Converse is an enormously successful, century-old retail brand.
Converse markets, distributes, and licenses footwear, apparel, and accessories to a global audience. The company was founded by Marquis Mills Converse in 1908 as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in Malden, Mass. Over time it was acquired by several companies before becoming a subsidiary of athletic footwear and apparel giant Nike, Inc. in 2003.
INSPIRED BY A MISSION AND A PURPOSE
Marquis Mills Converse, Converse’s “original builder, hustler, and founding father” started Converse & Pike as a wholesale operation to sell rubber boots to Boston retailers, according to the company’s website. Perhaps it was serendipity, or a mere coincidence, that one year later James Naismith invented the game of basketball.
The Converse basketball line was established in 1916. The Converse All-Star basketball shoe was introduced in 1917. But it wasn’t until 1932 that basketball player Charles “Chuck” Taylor’s signature was added to the All-Star patch on Converse’s signature “high-topped sneakers.”
NRTA and Converse. Evolving and Growing. Together.
Converse’s array of retail products continues to evolve and grow in the year 2024. “We constantly evolve to think and behave in new ways to ensure we continue to stand for creativity, rebellion and daring spirit for the next 100 years.”
Converse currently lists retail stores in 27 states across the U.S. Its Flagship Store in Boston is located at the world headquarters on Lovejoy Wharf.
Please join us in welcoming Converse to National Real Estate Tenants Association!