While its own Neo stores have helped Adidas test new ways of engaging with young consumers, it has been more successful at selling Neo products through wholesale channels, Hainer told a conference call for journalists.

Hainer said the decision would not affect the some 2,000 Neo stores its franchise partners operates in China, adding that Neo sales, which reached 1 billion euros ($1.15 billion) in 2015, jumped another 60 percent in the first quarter.

(Reporting by Emma Thomasson; Editing by Maria Sheahan)

Stocks treated in this article : adidas AG, PARTNERS