Following an analyst day at The Finish Line (FINL) Canaccord Genuity consumer analyst Camilo Lyon noted that the analyst day “showcased some of the impressive “Apple-like” instore technology upgrades the company is making to evolve its omnichannel strategy.” And added, “we believe these investments are appropriate and position the company to grow comps in excess of industry growth in 2013 and beyond.”
He noted the following changes would be made in-store:
a. New POS [point of sale] systems and handhelds will be in stores by holiday
b. Tablets that see inventory throughout the chain and gather customer data will be in several hundred stores this year
c. “Surface tables” (large interactive flat screen tables) will be in 100 stores this year
Mr. Lyon added, “In no uncertain terms, its new store prototype is beautiful, and connects the consumer with the products it is selling by engendering a unique experience via interactive technological upgrades, handhelds, and tablets, much like Apple retail stores have. Rightly so, the “consumer-centric ease of shopping” theme is driving much of the strategic direction at FINL.”
Mr. Lyon reiterated his BUY rating and $25 price target on the company.
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