Help please. Do you recognize Puma the sportswear brand?

Hi Ewen,

My own take on this is that the Puma brand is regarded almost as the 'little brother' of the remaining other four brands to the point where it is well known but often forgotten about.

However i do believe quite strongly that the strength and/or weakness of this brand is dependant on geographical location and which sports are predominant in those locations.

I grew up in NZ in the 70's & 80's (i live abroad these days) at a time and in a culture where brand recognition and to a lesser extent 'brand elitism' played a less significant role in buying decisions. I remember Puma Sneakers / Boots / Clothing having an air of exclusivity attached, perceived as having a cutting edge design wise, but with that said we were just as happy and satisfied to either of the other brands mentioned above by Sir Thomas.

Later on, as Reebok and then Nike became significantly larger in the marketplace Puma seem to fall away, not in presence, but in terms of being a brand name lingering on the tips of tongues so to speak.

Also, another sports brand, Asics, then became more highly regarded in the marketplace particularly regarding footwear across several different sports while Adidas who were already on top began to market themselves even more aggressively and grow their market share to squeeze other brands out altogether.

Puma is a brand with significant strength in specific sports though - that's my opinion based on 25 odd years of living in multiple countries worldwide and seeing the relative strength of different sports brands according to location, culture and sports popularity.

For instance, Puma would be a strong brand in the sports of Football & Rugby but less so in Tennis etc.

The Americas Cup is on & being broadcast around the world, apparently. But, the coverage and the results get little attention outside of the Sailing fraternity and outside of the sunny climates of NZ, Australia, US and certain parts of Europe.

I only know its running right now because of where i grew up & how significant it is in that region, plus i just happen to see the 5 lines of mention the race results got in the main national newspaper of where i live in Europe.

So, i think while the competition and sponsorship is being broadcast worldwide the Reach & Influence, and therefore the reach and influence of Puma, will be limited to those regions where Sailing is followed & supported en mass.

Im not sure any of this is useful to you - but it is another perspective nonetheless.

(I know just a couple of days ago myself and son went shopping for a replacement pair of football boots for him and Puma was only considered beacuse we saw a lone pair sitting on the display shelf - up to that point we had forgotten about them as a brand.)

Yes, but don't know anything about the brand.

Thanks guys!

Keep em' coming!

Best,
Ewen

I purchased my first pair of Puma's in 1981 and I own a pair today.

Yep, recognise Puma, well known here in the UK

I seem to recall that Puma was also a lengthy sketch by the Smothers Brothers in the 80s? - probably not the brand but the animal...