LIDS Hat Blog

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

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!

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. 

College Colors Day Photo Contest

College Colors Day is less than five days away!  To help celebrate College Colors Day 2010, LIDS is giving away five $50 gift cards to anyone who proudly shows off their college colors.

It's easy to enter and easy to win.  Simply snap a photo of you displaying your favorite college cap or college apparel, rooting on your team, your favorite spot on campus or even your college marching band hard at work.  We'll take any college related photo that helps celebrate the spirit and traditions that make college great.  You have until noon (Eastern standard time) on Friday, September 3, 2010 to submit photos.  We'll randomly select five winners to receive a $50 LIDS gift card.

Photos can be submitted by posting a photo on our Facebook wall or by sending a photo link via Twitter.   Submitted photos should be appropriate for all ages.  To see some of the great photos we've already received, check out the pics below or visit our College Colors Day 2010 photo album on Facebook.

Submit your photo today--we can't wait to see your pics!

The One and Only Collection Winners...

Thanks to all who entered the One and Only Collection Sweepstakes.  We were happy to have so many amazing hat-lovers visiting us on Twitter, Facebook and the LIDS Blog over the past two weeks.  We hope you enjoyed our scavenger hunt and are just as excited to finally have the MLB season underway.  Keep visiting lids.com throughout the season for the latest MLB hats.

Be sure to visit often, you just never know where or when we're going to post a special offer or host a contest.  Stop by Twitter, Facebook, the Lids Blog or Stay Connected by email to get the 411 on the latest happenings.

Thanks again to those hat-lovers who entered and congrats to our winners.  Drumroll, please...

Grand Prize:  

Mike A. from Saint Paul, MN

First Prize:   

Amber A. from Clarksville, TN

Jason W. from Columbus, OH

Charlie W. from Chicago, IL

Fikra J. from Vallejo, CA

Jason W. from Orlando, FL

*All winners will be notified by email with additional information.

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 3 of 3: This team's mascot is a large cat. 

You may now officially enter!  Visit lids.com now through Sunday, April 4th at 11:59pm EST to enter for your chance to win all 65 hats from the 2010 MLB Authentic Collection.  If you need previous clues or want to catch up, check out the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page. 

Simply fill in the entry form with your respective information and unscramble the TEN secret code words you've been collecting over the past two weeks.  Please enter your Phrase information carefully and double check your spelling.  Variations of the phrase will not be accepted. 

Thanks to all who have participated!  We look forward to another exciting season of baseball and the opportunity to be your go-to source for MLB headwear.  Let the season begin!

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 1 of 3: This team's all time win/loss
record is more than 1,000 games under .500

UPDATE:  After today, we only have one secret code word left to reveal!  You will be able to enter your Secret  Phrase tomorrow on lids.com for your chance to win all 65 hats in the 2010 MLB Authentic Collection.

Visit the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page for additional clues throughout the day.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the product, locate the secret code word hidden on the product page.  

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 1 of 3:  This team has seven affiliate teams--only one which does not carry the same mascot.

Visit the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page for additional clues throughout the day.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the product, locate the secret code word hidden on the product page.  

Don't forget you're playing for an entire 2010 MLB Authentic Collection.  You could win all 65 caps, BUT only if you follow and play!

 

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 1 of 3: This team was the first team
to win back to back World Series titles.

Visit the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page for additional clues throughout the day.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the product, locate the secret code word hidden on the product page. 

Don't forget you're playing for an entire 2010 MLB Authentic Collection.  You could win all 65 caps, BUT only if you follow and play!

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 2 of 3: Until the year 2000, this team started
every World Series game with a home run. 

Visit the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page for additional clues throughout the day.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the product, locate the secret code word hidden on the product page. 

Don't forget you're playing for an entire 2010 MLB Authentic Collection.  You could win all 65 caps, BUT only if you follow and play!

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 1  of 3:  This team is one of seven teams since 1900 to score 1000+ runs.

Visit the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page for additional clues throughout the day.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the product, locate the secret code word hidden on the product page. 

Don't forget you're playing for an entire 2010 MLB Authentic Collection.  You could win all 65 caps, BUT only if you follow and play!

 

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 1  of 3:  This team has back to back World Series titles.

Visit the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page for additional clues throughout the day.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the product, locate the secret code word hidden on the product page. 

Don't forget you're playing for an entire 2010 MLB Authentic Collection.  You could win all 65 caps, BUT only if you follow and play!

 

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

 
Clue 2  of 3:  The Jimmy Fund is a charity supported by this team since 1953.

Visit the LIDS Facebook page for today's first clue.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page to for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, you'll want to look for your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the specific product, locate today's secret code word somewhere on the product page.  

Don't forget what you're playing to win--all sixty-five 2010 MLB Authentic Collection caps.  You could win the entire collection so be sure to visit lids.com and find today's secret code word.  If you need additional tips on where to find the clue on the Team page or how to find the secret code word, send us a tweet on Twitter.  Good luck!

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 2  of 3:  This team has won 17 National League pennants. 

Visit the LIDS Facebook page for today's first clue.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page to for the next clue.  Once on the Team page, you'll want to look for your next clue that will direct you to a specific product.  Upon finding the specific product, locate today's secret code word somewhere on the product page.  

Don't forget what you're playing to win--all sixty-five 2010 MLB Authentic Collection caps.  You could win the entire collection so be sure to visit lids.com and find today's secret code word.  If you need additional tips on where to find the clue on the Team page or how to find the secret code word, send us a tweet on Twitter.  Good luck!

The One and Only Collection Sweepstakes Clue

Clue 3 of 3:  This team originally called Brooklyn home where they won nine National League pennants.

Visit the LIDS Facebook page and LIDS Twitter page, for Clues 1 and 2.  Once you've figured out the team, head over to lids.com and find the Team page to for the next clue.  The picture below shows two ways to easily navigate to a Team page.  Once on the Team page, you'll want to look for your next clue. 

The next time you are shopping for a team specific hat, visit lids.com to easily hone in on all of your team's options.  Once on a Team page you can narrow down your selection by color, closure, style, size, brand, etc. 

If you need additional tips on where to find the clue on the Team page or how to find the secret code word, send us a tweet on Twitter.  Good luck!

2010 MLB Authentic Collection Giveaway

Have you ever dreamt of owning the ENTIRE 2010 MLB Authentic Collection?  We often get posts and comments on Twitter and Facebook from customers who tell us they've added another MLB Authentic Collection cap to their personal AC collection.  We love hearing how many caps people have collected and figured we'd take a step in helping one lucky individual take home a cap collection worth bragging about.  As a result, we're giving away the ENTIRE 2010 MLB Authentic Collection! 

If you're not familiar with the the MLB Authentic Collection cap, it is the official on-field cap of Major League Baseball.  Every inch of this cap is infused with New Era moisture management technology, a revolutionary advancement in cap engineering that results in superior dryness, ultimate comfort and total durability. So whether you're playing like a pro or simply chillin' with your friends, the Authentic Collection cap can handle it. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to win the entire collection.  Visit us Monday for the first clues to this two-week scavenger hunt.  We'll be giving out clues and details on Monday on our Twitter and Facebook pages and here on the blog.  Stay tuned and good luck!

Drumroll, please...and the winners are...

Thanks to all who entered the Lids Gift Card Giveaway.  We were overwhelmed with the number of entries we received and will be holding more contests and sweepstakes in the future. 

Be sure to visit often, you just never know where or when we're going to post a special offer or host a contest.  Stop by Twitter, Facebook, the Lids Blog or Stay Connected by email to get the 411 on the latest happenings.

Thanks again to those hat-lovers who entered and congrats to our winners.

                            Grand Prize:        Jamar S. from California

                            Second Prize:     Ammon C. from Washington

                            Third Prize:         Justin S. from Florida

                            Fourth Prize:       Cheryl P. from Mississippi

                            Fifth Prize:          Leah L. from Arizona

*All winners have been notified by email.