was driven by higher demand for our NIKE brand sportswear products and Brand Jordan products, partially offset by a decrease in demand for our NIKE brand basketball products. The increase in average selling price per pair was also attributable to strategic price increases and an increased sales mix of higher priced NIKE brand sportswear and Brand Jordan products.

The year-over-year increase in U.S. apparel revenues during fiscal 2008 reflected an increase in unit sales, mostly offset by lower average selling prices. The increase in unit sales was primarily driven by higher close-out sales and increased demand for NIKE brand sports performance products, partially offset by lower unit sales of sportswear and Brand Jordan products. Average selling prices decreased primarily as a result of a higher mix of close-out sales.

The year-over-year decrease in U.S. equipment revenues during fiscal 2008 was primarily the result of lower unit sales of accessory products and fewer close-out sales.

Pre-tax income for the U.S. Region grew at a slower rate than revenue in fiscal 2008 as a result of higher demand creation and operating overhead expenses, partially offset by higher gross margins, driven by footwear. The increase in demand creation was driven by higher sports marketing expenses and investments in the retail presentation of our key wholesale customers. The increase in operating overhead was attributable to investments in NIKE-owned retail and normal wage inflation.

Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006

During fiscal 2007, the increase in U.S. footwear revenue was attributable to high single-digit growth in unit sales, partially offset by a slight decrease in the average selling price per pair. The growth in unit sales was driven by higher demand for our NIKE brand sportswear products; kids’ product, including boys and girls sportswear; Brand Jordan products; and men’s running products, due to the growth of our Nike+ performance models. The decrease in average selling price per pair compared to the prior year was the result of a higher mix of off-price products, combined with growth in lower priced kids’ product.

The year-over-year increase in U.S. apparel revenues during fiscal 2007 reflected mid single-digit growth in unit sales combined with a low single-digit increase in average price per unit. The increase in unit sales versus the prior year was driven by double-digit growth in NIKE brand sport performance apparel, while the improvement in average selling prices was driven by team and licensed apparel and Brand Jordan products.

Pre-tax income for the U.S. Region grew at a slower rate than revenue in fiscal 2007 as a result of lower gross margins. The gross margin decline was primarily attributable to a higher level of close-out sales and sales discounts compared to the prior year, most notably in our footwear business. Selling and administrative expenses were higher than fiscal 2006, but represented a lower percentage of revenue due to operating overhead leverage.

EMEA Region

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

For the EMEA Region, changes in currency exchange rates contributed 11 percentage points of the revenue growth during fiscal