced in April and temporarily delayed to allow for international negotiations, have already impacted manufacturing hubs such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and China — where Nike produces the bulk of its products. Import duties on shoes from these regions currently range from 32% to 54%.

Rival brand Adidas has already warned that such tariffs could drive up prices on popular sneakers like the Gazelle and Samba, signaling possible industry-wide pricing pressures.

Strategic Return to Amazon

Nike’s decision to return to Amazon represents a notable pivot. The brand had previously pulled its products from the platform to concentrate on its own digital ecosystem and brick-and-mortar locations. Now, with North American sales under pressure, the renewed partnership with Amazon is seen as a way to recapture market share and reconnect with a broader online consumer base.

Industry observers note that Nike’s return may also reflect the need to remain competitive as inflation and global trade uncertainty reshape consumer behavior.

Source: African Publicity