Breaking the Tape

The Finish Line Inc. (Indianapolis) will open its 500th retail store today, at the Mall of America in Minneapolis.

The athletic footwear retailer began in October 1976 with an Athlete's Foot franchise. It opened its first Finish Line store in 1986.

“Twenty-seven years ago, Finish Line was a 1000-square-foot store on Monument Circle in Indianapolis,” said president and ceo Alan Cohen. “Today Finish Line became a 500-store chain with nearly three million square-feet of retail space. This is a monumental day for everyone in the company. It is because of the dedication of all our employees that we have been able to survive, grow and thrive during the past three decades.”

It took the retailer five years to open 100 stores; four years to open its second 100 stores; just two years to open its third 100 stores; less than two years to open its fourth 100 stores; and just under four years for it to reach 500. It operates in 46 states.