Nike Distances Itself from ‘Misleading’ Ad Created by The Sole Supplier
- ASA bans Nike’s ‘misleading’ trainers advert
- Advertised price of £26 created confusion about product size and target audience
- Nike confirms no input or oversight on the ad by The Sole Supplier
- Both parties agree to improve future advertising practices
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a Nike trainers ad that potentially misled customers. The ad, which featured an image of trainers with the caption ‘Now just £26 at Nike!’, led to a product listing on the Nike website but was limited to sizes UK 3 to UK 6. The ASA argued that the product was intended for older children and only available in those sizes. To emphasize the discount, the ad also used an exploding head emoji and black heart emoji, suggesting a significant price drop from the usual selling price of the trainers. The paid-for ad, seen in December 2023 on The Sole Supplier’s account, was part of a commercial relationship where Nike received commission for sales generated through ads. Nike confirmed that The Sole Supplier created and published the ad without any input or oversight. Both parties agreed to ensure future ads do not omit material information causing consumers to make decisions they wouldn’t have otherwise made.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the ASA’s decision to ban a Nike trainers ad for potential misleading customers. It presents both sides of the argument and includes relevant details about the contractual agreement between Nike and The Sole Supplier. However, it could have provided more context on the specific shoes in question and the exact nature of their relationship.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a specific advertising issue involving Nike and The Sole Supplier, and includes details about the ASA’s decision and both parties’ responses. It also highlights the importance of providing clear and accurate information in advertisements. However, it could have included more analysis or discussion on the broader implications of misleading ads in the industry.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Nike’s brand and reputation
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a Nike advertisement deemed potentially misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority, which could impact the company’s reputation and sales. This may affect its financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event in the text and it does not have a significant impact on society or individuals.
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