LIDS Hat Blog

LIDS Sports Group, NFL Gear Up for Super Bowl XLVII Retail Experience

-- Company to operate the 30,000 square foot NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa --
-- Pop up location will offer shop-in-shop elements as well as interactive fan activities --

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., January 22, 2013 – LIDS Sports Group, the Indianapolis-based operator of the North American LIDS retail chain, in collaboration with the National Football League, is pleased to announce its plans for this year’s NFL Experience Driven by GMC concessions business – the NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa. In an innovative spin on the traditional concept for this venue, the retailer has switched gears to focus on creating a fan destination for Super Bowl-goers to include the industry’s latest offerings in product customization and entertainment features. The 30,000 square foot pop up shop will be open to the public from January 25 through February 4, 2013.

“We are truly excited for this opportunity to make a statement of how our retail game plan is constantly evolving, and to showcase that we are able magnify what we do every day in our more than 1,000 LIDS and LIDS Locker Room locations to meet Super Bowl fan expectations for years to come,” said LIDS Sports Group President Ken Kocher.

“This is another example of our determination to prove LIDS Sports Group is a major stakeholder in more than just the headwear category.” The specialty retailer and all-inclusive team sports dealer, primarily known for its headwear stores, has been recently fueling its growth through a more localized, team-specific storefront banner with product selections such as jerseys, fan apparel and team-branded novelty items.

“In looking for a world class leader to help us achieve our retail objectives for the NFL Experience in New Orleans, LIDS’ offerings and willingness to push the envelope to provide a unique fan experience stood out – as is evident in their expanding event retailing efforts,” said Leo Kane, NFL senior vice president of consumer products. “We are excited to work with LIDS to deliver to our fans more ways to celebrate their teams and Super Bowl XLVII.”

The NFL Experience shop will offer sports enthusiasts a wide variety of officially licensed Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl XLVII apparel and memorabilia, ranging from the latest fashion trends to on-field gear.

Key NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa retail elements and logistics:

- Player Appearances and Celebrity Interaction Opportunities

- Interactive Features: XBOX Gaming Area, Tailgate Toss, Fathead Photo Booth, and Fitted Test

- LIDS Custom Zone: Custom Embroidery, Custom Screen Printing on Jerseys, Special Event Patches, Personalized Key Chains and Custom Photo Souvenir Footballs

- Limited Edition Product Offerings – Limited Quantities

- Shop-in-Shop Partners: Nike, New Era, G-III and Touch by Alyssa Milano, Fathead, Tervis Tumblers, EA Sports, Mitchell & Ness and ’47 Brand

- NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by Visa hours of operation will be: 
    Date                                                                     Hours of Operation 
    Friday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 27             10:00 AM to 7:00 PM 
    Monday, Jan. 28 through Tuesday, Jan. 29         CLOSED
    Wednesday, Jan. 30 through Saturday, Feb.2    10:00 AM to 10:00 PM 
    Sunday, Feb. 3                                                     8:00 AM to 3:00 PM 
    Monday, Feb. 4                                                     8:00 AM  to 2:00 PM


Additionally, LIDS Sports Group will manage other prime locations under the NFL SHOP at Super Bowl Presented by LIDS retail banner in the greater New Orleans area – the French Quarter, Riverwalk, and NFL host hotels – to satisfy customer demand throughout the city leading up to this NFL season’s championship game.


ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.


Twitter – @LIDS4Hats   @LIDSPR   #LIDSSBXLVII     
LIDS Mobile – Text LIDSSB47 to 477493 for Super Bowl XLVII Offers

LIDS Team Sports Official Uniform Supplier of East-West Shrine Game

Sporting Goods Distributor Continues Sponsorship with 88th College Football All-Star Match Up

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., January 17, 2013 – LIDS Team Sports, a team apparel and equipment dealer operating within all 50 states and a business unit of Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group, has extended its sponsorship agreement as the official uniform supplier for the 2013 East-West Shrine Game®. The nation’s longest-running all-star football game will take place Saturday, January 19, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

LIDS Team Sports is providing uniforms as well as practice and travel gear for this year’s participants. The two team rosters include a combination of 115 premier collegiate athletes, representing more than 50 academic institutions across the country.

“We are pleased to yet again be a part of the annual East-West Shrine Game, which is a nice alignment of the nation’s best in college football and the efforts of Shriners Hospital – a cause worthy of the support generated by this association,” said LIDS Team Sports Executive Vice President Matt Geske. “For the players involved, many of whom will advance to the NFL, this game not only provides the opportunity to showcase their athleticism but a chance to truly hone in on their passion to give back.”

The game will again benefit the 22 Shriners Hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico which provide state-of-the-art medical treatment to children in need regardless of their ability to pay. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Shriners provides advanced care for youth patients with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

“This event is truly ‘More than just a game.’ It’s about creating lasting relationships that breathe new life to our philanthropic mission – be it players, coaches, spectators or suppliers,” said Executive Director of the East-West Shrine Game Harold Richardson.

The 2013 East-West Shrine Game will be broadcast on the NFL Network at 4:00 p.m. EST. Visit www.shrinegame.com for more information.

ABOUT LIDS TEAM SPORTS
LIDS Team Sports is a full service team dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods operator based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and a division of Hat World, Inc. Hat World is a niche mall-based retailer of baseball caps and team fan shops operating primarily under the LIDS retail brand. LIDS Team Sports was founded in 2009 and is made up primarily of regional team dealers Anaconda Sports (Lake Katrine, New York), the former Brand Athletics (Tigard, Oregon), and the former Impact Sports (Madison, Wisconsin). What began as a modest 10-state sales territory in 2009 now spans 50 states today. The company provides all-inclusive institutional sporting goods to a broad range of customers throughout the United States, including colleges and universities, high schools, corporations, and youth organizations. The business offers a diverse selection of products – jerseys, warm-ups, fleeces, polo shirts, jackets, t-shirts, shorts, shoes and other team uniform sportswear and a complete line of sporting equipment – and services such as team fundraising support. The company also operates the Internet sites www.lidsteamsports.com and www.anacondasports.com, in addition to a LIDS Team Golf division and a catalog business. For more information, one can visit lidsteamsports.com or call (800) 644-4481.

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

RELEASE: LIDS SPORTS GROUP, GENESCO HOST EIGHTH ANNUAL COLD FEET, WARM SHOES AND HATS EVENT FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

-- Company to provide 450 local students with new shoes and knit hats--
-- United Way of Central Indiana and Indianapolis Colts to participate --  

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., December 3, 2012 – Volunteers from Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group and its parent company, Tennessee-based Genesco Inc., will set up a mock shoe and hat store on Tuesday, December 4, at College Park Elementary School to personally fit 450 children in need with new, properly fitting shoes and warm knit hats just in time for the holiday season.  More than 130 of the company’s corporate office employees, including LIDS Sports Group President Ken Kocher and co-founder Scott Molander, will be joined by United Way of Central Indiana Senior Vice President of Resource Development Angela Dabney.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers will also be in attendance, as well as fellow teammates Cory Redding, Scott Lutrus, Griff Whalen, Shawn Loiseau and Matt Overton, to interact with the children and distribute t-shirts donated by the Colts organization.  “It is exciting to be a part of such a well-established program here in Indianapolis, which helps make the holidays brighter for hundreds of children annually,” said Powers.

 “As a key player in the sporting goods industry, those employed by LIDS Sports Group know the importance of leading by example through social responsibility.  The Cold Feet, Warm Shoes and Hats program is a great model for this, as it is community collaboration for those less fortunate in the areas in which our employees live and work,” said Kocher.  Nearly 3,000 Indianapolis students from eight different public schools have benefited from this event since 2005, when it was expanded to Indianapolis shortly after Genesco acquired LIDS.

In its 23^rd year overall, the Cold Feet, Warm Shoes and Hats program is Genesco’s signature community outreach initiative which focuses on providing disadvantaged youth with the power of choice, the same respect and service they would receive at any of the company’s more than 2,440 retail stores nationwide, as well as the practical solution of properly fitting footwear and headwear. 

Volunteers will participate in a variety of roles ranging from greeting each child to personally fitting them with their choice of new footwear, in addition to distributing headwear.  Students will also be served a nutritional snack to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

 

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

ABOUT GENESCO INC.
Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer, sells footwear, headwear, sports apparel and accessories in more than 2,440 retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, Underground by Journeys, Schuh, Lids, Lids Locker Room, Johnston & Murphy, and on internet websites www.journeys.com, www.journeyskidz.com, www.shibyjourneys.com, www.undergroundbyjourneys.com, www.schuh.co.uk, www.johnstonmurphy.com,  www.lids.com,  www.lids.ca, www.lidslockerroom.com, www.lidsteamsports.com, www.lidsclubhouse.com , www.suregripfootwear.com and www.dockersshoes.com.  The Company’s Lids Sports Group division operates the Lids headwear stores and the lids.com website, the Lids Locker Room and other team sports fan shops and single team clubhouse stores, and the Lids Team Sports team dealer business.   In addition, Genesco sells wholesale footwear under its Johnston & Murphy brand, the licensed Dockers brand, SureGrip, and other brands. For more information on Genesco and its operating divisions, please visit www.genesco.com.

 

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RELEASE: LIDS Sports Group to Acquire Retail Stores from Fanatics, Inc.

FansEdge and Football Fanatics retail locations in Chicago, Jacksonville and Oklahoma markets to be rebranded under the Locker Room by LIDS retail banner

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., October 31, 2012 – The LIDS retail division, a multi-channel business unit of Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group, has reached an agreement with Florida-based Fanatics, Inc. to purchase 12 brick-and-mortar retail stores, comprised of nine FansEdge locations in the Greater Chicago area as well as one in Oklahoma and two Football Fanatics in Jacksonville, Fla.

Through this agreement the locations will be rebranded under the Locker Room by LIDS retail banner, to include region-specific storefronts such as Chicago Locker Room and Oklahoma Locker Room.  “We continue to look for opportunities to expand the LIDS brand, and this acquisition allows us the opportunity to align these new additions – which are positioned in great sports communities – with our evolving sports apparel retail concepts,” said LIDS Sports Group President Ken Kocher.

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

“In our mission to establish the LIDS brand as a one-stop shop for the fan, participant or both, this agreement offers LIDS Sports Group the chance to further expose the many other layers of our business to sports enthusiasts who are predominately only familiar with our headwear side,” said Kocher.

The LIDS Sports Group retail division will introduce its Custom Zone in-store customization capabilities to the recently acquired locations, which will carry an assortment of local and regional product offerings of officially licensed apparel and merchandise.  Customers will also be able to take advantage of the company’s gift card and LIDS Club loyalty card programs at each location.

The History of LIDS - Who is LIDS?

LIDS is one of the largest sports headwear retailers in the country. With hundreds of stores and subsidiaries like "LIDS Locker Room", LIDS is known nationwide as a leader in headwear and sports accessories. But do you know where the company got it's roots? According to Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President (also @Wear_a_lid on Twitter), "LIDS is unlike any other company out there.  It is definitely one of the best to work for.  We truly live by the motto Have fun, Sell Hats."  Check out this video to learn about LIDS' history along with fun facts and statistics about the company.

LIDS Inks Agreement with University of Nevada, Las Vegas

 

Clubhouse division to introduce the Rebels exclusive online shop
and stadium retail operation

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Sept. 12, 2012 – LIDS Clubhouse, a retail brand of Indianapolis-based LIDS Sports Group, has reached a limited retail licensing agreement with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas  for the rights to operate the official stadium store, UNLV Rebels Locker Room, of the university’s Athletic Department.  Also included in the agreement is the launch of the University’s official e-commerce site, which will be powered by LIDS.

“As we continue to expand the reach of our LIDS Clubhouse division, it is a unique opportunity to partner with a university with such a rich athletic history,” said LIDS Sports Group Executive Vice President of Retail Charlie Brodt.  “In our position as a main stakeholder in the licensed retail business, we truly believe an affiliation with the LIDS brand offers our partners great value in growing their business.  We hope to soon share these results with the UNLV athletic administration.”

UNLV Director of Athletics Jim Livengood added, “The LIDS retail brand is known for offering a broad assortment of quality officially licensed merchandise, as well as their capability to react to the ever-changing hot market opportunities.  Through the resources at hand via this agreement, we look forward to building a solid UNLV retail brand for our loyal Rebels fans, on campus at the stadium as well online, for years to come.”

In addition, the LIDS retail division will add further value to UNLV Rebels fans’ shopping experiences by introducing its loyalty club program, which earns points with every purchase.

Specific terms of this retail agreement have not been disclosed.

ABOUT LIDS SPORTS GROUP
The LIDS Sports Group, operating within Hat World, Inc., is comprised of the LIDS retail headwear stores, the LIDS Locker Room specialty fan retail chain, the LIDS Clubhouse retail stores, the LIDS Team Sports wholesale team sports business, and the Internet businesses www.lids.com, www.lidslockerroom.com, wwwlidsclubhouse.com, www.lidsteamsports.com and www.lids.ca. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, the retail businesses make up more than 1,000 mall-based, airport, street level and factory outlet locations nationwide, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. LIDS retail stores offer officially licensed and branded headwear of collegiate teams, major professional sports teams, as well as other specialty fashion categories in the latest styles and colors. LIDS Locker Room is a mall-based retailer of sports headwear, apparel, accessories, and novelties which also operates under the Sports Fan-Attic and Sports Avenue retail concepts. Most LIDS and LIDS Locker Room stores also offer custom embroidery capability. LIDS Clubhouse operates team-specific professional sports and university athletics retail stores and e-commerce sites. LIDS Team Sports is a full-service team uniform and apparel dealer, custom screen printer, embroidery and sporting goods distributor. Hat World, Inc. is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

THE TRUE Super Bowl Experience

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid

WOW!   No other words come to mind to describe what Indianapolis and LIDS did during the Super Bowl this past week.  Well, actually I do have a few…

The city rolled out the red carpet and put itself on the map as a TRUE player as a Super Bowl host city.   I know Miami, Arizona and San Diego are sexy because of the weather, but Indianapolis raised the bar for future Super Bowl’s to come.   I have been fortunate enough to attend nine Super Bowls, and this one was by far the best I have been to.   Downtown Indianapolis  was turned into a weeklong fan zone, not only catering to the fans but for families as well.  The interactive Super Bowl Village was complete with free concerts, autograph sessions, celebrity sightings, food and drinks, countless parties, and temporary makeshift nightclubs.   Maybe the most unique was the Zip line, something that is  sure to be copied by future host cities.   All in all, what can’t be copied was the “Hoosier Hospitality!”   The atmosphere and  friendliness you felt as you walked around downtown with 100,000 of your closest friends cannot be duplicated.   If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I was in downtown Mayberry. 

To make the experience complete for fans, the Super Bowl host committee picked Lids Locker Room as the official retailer.   We outfitted all the volunteers with Nike gear and brought a retail presence that has never been seen or done before.  The 2^nd floor of the old Nordstrom building, all 30,000 feet, was turned into the greatest Super Bowl store ever put together (See photos below).   It wasn’t just a store, it was truly an experience!   When a retailer can turn an everyday trip to buy a product into an engaging experience, they’ve set themselves apart from everyone else…and that is exactly what we did last week in Indianapolis.  With over 300 LIDS employees and volunteers and months of behind the scenes planning from all departments within the company, LIDS put their mark on Super Bowl XLVI.

After all that was said and done, all I can do is stand back and tip my cap to the thousands of hours put in by so many to make this Super Bowl way more than just a three hour football game.  YOU turned it into an experience; a memory that the 70,000 who had tickets and the hundreds of thousands who just walked the streets, will never forget!  I know I’ll never forget it.

Thank you Indianapolis and thank you LIDS employees!  I am proud to be part of the best retail team around!

-Glenn

Season of Giving

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

For seven years, Genesco and LIDS have outfitted an entire school with new shoes, hats, gloves and t-shirts through the Cold Feet, Warm Shoes and Hats initiative. This program, which was started by Nashville-based Genesco, the parent company of LIDS, seeks to empower underserved youth with the power of choice. In just one day, volunteers from both offices transform a school's gym into a full-service shoe store.  Every child is brought into the "store," sized for a new pair of shoes and allowed to select their favorite pair.  They also get a package of socks, a Colts knit hat and a tee shirt.  Even Colts players like Gary Brackett are on hand to interact with the children and help make this day one that they will remember for years to come.

This event translates into three hours of pure joy for these kids, as they have no idea what to expect until the moment they walk in the gymnasium.  Personally, the smiles on their faces do more for me and all of us there than any pair of shoes will ever do for them.   As happy as these kids are, we as a company leave the school even happier.  The holidays are about giving, especially to those who are less fortunate.  The only thing better than giving back, is giving back as a group.  When you can share it with hundreds of your co-workers it just lifts your spirits.  For me, it is the start of my holiday season and reminds me of how blessed I really am. I would like to thank all the volunteers from LIDS and Genesco for the hard work and dedication put into making this event what it is.  And most importantly, I would like to send a huge thank you to all the children who make the holidays truly special.

The Campbell-Cardinals Tradition

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

In 1970, when I was five years old, my dad took me to my first St. Louis Cardinals game.  In those days Lou Brock and Bob Gibson were in their prime, coming off of three World Series appearances in six years and winning two (very reminiscent of what just took place these last six years).  I was hooked.  Little did I know though at that young age it would take my beloved Redbirds 12 long years to get back to the World Series. 

For their next appearance, I was a junior in high school and was actually able to celebrate a World Series win.  I’ll never forget it.  The Cardinals then went on to play in the World Series in ‘85 and ‘87, however the team failed to clinch the championship both times and suffered painful loses in Game 7 of each.  Again, little did I know it would be 17 more years until the Cardinals were in another World Series (2004). This time I was 38 years old, married with four children; a stark contrast to being 22 and fresh out of college in ‘87.  The great thing about ’04 was that I had the opportunity to take my dad and return the favor from 34 years earlier, when he passed his love for the Cardinals on to me.

Now I fast forward to what just happened this season.  For Cardinals fans alike it’s already been documented how crazy a month it was, from being virtually out of contention with mere weeks left in the season to winning their 11^th World Series in franchise history.  This latest victory put the team in the top spot for most championships in the National League, and second in the sport overall just behind only the New York Yankees. 

Moments like these are so unpredictable, yet I tried to take advantage of every opportunity to share this experience with my family.  This year my wife and I took our 4 kids to multiple playoff and World Series games in St. Louis, and even had the opportunity to make it to Milwaukee and Texas for games.  Hopefully years from now our kids will understand how special this October was, and they will feel the same nostalgia that I did in 1970 when my dad took me to my first game.  And so the Campbell-Cardinals tradition continues…

A Redbirds fan without an official team cap? Not if we have anything to say about it. lids.com is your headquarters for St. Louis Cardinals hats, and all your favorite MLB team hats and accessories. LIDS has a complete selection of St. Louis Cardinals hats--including Authentic Collection, Franchise and more--in all the sizes and colors you need to support your Cards.

Lessons Learned

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

A few weeks ago, I boarded a plane to Tampa for a business trip to visit some stores in the area.  While traveling is common in my line of work, on this particular flight I was seated next to a man who was enlisted in our armed services.  As the plane took off, we had a conversation that I will never forget and always be grateful for.

The man, Sgt. Matt Reddon, was headed back to Kurdistan, dubbed the “other Iraq.”  He had been in the Air Force for 30 years, and during his service had been deployed to areas like Kurdistan over a dozen times.  While he seemed eager to get there, I couldn’t help but think this was not an ideal location for him.  During our conversation, I also learned that his brother had just joined the military.  It was clear the sergeant was proud of him.  But on the subject of family, his voice grew softer as he expressed the hardest part of it all was leaving his wife and kids behind for extended periods of time.  I can only imagine how difficult that must be.  On this particular trip, he had a day’s worth of flying just to get to Kurdistan.  Who knows when he would return to his family.

After listening to a few of the stories he told, I thanked him for his service to our country.  That was the least I could do.  But what stuck with me the most was his response.  In that moment he said to me, “You don’t have to thank me; I do what I do, because I love my job.”  We parted ways, each headed to our own destinations as we both put on our headphones to drown out the noise of the busy airport.  However, I couldn’t help but replay his words in my head – he loves his job. WOW!  Now if he and the countless other men and women in the armed forces that risk their lives to protect our freedom feel that way about their jobs, how can I ever begin to complain about mine?  I thank you, Sgt. Reddon, for reminding me of the many blessings I have in my life, including my job.  God bless and stay safe.

-Glenn Campbell

Have a question for Glenn? You can follow him on Twitter or post your question on the LIDS Facebook wall.  Stay tuned for Glenn's next blog post on his thoughts about the World Series games against the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.  

LIDS’ LEADER NUTS OVER MLB CARDINALS AND THEIR NEW FURRY MASCOT

By Glenn Campbell, Hat World/LIDS Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, @Wear_a_lid on Twitter

If you have been following the MLB playoffs at all in the last few weeks or watch any of the sports networks, you have no doubt heard about the St. Louis Squirrel. The infamous rodent now dubbed “The Rally Squirrel” by the St. Louis faithful has appeared in both of the Cardinals’ home playoff games. Well I have firsthand knowledge of this legend as he and I had a close encounter in Game 3 on October 4 in St. Louis.

I am a St. Louis Cardinals baseball “nut” you could say. I am certain that is what attracted the Rally Squirrel to me in the first place. I  have been a season ticket holder for the past 13 years and have been a Redbirds fan dating back to my childhood in the 1970s.

This 2011 season has been crazy for so many reasons. I try not to miss any Cardinals playoff games, home or away, but I made the mistake of booking some work-related business trips for early October back when the Cards were 10 ½ games out with a month to play. Oh boy, has my travel schedule been turned upside down! That is the last time I ever write-off my beloved Cardinals before they are mathematically eliminated. They overcame one of the largest deficits in history to make the playoffs on the last day of the season.

In an unbelievable five-game series, capped by one of the best pitching performances I have ever seen by Chris Carpenter, the Cardinals eliminated the Phillies in the divisional round of the playoffs. My Cards are currently tied at one game apiece with the Brewers in the NLCS. I am convinced none of this would be possible without the “Rally Squirrel.”

I was sitting in my front row seats just down the third baseline past the dugout with three buddies for Game 3 of the NLDS. The Cardinals were down 3-0, Philly clearly had the momentum, and we needed a spark. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, play was stopped as our hero came on the field. The squirrel ran from right field all the way to second base then stopped and looked around. I assume he peaked at the scoreboard and saw his team trailing. He continued in my direction and stopped as if he was telling third base coach Jose Oquendo something and then came bounding right over to me.

If you were watching that portion of the national television broadcast like my wife and kids where, you saw one of my buddies reach over the wall and point at our little furry mascot. Then you saw yours truly – donning a red Cardinals hat with my sunglasses atop the visor – reach over and try to grab him. “What would you have done if you caught that squirrel?” I have been asked countless times over the past week. As I’ve told everyone, I was caught up in the moment and all I can remember thinking in that instant was, “Getting that squirrel would surely get me on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top Ten plays of the day.” Truth is, I just wanted to thank that squirrel for showing up and changing the mojo.

My Cards lost 3-2 that night but it wasn’t the squirrel’s fault. We stranded 14 base runners, nine after our furry friend came onto the field. Down two games to one, he came back during Game 4 on October 5 and darted across home plate while Skip Shumaker was batting. That squirrel clearly got inside Phillies pitcher Roy Oswalt’s head and the Cardinals went on to win 5-3 and tie the series at two games apiece. Then, just when you thought the Cardinals didn’t stand a chance heading back to Philly to face their ace pitcher Doc Halliday in Game 5, Rally Squirrel magically showed up again on the field in Philadelphia before the game. The rest, as the cliché goes, is history. Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter pitched the best game of his career, the Redbirds won, and are now in line to win their 11^th World Series in franchise history.

Everyone has opinions about superstitions and curses, and baseball has its fair share of animal-related lore. Ask Chicago Cubs fans about the Billy Goat of 1945 and the black cat of 1969. I am confident the Cardinals’ “Rally Squirrel” of 2011 can change history for St. Louis in a good way.  When I sit in my seats October 12 for Game 3 of the NLCS, I’ll have a new shirt on that gives a big shout out to my furry friend. The shirt will be available in LIDS, LIDS Locker Room and the Cardinals Clubhouse stores operated by LIDS in the St. Louis area. Don’t be surprised to see that squirrel on the field. My first purchase at the ball park that night will be a cold beverage and a big bag of peanuts. Big enough to share if my friend happens to come by and visit again.

Join the LIDS Community

Are you a part of the LIDS community? Join NOW!
Now through September 22, 2011, lids.com will waive the normal $5 LIDS Club annual fee for new members (or members who let your membership expire) with any $50 online order. In addition, lids.com will hook you up with free U.S. ground shipping as long as you spend $50 or more!  Just enter discount code FREECLUB at check out.  This offer expires at 11:59pm EST on 9/22.   

Current LIDS Club members: You're already a part of the LIDS community, but lids.com wants to make you feel like a true part of the LIDS family by offering you 25% off all online orders until 11:59pm (EST) on September 22. Just enter discount code LOYALTYPAYS at check out. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts and is not valid on clearance. 

Membership in the LIDS Club guarantees you year-round savings of 20% off hats and custom embroidery, and 10% off apparel and accessories. Register your LIDS Club card at lids.com/club and receive special offers and additional benefits. Get the full skinny about the LIDS Club on lids.com or call us at 1-888-564-HATS (4287).

Take your LIDS LOVE to the next level by 'liking' us on Facebook and following us on Twitter...we have been known to have some pretty good GIVEAWAYS and special fan-only offers! Check us out!

LTD Series Facebook Page

Attention all LIDS fans!  The LIDS Taste Development Series rolled out its very own facebook page last week.  This page promises to offer exclusive information and sneak peeks to all the upcoming LTD Series releases.  We hope to share elite details about the series with our biggest fans, and also want to gain feedback about the styles being released.  So if the July 1 release, the Venom, wasn't your favorite style or you have improvements to share, let us know!  We are open to any and all suggestions. 

Our next LTD Series release is set for Septemeber 1.  Although the name and full design of the limited cap has remained a secret, we did share this view of the back of the hat on the LTD Series facebook page. 

 
Web-like, huh?  More images of the cap and the official name will be released later this week!  Check out the LTD Series facebook page for more details!

What is the LIDS Taste Development Series?

The LIDS Taste Development (LTD) Series is a new collection of limited edition, premium New Era® fitted hats exclusive to LIDS. The LTD Series is an update to the Fresh Goods Friday program which had launched in May 2004. This new version launched on July 1, 2011 and a new LTD Series hat will be available for purchase bi-monthly on the 1st day of every other month (next release is September 1).

These limited edition hats will feature unique fabrics and the latest designs. Each LTD Series hat is limited in quantity and only available at 80 of our 900+ stores and here at lids.com. Since the LTD Series hats are not available at any other retailer, once they are sold out, they are gone forever. 

No Bad Ideas at LIDS

 
 

We have all heard the saying, “There is no such thing as a bad idea …” Well, we can promise you there are no bad ideas here at LIDS…literally!  LIDS is bringing you select styles from No Bad Ideas Clothing Company, the specialist for the Counter-Culture; and, with No Bad Ideas, you can never go wrong!

These hats strive to fall in line with the hottest fashion trends on the street.  Not only do these products use the most stylish fabrics and the best silhouettes, but as an added bonus ALL of their designs include a concealed stash pocket for that little extra edge!

Want to learn more about this brand? Check out lids.com for the best selection in caps and gear, including No Bad Ideas hats, or ‘like’ No Bad Ideas on Facebook! 

Check out these new styles below and let us know what you think:

_{BAMBOO MILITARY                MASH UP IVY}

 
_{TRAD RIP POP STITCH IVY     PITT IVY}

Fan Returns Jeter's 3,000th Hit Ball

 

What would you have done if you caught Derek Jeter's home-run, 3,000th hit?

Well, Christian Lopez a cellphone salesman from Highland Mills, N.Y., who was seated in Section 236, Row 1, Seat 19, found himself in that situation.  The 23-year-old scooped up New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit on Saturday, July 9, 2011.  Instead of auctioning off the piece of Major League Baseball history , Lopez stated he was just going to hand it over to one of his baseball heroes.  Even more astonishing was the fact that Lopez asked for nothing in return for the estimated $250,000 ball; however, the Yankees Organization didn't just take the ball away without any compensation to Lopez.  Sources reveal they rewarded Lopez's generosity with a pretty nice package including almost $70,000 worth of Yankees memorabilia and tickets.

Now that Derek Jeter's bid for one of baseball's most sacred milestones, the 3,000-hit club, is complete, LIDS is pulling out all the stops to commemorate this landmark event in Jeter's career with the Authentic MLB New Era® 59FIFTY®. Now, you can help honor one of the game's biggest stars and the first New York Yankee to reach this milestone.  We can't offer you the actual 3,000th hit ball, but the Authentic MLB New Era 59FIFTY can help you remember this highlight event. 

Introducing the 1st launch of the new LTD SERIES, the VENOM!

 

The LTD Series VENOM is a 2-tone New Era® 59FIFTY®. The cap features a black ballistic nylon crown with a faux snake print nylon visor. The cap also features your favorite team logo, with raised embroidery, on the front panel, contrasting MLB Logoman on the back, and contrasting New Era® Flag on the left wear side. The LTD Series VENOM is the 1st launch of the new limited edition LTD Series by LIDS.  Click here to check out what teams are available in this style. 

So, you may be asking yourself, what is the LTD Series?

The LIDS Taste Development (LTD) Series is a new collection of limited edition, premium New Era® fitted hats exclusive to LIDS. The LTD Series is an update to the Fresh Goods Friday program which had launched in May 2004. This new version launched on July 1, 2011 and a new LTD Series hat will be available for purchase bi-monthly on the 1st day of every other month (next release is September 1). 

These limited edition hats will feature unique fabrics and the latest designs. Each LTD Series hat is limited in quantity and only available at 80 of our 900+ stores and here at lids.com. Since the LTD Series hats are not available at any other retailer, once they are sold out, they are gone forever. 

Check out lids.com now to get your hands on the first hat of the new LTD Series, the VENOM!

LIDS Hosts Pete Rose at College World Series

In the wake of a professional baseball career that spanned from 1963-1989, Pete Rose sits atop the Major League Baseball record book for hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and at-bats (14,053). He won three World Series rings, three batting titles, a MVP, two Gold Gloves, was Rookie of the Year and made 17 All-Star appearances at an unequaled five different positions (2B, LF, RF, 3B and 1B).

As one of the pro game’s best, I wondered if “Charlie Hustle” had been among college baseball’s best and perhaps had played in the College World Series. I was surprised to learn during Rose’s appearance at the 2011 College World Series it was his first-ever trip to Omaha, home of CWS since 1950.

LIDS, conversely, is no stranger to “The Greatest Show on Dirt” having operated trailers and temporary stores at CWS every year for more than a decade. On June 20, 2011, LIDS joined forces with Omaha Baseball Village, located just outside TD Ameritrade Park—the brand new home of CWS—to host Rose for an autograph signing. Rose led off the appearance with a radio interview on Omaha’s ESPN Radio affiliate 1620AM The Zone. (Click here* to view and listen to the interview.)

Adding to the excitement for the hundreds of fans that came out to meet The Hit King was a surprise appearance at the signing by fellow Cincinnati star athlete Bengals WR Chad Ocho Cinco who posted a fun picture later that day on his Twitter.

On behalf of the LIDS family, a huge thanks to Pete for being so generous of your time with LIDS and the fans!

 * The station’s audio was not properly connected for the first few minutes of the interview. The error is corrected at the 9:15 mark.

  
 


 

 

One-Stop Shop for All Things Yankees!

Check out this video posted on the New York Yankees’ official website, a Yankees on Demand production, highlighting one of LIDS’ newest additions to its LIDS Clubhouse division.  Located in the heart of New York City in Times Square, this Yankees Clubhouse location is a one-stop shop for Yankees fans around the globe.

  

Don’t have plans to visit “The Big Apple” anytime soon?  Check out lids.com for the latest selection in Yankees jerseys, apparel, headwear and much more!

Hats are so much better than chocolate!

Love is in the air!  Whether you're lovingly gazing into the eyes of someone special, drinking martinis with the girls to celebrate being single or buying chocolate on the cheap because VDay candy is now on sale, we've got a proposition for everyone.  Today is the day to fall in love...with a new hat!  Did we mention that we'll give you 25% off because we LOVE you!  Start falling in love today!

 

Packers Take the Lombardi Trophy Home

The Lombardi Trophy is heading home!  The Green Bay Packers edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 31-25 win to claim the Super Bowl XLV title.  Aaron Rodgers was named the Super Bowl XLV MVP winning a shiny new Chevrolet Camaro.  However, Rodgers appeared to be more excited as teammate, Clay Matthews, gave him a boxing/wrestling style black and gold title belt.  Rodgers often celebrates touchdowns by making the motion of putting a championship belt on his waist.

While not all of us can take home the Lombardi trophy, a shiny new Camaro or a title belt, you can have a piece of the Super Bowl to remember the experience.  Be sure to get your Super Bowl XLV Championship gear to remember the fun--even if it was just as a spectator from the comfort of your own couch.

In the aftermath of all that partying and celebration, here is a recap in the form of stats from the NFL Network research crew. 

• The road less traveled: The Packers joined the 2005 Steelers as the only No. 6 seeds to win a Super Bowl. They’re the sixth Wild Card team to win a Super Bowl, and the third team to do so after winning three road playoff games.

• Teams with a positive turnover differential are 33-3 all-time in the Super Bowl. The Packers were +3 against the Steelers and +6 during the 2010 playoffs.

• Credit the Steelers for nearly winning a Super Bowl despite those three turnovers. The Packers failed to convert a third-down attempt (0-for-4) in the third quarter and had one first down before regaining the momentum late.

• Mike McCarthy improved to 5-2 in the playoffs and joins Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren as coaches to win Super Bowl with the Packers.

• Charles Woodson is the fourth player to win a Heisman Trophy, college national title and a Super Bowl.

• Outside of two drops, Jordy Nelson had an MVP-type performance. Nelson tied a franchise playoff record with nine receptions, and his 140 receiving yards are the fourth-most in franchise history. Nelson and Jennings each had 21 receptions during the 2010 playoffs,  a new franchise record.

• With his 37-yard INT return for a TD, Nick Collins is the second player in franchise history with INT return TD in Super Bowl. He joins Herb Adderley, who had a 60-yard INT return TD vs. the Raiders in Super Bowl II.

• The Steelers extended their streak to 17 consecutive playoff games without allowing a 100-yard rusher (tied with Redskins for longest active streak in NFL). The Packers ran the ball 13 times, which tied a Super Bowl record for fewest attempts. 

• Here’s a sign of the longevity and production of Hines Ward: He now has 88 receptions, 1,181 yards and 10 TDs in his playoff career, all ranking in the top five in NFL playoff history. He has 17 consecutive playoff games with a reception.

• LaMarr Woodley recorded a sack, his NFL record seventh straight game with a sack. His 11 career postseason sacks ties Charles Haley for fourth all-time.

Only 363 days until the next Super Bowl in Indianapolis (assuming a CBA is reached and there is a next season).  Let the countdown begin!

The stage for Super Bowl XLV has been set

The stage for Super Bowl XLV has been set.  On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers were able to take down the Chicago Bears and solidify their place in this year’s Super Bowl, where they will take on the Pittsburg Steelers.  Green Bay fans aren't wasting any time by making sure they have their championship gear and their tickets in hand.  According to the Houston Chronicle, Green Bay fans started buying up their championship t-shirts and hats within hours of the game having concluded.  There are also fans scrambling to get their tickets for the big game with one man saying that he will go to Texas with or without a ticket in hopes of purchasing one once in Texas.   Green Bay fans have not gone to a Super Bowl since 1998 and fans sure are getting ready for this one.  If you're a Green Bay fan or a Steelers fan make sure that you get your championship gear whether you will be heading to the game or watching on your TV at home.   The Packer fans are ready to take home the title, but it won't be easy to take down Roethlisberger and the Steelers.  

Do you think that Green Bay can pull out a win, winning their first Super Bowl in over a decade?  Any predictions on the final score outcome?  
 

   

NFL Playoff Time!

The quest for Super Bowl XLV will kickoff this weekend with the first games of the NFL postseason.  On Saturday, fans will gear up for the first postseason game when the defending Super Bowl champs, the New Orleans Saints, take on the Seattle Seahawks. Fans were ecstatic when the Saints beat the Colts in last year's Super Bowl to win New Orleans their first league championship. With New Orleans as the heavy favorites going into the game, Drew Brees and the Saints hope to give fans a second showing of last year's postseason.  Saturday's second game has the New York Jets looking for a rematch of last year's AFC Championship when they take on Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis.  Indianapolis fans hope to provide all the noise they can to give Manning a winning edge at home.  Who do you think will pull out the win?  Will it be the Saints or the Seahawks? The Colts or the Jets?  As for the bigger picture, who are your picks for the NFC and AFC championships? And most importantly, who is going to walk away with Super Bowl XLV?

NFL postseason requires a lot of preparation from players, coaches, and of course all of the fans who will be looking to cheer on their team to Super Bowl XLV.  An interesting video clip, however, shows that it isn't just the teams that have to put in a lot of work for a game.  Turns out that Wilson, the official manufacturer for all official NFL game footballs, puts in a lot of work as well.  The clip shows Wilson's in depth process of making NFL game footballs.

  

Warm Knits, New Shoes Help Make the Holiday Season Brighter for Students in Need

LIDS' Sixth Annual Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats event in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a huge success thanks to the 100 LIDS/Genesco Inc. corporate volunteers in attendance.  On Tuesday, November 30, more than 400 children from Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, IPS #69, were provided with a new pair of shoes, a new hat, a Converse t-shirt, and a pair of Crocs as LIDS' volunteers set up a mock shoe and hat store in the school's gym.  In addition, the children were treated with a special t-shirt from the Indianapolis Colts distributed by Colts Linebackers Gary Brackett, Cody Glenn, Pat Angerer, Running Back Mike Hart and Colts Mascot Blue.

 

Through its Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats program, LIDS and its parent company, Genesco Inc., are able to annually provide disadvantaged children in Indianapolis, the site of LIDS' headquarters, with the power of choice, the same respect and service that they would receive at any of Genesco's 2,300 retail stores, and the practical solution of properly fitting footwear and warm hats.  Each year, the Company works with the United Way of Central Indiana and the Indianapolis Colts to host this signature event at a different Indianapolis Public School location in need.  The initiative is supported by LIDS' Community Assistance Program (C.A.P.), which operates with the motto, "The Greatest Gift You Can Give Yourself May Come From Helping Someone Else."

 
Photo: IndyStar.com

NOTE: This year's Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats event was made possible in part by the generosity of the following Genesco vendors: Converse, Vans, DC, Huffman, Puma, Crocs, Concept One, Top of the World, Bioworld, and NIKE.

A Sweet Deal for Bengie Molina

With the World Series set to begin on Wednesday, everyone is making last minute preparations.  Fans are scurrying to get tickets, make travel arrangements and get their respective team's World Series gear.  The clubs, players and coaches are working to fine tune their strategies, rest up and get mentally prepared for the World Series.  After all, many players work so hard for so long without ever tasting a World Series victory.  No doubt, the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers have come a long way, but for one team, it will be a bittersweet ending to an otherwise amazing season.

However, Bengie Molina's deal is so sweet he might have to have his teeth checked.  While most players worry about falling short after making it to the World Series, Molina is guaranteed to leave with a ring.  You see, Molina has spent the past three and a half years playing for the San Francisco Giants, but was traded to the Texas Rangers midway through the season.  This year, Molina played 57 regular season games for the Giants and 61 for the Rangers guaranteeing that he'll receive a World Series ring despite the outcome of the final series. 

"I think I knew [the Rangers] had a great chance to make it to the playoffs," Molina said. "For both teams to be in the World Series?  Not a chance."  Although the competitor in him likely wants to be on the winning team at the end of the Series, it must be nice knowing that whatever the outcome may be, he helped get the World Series Champs to that point.  "It's going to be a very happy World Series for Bengie Molina. I'm going to try to enjoy it as much as I can," he said.  Enjoy it indeed, because you'll never see these odds again! 

So which World Series ring do you think Bengie will be wearing at the end of the series?  A diamond encrusted Giants or  Rangers ring? 

Texas Rangers Claw and Antler

The Texas Rangers came away with a convincing win in last night's game against the defending World Champs, the New York Yankees.  The Rangers beat the Yankees 8-0 to take a 2-1 lead in the series. 

Cliff Lee became the first pitcher to record three 10+ strikeout games in the same postseason.  Much like Lee's dominating performance last night, the Rangers have domniated the series, despite having a poor eighth inning in Game 1.  If not for the five runs scored by the Yankees in that inning, the team might be 3-0. 

So what do you think, do the Rangers have enough Claw and Antler to keep it going?  For those of you outside of Ranger Nation, the CLAW is a gesture for power and strength  and the ANTLER is a gesture for speed and agility.  The hand signals, said to have been "invented" by Esteban German (claw) and Nelson Cruz (antlers), were quickly adopted by players as a sign of support and solidarity.  When the fans reazlied what the signals meant, they, too, wanted in on the action. 

Will there be enough Claw and Antler to make history?  With the Yankees in the oppostite dugout, you never can be too sure.  What's your vote: Claw and Antler or Hunting Season?

The Texas Rangers MLB Claw and Antler tee is availabe in blue and red and can be found at lids.com. 

A Game of Life or Death?

A devout Michigan State fan refused to undergo heart surgery this past Thursday, deferring the procedure until after Saturday's game against longtime rival Michigan.  Major Hester wanted to be able to watch the game on a television in Ann Arbor, and was willing to risk anything, even his life, to do so. 

The 69-year-old said he put off the surgery until the following week because he didn’t want to risk anything going wrong on the operating table that would prevent him from watching the game.  Hester said his doctor asked him twice if he really wanted to put off the surgery, and his reply both times was, "I'm watching the game."   

Major Hester wasn’t the only Spartans’ fan watching the game from a distance.  The Spartans’ own head football coach, Mark Dantonio, watched the game from a press box.  Dantonio suffered a heart attack on September 19, after the Michigan State overtime win against Notre Dame. 

The Spartans went into Saturday’s game ranked 17^th, while the Wolverines were ranked 18^th.  It was the first time since 1999 that the two teams met undefeated, both 5-0.  Fortunately for Hester and Dantonio, Michigan State pulled off a 34-17 win over Michigan, and ended their 1,071 day losing streak against the Wolverines.  The Spartans are now 6-0 for the first time since 1999.

As always, for you die-hard NCAA fans, don’t forget to check out lids.com for the latest and greatest selection of College Hats and NCAA apparel.

We want to know:  Have you ever put something important on hold just to watch a game? Share your comments with us or send us a tweet or a facebook post. 

NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Hats

If you watched any football this Sunday, you probably did a double take towards the field as flashes of pink darted back and forth between the sidelines.  This Sunday was the start of a monthlong campaign where the NFL will wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The NFL, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is calling the campaign "A Crucial Catch" which is focused on promoting annual screenings, especially for women who are forty and older.  During the month of October, NFL games will feature players, coaches and referees wearing pink game hats and apparel, pink ribbon stencils on the field, special game balls and pink coins - all to help raise awareness for this important campaign.

LIDS is proud to offer NFL Breast Cancer Awareness hats and apparel in support of this excellent cause.  The LIDS home office in Indianapolis will also hold several fundraising and awareness events during the month of October to support the campaign.  Additionally, we'll hold a series of contests during the week of October 11th in anticipation for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Indianapolis on October 16th.  Stay tuned to the LIDS Blog, LIDS Facebook and LIDS Twitter pages for additional information on how you could win a LIDS Pink Pride Prize Pack (say that five times fast) in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. 

What Color is Your Hat?

Sports fanaticism is not necessarily dominated by one gender.  Women love sports too!  And with that in mind, many manufacturers came out with pink hats and jerseys a few years ago. The thought process must have been something like “Hmm.. how can we get more women to buy new sports hats and jerseys….?  I’ve got it!  Let’s make it PINK! PINK hats! PINK Jerseys!  Pink pink pink!”

There must have been at least one woman (or man) in the room who voiced concern.  “Um.. guys?  The Red Sox don’t wear pink.  The Yankees don’t wear pink.  Even the Cowboys don’t wear pink.  Breast Cancer Awareness month is just that - one month (October). Does pink make sense?”

Regardless, they moved forward with the manufacturing of pink products. And many women bought them!  Or someone bought them - maybe men bought the pink gear for the women.  I know I’ve purchased pink Red Sox onesies for a few baby girl fans.  But when it came to purchasing my own hat, I opted for a classic navy Red Sox cap (see above).

I asked some of my female co-workers about their hat choices.  Jen R. said that she doesn’t wear hats, but that her own Red Sox hat is decidedly not pink.  Michelle C. owns a white Red Sox hat.  Katie G. has three Red Sox hats - one traditional navy, one pink, and one pale yellow.  Apparently, they make hats in “all of the pastel colors.”  In case you’re wondering why we all own Red Sox gear, we live and work in Boston, which obviously means we’re Red Sox fans (or at least most of us are, AHEM Michelle R.).

Looks like the vote is split, but with many of my female co-workers opting for the more traditionally colored hats.  Ladies - do you own pink hats and jerseys?  Guys - do you respect sports-lovin’ girls in pink hats? 

A New Season, A New Lucky Outfit

While it may not feel like fall--it was a whopping 96 degrees in Indianapolis yesterday, fall officially begins tonight at 11:09 pm EDT.  Like any season, there are some great traditions that are essential to ushering in autumn.  For me, it isn't officially fall until I've had a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, lit a fall scented candle, made a pot of chili, spent an entire weekend watching football (preferably with a cold beverage) and got a new lucky outfit for my team--the Colts. 

While some people like to hang onto old hats or jerseys as their lucky charm, I prefer to change up the energy from season to season.  Don't get me wrong, I rewear old hats and jerseys, but each season I have to find a lucky hat, jersey or t-shirt that will be my lucky "go-to" item for the year.  Personally, I snagged this slightly threadbare NFL women's t-shirt that is uber comfy and the Delray Mesh Adjustable NFL hat.  However, I know LOTS of you have been requesting fitted NFL hats to add to your collection and kick off both the football and fall season.

So if you're like me and like to welcome autumn with open arms and a new outfit, check out the latest in NFL fitted hats or grab a new NFL jersey or hoody to create your "go-to" look for the year. 

NFL Fitted Caps at lids.com

Do you have any other traditions that you absolutely must partake in to make it really feel like fall?  Or do you have you eye on one particular item from LIDS that you'd like as your "go-to" outfit? 

College Colors Day...17 Days and Counting!

School is starting and summer is winding down which can only mean one thing...College Colors Day is just around the corner! 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with College Colors Day, it is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that make the college experience great by encouraging people across America to wear caps and apparel of their favorite college or university throughout the day.  Since its inception in 2005, College Colors Day has grown rapidly across the country.  Thousands of organizations and millions of individuals participate annually by donning their team colors and sharing in the college spirit with friends and colleagues.  This year, College Colors Day will be celebrated on September 3, 2010. 

Personally, I'll be flying to Florida on College Colors Day and you better believe I'll be sporting my Notre Dame gear on the flight!  Where will you be on College Colors Day and what team will you be supporting?

Minor League, Major Craze

LIDS Minor League Baseball selection is yet another example of you wanted it, we listened and now it’s in stock.  In a grass roots effort stemming from customer requests in our stores for hats bearing local MiLB teams, the program initially started out with five skus and has quickly grown to what will be nearly 200.  As online sales through the LIDS website continue to fuel the demand, the question that now comes to mind is whether or not the increase in popularity is due to a fan driven interest in the league or just another fashion craze? 

When looking at MiLB attendance stats,  numbers have been on the rise.  According to the latest digits posted by the league, so far in 2010 more than 21 million fans have come out to root on their favorite teams.  This is up from 2009, which was recorded at nearly one million less for the same period.  Seemingly, the famous American Pastime no longer appears to be a thing of the past.  So are reasonably priced tickets and ballpark food the reason behind the cap craze, or is it something entirely different?  Could it be MLB fans have discovered a new appreciation for the affiliates of their favorite major teams?  

As a fashion-conscious society, it could be that we are just craving a little diversity in our sports fashion.  Spotting local trends, teams representing the colors light blue and dark blue have primarily done quite well.  Other trends could be affected by an affinity for different mascots.  A few teams that have been rocking the popularity charts include the defunct Albuquerque Dukes (they are now the Albuquerque Isotopes), Everett Aqua Sox, Quad Cities River Bandits (primarily due to their new logo) and the Wilmington Blue Rocks. 

 

  

So for all those fans rockin' the latest LIDS MiLB fashions, tell us which one is the reason behind your decision.  Is there a particular local team you follow?  

As always, check out lids.com for the latest and greatest selection in MiLB hats.

Monster Hats

One of the more frequent requests we receive is for Monster Energy hats.  So much so that we have a difficult time keeping them in stock.  However, we currently have two sick Monster Energy hats and a stylish tee available and wanted to share.

The Monster/Bong Fitted (shown right) is a collaboration between Billabong and Monster Energy.  It is a fitted New Era 59Fifty that features an embroidered Monster Energy logo on the front, Billabong logo patch on the back and New Era flag on the left wear side.  Billabong + Monster Energy + New Era = Gotta have it!

Monster Energy is well known among the action sports world for their sponsorship of some of today's top extreme athletes and events.  Monster Energy has sponsored everyone from Ken Block (rally car racer), Rob Dyrdek (skate and MTV reality TV personality), TJ Lavin (BMX and MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge host), Shane Dorian (surfer) and Ricky Carmichael (motocross rider turned NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver). 

In addition to his MX duties, Ricky Carmichael is now driving the No. 4 Monster Energy-backed Chevrolet Silverado for the high profile Kevin Harvick All-Stars team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.  Known as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time), it's only fitting this this cap showcases some of the great brands of all time in the action sports realm.  Without further adieu, the Fox Racing Monster RC Replica Flex hat and Fox Racing Monster RC Replica Tee. 

So what do you think?  Will you be wearing the M-claw loud and proud?  Do you have a favorite Monster Energy sponsored athlete or perhaps a favorite Monster Energy drink? 

One Game and You Know His Name: Strasburg

Photo from MLB.com

Yesterday (long before last night's game) we received a Tweet requesting LIDS carry Stephen Strasburg player t-shirts.  Like all requests we receive, we pass them along to our Buying Team where they evaluate the request and determine if it makes sense for us to purchase or restock a particular item.

After receiving the request yesterday, we went through the same process.  In this case, we already had the Stephen Strasburg shirts on order, but the shirts were not available to be shipped until he had played six innings in the Majors and was an official Major League player.  After pitching seven innings last night for the Washington Nationals where he struck out fourteen batters, not only did he become an official Major League player, but he quickly cemented his name in the minds of baseball fans everywhere. 

There was plenty of hype surrounding Strasburg's Major League debut, but whether or not he could deliver under that kind of pressure in his first Major League game was yet to be determined.  However, Strasburg squashed any doubts with last night's performance and lucky for you (and us), Strasburg shirts are now on their way!

So if you're ever wondering whether we read each and every Tweet, Facebook post or blog comment, the answer is YES!  We constantly look for ways to hear what you, our customers, want.  Had Strasburg not been cloaked in hype or delivered such a high caliber performance, we would have looked directly to our customers to determine whether player specific product was warranted.  So thanks to all of our loyal customers out there Tweeting, Facebooking and blogging with us. 

We're excited about seeing Strasburg play in the future and imagine it won't be long before Nationals Park is littered with #37 t-shirts and jerseys.  We'll post again as soon as the Strasburg apparel arrives.  In the meantime, you can dress like Strasburg and other Nationals players with the Washington Nationals Authentic Collection cap at LIDS.

Lids Black Friday Midnight Madness Super Sale

Lids Black Friday Midnight Madness Super Sale...woah, that is a long title.  Lucky for you though, that long title means lots of savings!

Select Lids/Hat World/Hat Shack stores will open at midnight on Black Friday to offer an added convenience for those looking to score some great deals. Stop by any of these participating Midnight Madness Super Sale stores to experience the Super Sale on Black Friday at midnight. Details of the sale are below:

• Marked down headwear will be adjusted to only $5!
• New Era fitted caps that were previously $15 and $20 will be adjusted to only $10!
• New Era fitted caps that were previously $25 will be adjusted to only $15!
• Marked down apparel will be adjusted to only $10!

*See store for details. Super Sale excludes Ed Hardy merchandise.

In addition to the Super Sale on marked down merchandise, Lids will be offering Super BOGO. Buy One, Get One half off! This includes most New Era fitted caps and branded action hats. Typically, our fitted fashion caps and branded hats are excluded from BOGO, but not for this very special day. Stop by Lids/Hat World/Hat Shack to stock up on killer caps for a fraction of the price with Super BOGO!

View Participating Midnight Madness Stores Here

*See store for details. Offers may vary between stores.

Super Bogo: Save Big with a Lids Discount

We all like to save money and during the holiday season, we especially like to stretch our dollar.  Soooo, in true holiday spirit we're taking a cue from Santa and fattening up BOGO to Super BOGO. 

Those of you who frequent Lids often may be familiar with our amazing BOGO specials--Buy One, Get One half off!  It is great sale that allows you to load up on killer caps for a fraction of the price.  However, for a limited time only (until November 29th to be exact), we are expanding BOGO to almost every cap--including most fitted caps and branded action hats.  Typically, our fitted fashion caps and branded hats are excluded from BOGO, but not on Super BOGO!  

Visit lids.com or lids.ca to get your holiday shopping started without the hassle.  With Super BOGO, you can even afford to give yourself a nice little gift!

*Canadian and US store BOGO sales may vary.  See store for details.  

Lids.ca is Now Open!

Many of our Canadian customers have been waiting a long time for a Lids Canadian website.  Well, my friends, the wait is over!  We are excited to announce the introduction of lids.ca!  We are pumped to offer this additional convenience for all of our hat-loving Canadians, eh!

Lids.ca will look and feel like the current Lids website; however, you'll notice a few great features that we hope will make your life easier.  

• Lids.ca displays pricing in Canadian dollars--no need for your currency converter here.
• Lids.ca offers FREE shipping to your local Canadian store.  Simply order online and choose which store you'd like to pick your order up.  We'll ship it to your local store at no cost to you and an associate will contact you when your order has arrived.
• Lids.ca rewards you with FREE ground shipping when you purchase $60 or more. 
• Lids.ca is DUTY FREE! All orders are shipped from our Canadian Distribution Center so no duty will be charged to your order.

While lids.ca offers many great new features for our Canadian customers, you'll still see the latest and greatest assortment of hats and caps and superior customer service that you've come to expect.  We're dedicated to bringing you Your Team, Your Style, Your Size!

Check out lids.ca and leave us a comment on your thoughts.  Thanks to all of our loyal customers, wherever you may be.

Yankees World Series Champions

Yep, that's right.  Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard that the Yankees took home their 27th World Series Championship last night.  Don't these guys look good in their World Series Champ hats and t-shirts?  Of course they do!

In the midst of celebrating, I'm sure you're wondering where you, too, can get your Yankees World Series Champ product.  Well, lucky for you, you've stumbled across the most awesomest blog ever and we happen to know the perfect place to get your World Series Champ hat and t-shirt.  Visit lids.com or select Lids stores (mainly NYC area) to get your Yankees World Series Champ hat and Yankees World Series Champ t-shirt. 

Celebrate the victory in style with your very own World Series Championship gear.  Afterall, you've spent countless hours rooting on your Yankees, following the dating life of A-Rod and defending bogus remarks about salary caps.  While you may not have been on the field, you're as much a part of this win as they are, right?!?

SUPER HAT SALE

I’ve never been good at keeping secrets which is why I'm happy to share the details about a huge sale that we’re having later this week (shhh…don’t tell my boss I'm telling you this already).  This isn’t really public info, but I’m sharing it with our loyal Blog readers, Twitter followers and Facebook fans—it pays to be connected.  If you’re looking for cheap hats (price, not quality), you’re in luck!

Starting Friday and running through Sunday, we are having a blowout sale on our Clearance hats.  Great hats just got less expensive.  So get ready for huge savings on clearance hats and apparel! 

 

• All clearance hats, except Ed Hardy and New Era fitteds, will be $5.
• Clearance $15 and $20 New Era fitted hats will be marked down to just $10.
• Clearance $25 New Era fitted hats will be marked down to $15.
•  All clearance apparel will be marked down to only $10.

**Canadian and US off-shore pricing will vary.  Not valid with other discounts or promotions.  Exclusions may apply. See store for details.  LIDS reserves the right to cancel or change this sale at any time, for any reason.  All $5 products are final sale purchases.  

 

Personally, I'm super excited for Friday…I'm definitely adding more hats to my collection.  

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog so you’ll always receive our top secret info!

Until next time,

CeCe