Founded as an importer of Japanese shoes, NIKE, Inc. (Nike) has grown to be the world's largest marketer of athletic footwear, holding a g lobal market share of approximately 37 percent. In the United States, Nike products are sold through about 22,000 retail accounts; worldwi de, the company's products are sold in more than 160 countries. Both domestically and overseas Nike operates retail stores, including Nike Towns and factory outlets. Nearly all of the items are manufactured b y independent contractors, primarily located overseas, with Nike invo lved in the design, development, and marketing. In addition to its wi de range of core athletic shoes and apparel marketed under the flagsh ip Nike brand, the company also sells footwear under the Converse, Ch uck Taylor, All Star, and Jack Purcell brands through wholly owned su bsidiary Converse Inc. and sells under the brands Starter, Shaq, and Asphalt in the discount retailer channel through another subsidiary, Exeter Brands Group LLC. The firm also sells Nike and Bauer brand ath letic equipment; Hurley surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding appa rel and footwear; and Cole Haan brand dress and casual footwear. Nike has relied on consistent innovation in the design of its products an d heavy promotion to fuel its growth in both U.S. and foreign markets . The ubiquitous presence of the Nike brand and its Swoosh trademark led to a backlash against the company by the late 20th century, parti cularly in relation to allegations of low wages and poor working cond itions at the company's Asian contract manufacturers.