Digital Li-Ning Announces Introduction of Iconic Sportswear Brand to the U.S. Market

CHICAGO and BEIJING, Dec. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Li-Ning, the joint venture between Li-Ning Company and Acquity Group, today announced the launch of its Brand eCommerce™ business, which brings the Li-Ning sportswear brand to U.S. consumers.  

In the United States, Digital Li-Ning (www.li-ning.com) will showcase the Li-Ning brand across three core categories – basketball, women's fitness and running, allowing it to reach a broad demographic group of sports and wellness enthusiasts.

Founded in 1989 by Mr. Li Ning, a world-renowned gymnast who won six medals (three gold, two silver, one bronze) in the 1984 Olympic Games, the company has grown to become a publicly traded, premier sports entity with more than 8,000 retail stores. Digital Li-Ning represents part of the company's efforts in exploring and learning the U.S. market via Brand eCommerce.

"We believe many Americans will be attracted to Li-Ning's fresh and unique perspective on the connection of mind, body and spirit in fitness and sports," said Ray Grady, General Manager of Digital Li-Ning. "We're very excited by our unique go-to-market approach and our relationship with Acquity Group, which together will serve as the foundation for a successful U.S. launch."

"We are proud to be the U.S. partner that introduces Li-Ning to American consumers through our powerful Brand eCommerce platform," said George Lu, Chairman of Acquity Group. "Li-Ning is an iconic brand, and we are committed to its success in the U.S. market and the opportunities it will create here. In fact, Acquity Group added 200 jobs in the U.S. in 2011, and we expect that the introduction of the Li-Ning brand will accelerate our hiring in the U.S. for 2012 and beyond. We're certain that the success of Digital Li-Ning will serve as the bellwether to encourage more global brands to invest in the United States."

"Digital Li-Ning is well positioned to launch the leading Li-Ning brand in the United States," said Craig Heisner, head of marketing for Digital Li-Ning. "Our experience and understanding of the American consumer underscore why the status quo is no longer an option in sportswear.  The arrival of Digital Li-Ning is well-timed and our three categories should experience an attractive level of growth."

American athletes and consumers can purchase Li-Ning sportswear by visiting Digital Li-Ning at www.li-ning.com. Digital Li-Ning can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiNingUSA and on Twitter at @Li_Ning_USA.

About Digital Li-Ning
Digital Li-Ning is a joint venture between Acquity Group, a leading Brand eCommerce and digital marketing company, and Li-Ning, a leading sportswear brand that inspires athletes—body, mind and spirit—and empowers them to stand apart from the ordinary. Digital Li-Ning was formed to introduce the Li-Ning brand to the U.S. market as part of Li-Ning's efforts in exploring overseas market expansion opportunities, and it is managed from Chicago. For more information, please visit www.li-ning.com.

About Acquity Group
Acquity Group is a leading global Brand eCommerce and digital marketing company, creating award-winning digital experiences for global brands. Our multi-disciplinary approach brings together strategy, design, and technology to create brand-unique experiences that build firm customer relationships. Acquity Group works with leading brands like Adobe, AT&T, General Motors, Motorola, and Saks Fifth Avenue through offices in North America and Asia. To define a unique perspective for your business, contact Acquity Group at http://www.acquitygroup.com.

About Li-Ning
Li-Ning is a leading sportswear brand that inspires athletes—body, mind and spirit—to make positive changes and stand apart from the ordinary. Founded by an Olympic gold medalist, Li-Ning brings a fresh, new perspective to sports and fitness by offering products designed with passion, wisdom and innovation. As part of Li-Ning's U.S. expansion, the company has entered into a joint venture with Acquity Group, a leading Brand eCommerce and digital marketing company, to create Digital Li-Ning (www.li-ning.com), which will introduce the Li-Ning brand to the U.S.

SOURCE Digital Li-Ning