Athletic retailer The Finish Line, Inc. has teamed up with Puma in a strategy to launch its latest customer experience enhancement. Finish Line will open ten initial Puma experiences within targeted retail locations across the US and online at FinishLine.com in August.

Highly supported by several digital and social media initiatives including digital paid media, email marketing with a mobile focus, geo-targeted Facebook and Twitter posts as well as blog and website placements, the strategy is specifically designed to connect the Puma brand to the Finish Line consumer

“We are incredibly thrilled to share this exciting partnership opportunity between Finish Line and Puma with our customers”, stated Jeff Morrell, Senior Vice President and general merchandise manager at Finish Line, adding: “We believe that the Puma edge will heighten the customer experience by bringing together the edge of sport and style with unique and distinctive products.”

"These shops bring Puma a unique opportunity to partner with a leader in the athletic specialty space with an exciting brand experience connecting us to The Finish Line Consumer", commented Jay Piccola, President of Puma North America, adding: "We look forward to bringing new and exciting products to these shops that push the boundary of sport and style."

Finish Line and Puma will also host three VIP events in targeted markets including Philadelphia, Atlanta and southern California to help elevate the launch of the new store experience. The company will invite Winners Circle members and influencers for both Finish Line and Puma located in those selected areas to attend and receive a “first look” of the shops. Customers can connect with the VIP action by using the hashtag #ForeverFaster.

The Finish Line, Inc. is a premium retailer of athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Finish Line has approximately 1 020 branded locations primarily in US malls and shops inside Macy’s department stores, employing more than 14 000 staff.