New athletes shopping experience

Young runners and training athletes will be pleased to know Nike and The Finish Line have teamed up to launch a new retail experience called Finish Line. Together with The Finish Line, one of the largest mall-based specialty retailers, Nike wants to offer a higher level of service and a deeper connection to the local running community. Unfortunately, the very first of its kind is not located around the corner, but at the Chandler Fashion Center near Phoenix, Arizona.

Nike Brand President Charlie Denson said: “It’s part of our long-term strategy to elevate the marketplace, create energy at retail and connect with consumers in our core categories.”

Finish Line Ltd will be divided into three sections: running, sport style and training. Running will offer a significant Nike+ running story and Finish Line Ltd will feature the complete Nike+ package including the plus-enabled footwear, Nike+ Sport Kit, and Apple iPod Nanos. Finish Line Ltd also will carry an assortment of other leading running, training and sport style brands that are relevant to young active consumers.

Additionally, Finish Line Ltd features an exclusive assortment of Nike performance and sports culture footwear that reflect the colours of the local high schools. Shoppers will also see the same colours in the Nike Pro apparel offering, which will enable them to customize Nike Pro apparel with their own high school sport, name and number. Customers also will be able to test-run Nike product. Training tools, such as selecting the best shoe or finding the right local running route, will be featured as well.

Image: AZ Running