21 Apr Finish Line Hires Nordstrom Exec as Chief Merchant
The Finish Line, Inc. said John Hall will join the company in mid-May as executive vice president, divisional president and chief merchandising officer. Hall, a long-time Nordstrom executive, most recently served as vice president, corporate merchandiser of Rack Menswear.
“We’re thrilled to have John join Finish Line. He will play a pivotal role as we continue to strengthen consumer engagement and enhance our merchandise offering and brand storytelling,” said Sam Sato, chief executive officer of Finish Line. “John’s focus and drive to elevate the consumer experience are critical today when the customer – and how he or she accesses us – is evolving so rapidly.”
As chief merchandising officer/executive vice president, Hall’s focus will span across consumer engagement touchpoints including stores and digital operations, merchandising and strategies involving the company’s product vision. He will drive Finish Line brand growth strategies, working closely with our brand partners and lead the creation and evolution of the brand vision.
With almost 30 years of experience at Nordstrom, Hall’s consistently achieved top line sales and profitability results in key regional, divisional and corporate merchandising roles. He started with Nordstrom as a sales associate in shoes and quickly moved into a buyer position for men’s shoes. His leadership span primarily included positions involving footwear from vice president/national merchandise manager of men’s shoes to vice president/footwear brand manager for the Nordstrom Product Group supporting men’s, women’s and kids shoes as well as vice president/corporate merchandise manager of kid’s shoes.
The Finish Line, Inc. is a premium retailer of athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Finish Line has approximately 980 Finish Line branded locations primarily in U.S. malls and shops inside Macy’s department stores and employs more than 14,000 sneakerologists who help customers every day connect with their sport, their life and their style.
Finish Line also operates JackRabbit (previously referred to by the company as Running Specialty Group), which includes 72 specialty running stores in 17 states and the District of Columbia under the JackRabbit, The Running Company, Run On!, Blue Mile, Boulder Running Company, Roncker’s Running Spot, Running Fit, VA Runner, Capital RunWalk, Richmond RoadRunner, Garry Gribble’s Running Sports, Run Colorado, Raleigh Running Outfitters, Striders and Indiana Running Company banners.