This is necessary given the industry s long lead times where department stores are required to place their orders five to six months in advance. Yes, that is true. There is a wide range of choices offering varying technologies. There is an authenticity and originality in the technologies that the major footwear companies employ that is crucial to marketing. More recently, NIKE Shox have had a successful launch on a limited rollout.
DMX platform appears to be gaining momentum and further acceptance at retail.
I think that NIKE has really built its business upon the highest-end product. Right now, NIKE Shox is just selling in running shoes and in basketball shoes and the company is planning to really broaden that launch out, similar to how it has capitalized on the Air technology. Nike has generated double-digit apparel growth in the United States the past two quarters following 10 consecutive quarters of declines in the US apparel segment. We are encouraged by this trend and believe it is sustainable. She has tremendous experience within the apparel industry, and we think can be a positive factor as Nike continues to focus on this opportunity.