The Finish Line announced plans to close its Paiva women's athletic
chain just 18 months after their debut in upscale malls in order “to
focus capital on higher return opportunities.” The 15 stores, along
with Paiva's Web site, will shut down by the end of the third quarter.

The company said it expects to record a pre-tax expense of about $21
million over the second and third quarters of fiscal 2008. No layoffs
were announced, and the company said it is “exploring opportunities” to
move Paiva employees to other stores.

“Consumer response to Paiva has been positive. However, we believe we
can realize more acceptable returns in the near term by directing
resources toward the company's core concept,” said CEO Alan H. Cohen in
a statement.


>>> Not to mention that FINL’s merger target, Genesco, Inc.,
has a women’s format in place that appears to be performing on all
cylinders. Who needs two? Now for that pesky Underground
Station format…