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.

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 e-commerce.

“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.