On: Revolutionizing the Running Experience

Simply known as On, the brand evokes the sensation of «running on clouds» as symbolized by the letters «o» and «n» of its signature logo. Its inspirational motto and raison d’être are to «ignite the human spirit through movement». Apart from the unique aesthetic appeal of On’s wide-ranging fashionable collections, the brand’s functional superiority, sustainability and fully recyclable features have sealed the admiration and loyalty of athletes and amateurs alike.

In a short span of 14 years, On’s technology-driven innovation revolutionized the running experience, generating global momentum and record-breaking growth. On’s patented CloudTec cushioning technology and iconic sole design is known for enhancing running performance and providing unparalleled flexibility, grip, and comfort. The Swiss-engineered featherweight running shoe consists of an outer sole which softens landings and an inner springboard sole which propels take-offs with each stride. On the occasion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Onlaunched the Cloudboom Strike LS model, as part of its marketing plan to showcase the brand, grow market share, and pave the way to top ranking as a global premium sportswear brand.

On achieved sales of $2 billion in 2023 thanks to its multi-channel offering and plans to double this figure by 2026. Having also successfully expanded into sports apparel and accessories, On has grown exponentially since its inception in 2010, and has continued its upward trajectory since its IPO in September 2021. Thanks to its cutting-edge technology and global partnerships, the brand is present through some 9,000 retailers in over fifty-five countries.

In addition, the brand has more than seventy brick-and-mortar locations in cities worldwide and aims to increase its global footprint by an additional 100 brand stores in the coming years. On’s largest and most prestigious flagship to date was built in 2023, in Paris’ landmark Champs-Élysées. The store, completed at record speed and measuring 1,513 square meters across three floors, has the largest assortment of On products on display as well as curated local teams acting as enthusiastic brand ambassadors.

Notwithstanding its European origins, On’s largest footprint and market is the United States, with thirty locations to date and roughly more than seven percent share of the country’s running shoe market. On’s first US store was in Portland, Oregon where its North American headquarters is based. The brand’s first owned retail property flagship was opened in New York City’s NoHo neighborhood, in 2020, featuring a minimalist décor and an innovative, immersive, tech-driven consumer approach. In 2023 the brand added a second New York City location in Brooklyn as well as a 3,229 square-foot store in Miami’s upscale Design District. The latter features an immersive eight-foot wall along which a wide range of athletic shoe styles and sizes are displayed for the consumer to try on. In 2024, the brand’s initial Portland store was re-opened in its new upgraded location in Northwest Portland. New store openings are scheduled for the latter half of 2024 in Austin, Texas and Chicago, Illinois.

In its capacity as general contractor and in partnership with the On team, SAJO successfully completed the construction of the brand’s second New York City store, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn which opened in the summer of 2023. The three-level, 7,500 square-foot store, which included 45 parking spaces and charging stations, was built over a twenty-four-week period. The store’s architectural design required SAJO to engineer a novel structure from which decorative blue mirrors could be hung along the 22-feet high perimeter stucco walls.  The design plan also included the installation of a new chairlift and an accessible LULA elevator and featured Cimento tiles and minimalist, customized millwork.

In keeping with the brand’s community spirit and connectivity, an upstairs area of the Williamsburg store was dedicated to welcoming a large number of running enthusiasts. The impact of the revolutionary footwear brand has been the emergence of the Oniverse, which brings together committed runners and attracts sportswear connoisseurs.