June 18 (Reuters) - Nike's ( NKE ) launch of a new

women's activewear brand in the U.S. through a partnership with

Kim Kardashian-owned shapewear label Skims has been delayed, the

Air Jordan maker's spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday.

The partnership, which was announced in February, is part of

new CEO Elliott Hill's plan to turn the struggling company

around and broaden its product offerings to compete with brands

such as Roger Federer-backed On and Deckers'

Hoka.

Skims, which was launched in 2019, has seen growing demand

for its premium bras, loungewear and shapewear.

With anticipation high among stakeholders and consumers, the

two sides have delayed the launch as they work to get the

product right, the Nike ( NKE ) spokesperson said. The delay was first

reported by Bloomberg News.

The new brand is set to be called NikeSKIMS, and is expected

to include training apparel, footwear and accessories for women.

The initial plan was to launch its first collection at some

U.S. retail locations in the spring of this year, as well as on

its website. It was to be available more widely in 2026.

The partnership with Skims has been applauded by investors

and analysts, who hope it will help Nike ( NKE ) make up ground after

falling behind in the women's activewear market, where Lululemon

and Gap's Athleta have emerged as a winners.