Finish Line plans to add 327 jobs as part of expansion

Indianapolis-based The Finish Line Inc., a national retailer of athletic shoes and apparel, announced Tuesday morning that it plans to add 327 jobs by 2016 as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion to upgrade its e-commerce offerings.

The Finish Line, located at 3308 N. Mitthoeffer Road on the far-east side, said the investment will go toward technology upgrades, including improvements to its computer and distribution systems. The company also plans to remodel office space at its headquarters.

The company said it plans to create a "consistent brand experience" across the retailer's stores, its website and its other social media and direct-mail offerings. The overhaul also will upgrade Finish Line's distribution and merchandise computer systems.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. said it will provide The Finish Line with up to $2.7 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $250,000 in training grants based on the company’s job-creation plans. The city of Indianapolis will consider additional property-tax abatements.

Founded in 1976, the Finish Line operates 646 stores in malls across the country. It has more than 11,000 employees, including 700 at its Indianapolis headquarters.

“We are certainly proud of our Hoosier roots and are excited at the prospect of being able to add jobs in our hometown as we become a leader in omni-channel retailing,” said Steve Schneider, the company’s president and CEO, in a prepared statement.

Finish Line in 2008 won a similar incentive deal for an expansion that never fully materialized.

That deal, which included a 10-year tax abatement worth $2.25 million, called for the company to invest $10 million to build a warehouse and distribution building, $2 million to upgrade its existing headquarters, and $12.4 million to upgrade logistics, IT and telecommunications equipment.

In 2010, the company agreed to forfeit the abatements because it wasn’t able to meet a promise to create 183 jobs and invest $24 million, due to “unforeseen economic circumstances,” the company said at the time.