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

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.

Avengers everywhere...even at LIDS!

We just can't get enough of the Avengers. For a few days last month, everyone was fixated on The Hunger Games' box office – but now Avengers is on everyone's mind...it also doesn't hurt that it recorded the largest ever opening weekend. The Avengers is one of those rare movies, where fans are already returning for multiple viewings. Positive buzz will also help bring in those who previously had no interest in the movie to see what all the fuss is about.

Did you see The Avengers or are you planning on seeing it?  Leave a comment or send us a Facebook or Twitter post with your response!

Check out all the Avengers caps below available on lids.com!

LINSANITY at LIDS!

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

LINSANITY. You can say I witnessed the movement firsthand last week when I was visiting the NBA offices in NYC. After a few days of meetings, we were treated to a game at the famed “Garden.” I have to admit I wasn’t too excited about going to a Knicks game. But, we happened to be there for his 7th start, and by then the hype was unbelievable!

The Knicks took on the Sacramento Kings and beat them handily 100-85. It was Lin’s worst scoring output (10 points), but he did what a point guard is supposed to do and dropped 13 dimes. Up to that point, it was his all-time high for assists in a game. The Knicks, who were 8-15 before Lin sparked the recent run, now enter the second half of the season with a 17-18 record.

We were all “Tebowing” this past NFL season, and now the Jeremy Lin phenomenon has spread all over the country. My question is who will be the next athlete to catch our attention in the MLB this season? I have a feeling there will be another great story. Until then, let’s all enjoy the LINSANITY. It will only remain if this young man can sustain this momentum for the rest of the year. After watching him several times on tv and once in person, my money says he is here to stay! I only wish I had thought of the nickname first. GLENNSANITY…has a nice ring, doesn’t it?

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

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}

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!

What kind of LIDS Hat are you?

LIDS has a huge selection of hats in every size, color, brand and style to fit the biggest sports fan to the most stylish cowgirl.  But with so many styles to choose from, you might need some help! That’s why expert sales associates are available at a LIDS retail store in your neighborhood mall but in the meantime, take this personality quiz to find out which hat suits you the best.

What Kind of LIDS Hat are you? CLICK HERE and Find Out!

 
   

Snippity snap, New Era Snapbacks are back!

Snap, snap, snap!  Can you hear it?  Can you hear the sound of Snapbacks in the building?!?

They've arrived.  New Era Snapback hats have arrived!  The last time we had snapback hats, we blew threw them.  They're back, but who knows how long they'll last.  If you're one of the many who have been asking for New Era Snapback hats, get your hands on them while you can. 

The latest selection of styles include MLB New Era Snapbacks, NHL New Era Snapbacks and NBA New Era Snapbacks.  We will continue to get additional teams onto the website in the coming days so stay tuned.  Also look for additional styles in the next few weeks. 

An All-Star Weekend

With football coming to a close, its time to turn our attention to basketball.  We're about to enter the month of March which is known for upsets, underdogs, heartache and happiness, but before we get too ahead of ourselves we have the NBA All-Star game!  This weekend fans can watch the best of the best as the Eastern conference All-Stars take on the Western conference in Los Angeles.  With so many talented players, it's sure to be a good show.

 
 

Who do you think is going to come away with the win: the East or the West?  Will Blake Griffin live up to the hype or will an underdog come away with the win in the dunk competition?  Do you have an old favorite when it comes to past NBA All-Star Slam Dunk performances?  Let's hear what you have to say about the NBA!

   

      
 
 

Baseball is back and we've got the hats to match!

Yesterday it was 68 degrees in Indianapolis...last week it was 1 degree.  Yes, honestly, one single degree.  I actually have hope for the first time in a very long time that spring is on it's way! 

Spring weather also means Spring Training which means BASEBALL IS BACK!!  With the start of a new season, we have lots of new styles arriving and many more scheduled to arrive soon.  Below are some of our favorites for you to check out.  More importantly though, we want to know what you think!  Which is your favorite?  Do you have ideas for future designs?  Are there any patterns or colors that you'd like to see?

Let us know your thoughts and stick around...we'll post when SNAPBACKS arrive again!

MLB 59Fifty Bois
This solid colored New Era 59Fifty features an over sized logo on the front middle panels with the team's alternate team logo over the embroidery.  This is available in both team color and black. 

MLB 59Fifty 2-Tone City
We've had soooo many requests to bring back the City Series program from several years ago.  Back by popular request, the MLB 59Fifty 2-Tone City is an updated take on this program.  Umm...can you say fresh?  We can!  You asked and we listened...now you can rep your city and your team with this hat.

MLB 59Fifty Realtree Camo
Camo is another request that we continuously hear from our fashion customers.  This Realtree camouflage cap is available in three colors: brown, camo/khaki, and black. You might be invisible to some, but you can't hide your style with this cap.

MLB Kelly Franchise
Get ready for St. Patrick's Day with this kelly green franchise hat featuring the same great fit and a festive shamrock on the back.  Get this cap before you get pinched!

          
MLB Dublin Franchise
Whether your Irish and celebrating your heritage or pretending to be Irish for the day, this is another perfect hat to celebrate the upcoming holiday.  It also features a green shamrock on the back of the cap.

          
Cleveland Indians Authentic Collection Alternate Home
This is a brand new cap for the Cleveland Indians for the 2011-12 season.  Don't let your collection get behind, add this to your own Authentic Collection today!

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!

 

No Bad Ideas Clothing Company

Just hitting stores are some new creations from the fashion headwear brand, No Bad Ideas Clothing Company. All of No Bad Ideas hats feature a concealment pocket and are always on point in terms of the latest fashion trends.  Check out the new styles below:

Morph Plaid Flex

Benjamin Castro

Pop Stitch Ivy

Where my dogs at?

Winter is a’comin’, and it’s a’comin’ fast!  No need to worry though, Lids has you covered, literally.  I’m referring to the new MLB dog ears caps, yes I said DOG EARS.  Wearing your favorite baseball cap has never been so cool…I mean warm. 

Listen, everyone loves dogs, everyone loves hats, it’s like a match made in heaven - fusing the two! This year, you can still rock out by supporting your favorite MLB team while keeping warm through the frigid winter weather.  Wear the cap with the flaps up or flap down, whatever you fancy. They’ll be sure to keep you warm when you need them.  Let your summer hats hibernate for the winter, it’s dog ears time. 

Be sure to check out Lids.com.  Did I mention there’s free shipping on orders over $50?  Holidays are creeping up, so it’s a great time to grab one now for that special someone! Don’t wait and get caught up in the hectic, last minute holiday shopping. 

Check in daily with the Lids Blog to see what’s good, and what’s really good.  More great winter hats to come, including the MLB Trapper...take a look at our Sneak Peak pictures below. 

 

New Era Celebrates 90 Years

New Era celebrated 90 years as a leader in the headwear industry by teaming up with 90 graduate artists from some of Europe's most prestigious design schools.  The artists were given a blank canvas (a blank 59FIFTY) and asked to unleash their creativity.  The winner was awarded £10,000 with the intent of assisting their launch into their chosen artistic career.  Throughout the month of November, all 90 works of art are touring Europe with stops in London, Berlin, Milan, Barcelona and Paris. 

While some pieces are very wearable, others designs take a more creative approach.  Would you wear any of the designs or do you prefer to stick with the MLB 59FIFTY Authentic Collection or a New Era Snapback?  If you could design your own blank 59FIFTY, what would it look like?

A blank 59FIFTY served as the canvas for ninety talented young artists.

The winning design

Ninety 59FIFTY caps decorate the white exhibit space

An interesting exhibit, wearable art or both?

Below are the ninety 59FIFTY caps created to celebrate New Era's 90th anniversary.  Click on an image for more information about the artist or design.

 

 

Happy Birthday, Hat World!

November 3, 1995 - On a gray, overcast day with temperatures in the 30's and blustery 15 mile per hour winds, the newest tenant of Tippecanoe Mall in Lafayette, Indiana, turned on its lights and raised the gate for the first time. 

Hat World was born. 

Thanks to all of our amazing employees and customers who have made the past 15 years possible.  Here's to the next 15!  Happy Birthday, Hat World!

 

New Era Snapbacks Are in the Building!

Ladies and gentleman, the long awaited and much anticipated New Era Snapbacks have arrived!  We ventured out back to our warehouse and ripped open a few boxes because, like you, we couldn't stand the wait any longer. Believe us when we say, they are worth the wait!

Look for these New Era Snapbakcs to hit lids.com very soon!  The New Era Snapbacks will also be available in select stores.  If your local store isn't carrying them though, you can always order from lids.com and have them shipped to the nearest store at no charge!  Just choose the Ship-to-Store option at checkout.  The best part is, no need to worry about sizing issues with these New Era Snapbacks!

Check out some of our behind the scene pics below.  Are you as excited as we are?!?

UFC Tale of the Tape Presented by LIDS

Just a brief update from this past weekend's UFC 119 fights in Indianapolis.  As we mentioned on Friday, LIDS was the sponsor for the Tale of the Tape introductions before the fights.  For those of you who missed them, we thought we'd share a few pictures.  We also wanted to say thanks to our great partners at UFC! 

Be sure to get your UFC gear at LIDS so that you're ready for UFC 120 on October 16, 2010!  We're looking forward to some great fights in London!

Above: Frank Mir and Mirko Cro Cop are introduced to the crowd courtesy of the Tale of the Tape sponsored by LIDS.  Below: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ryan Bader meet the crowd during the Tale of the Tape before taking to the Octagon. 

UFC 119: Tale of the Tape Sponsored by LIDS

Frank Mir and Mirko Cro Cop will step into the Octagon this Saturday night during UFC 119 in Indianapolis.  Before the fights though, be on the lookout for the Tale of the Tape sponsored by LIDS! 

LIDS is headquartered in Indianapolis and this weekend's fights have several Indiana connections.  The Tale of the Tape will proudly introduce Chris Lytle, an Indianapolis native and crowd pleaser, Matt Mitrione, a former Purdue University football player, Sean McCorkle, also from Indianapolis and Steve Lopez who hails from South Bend, Ind.  Look for these and other fighter introductions during the Tale of the Tape...presented by LIDS!  

Whether you're going to the fights in Indy or getting the pay-per-view and watching it with friends, don't forget to get your UFC gear.  We strongly advise looking the part and not necessarily acting the part.  Those beverages might make you feel like you can take on anyone, but you probably can't take on everyone.  So remember, look the part with UFC gear from LIDS, don't act the part...unless your Chris Lytle.

Which fight are you looking forward to the most?  Any predictions for Fight of the Night?

 

 

The Rays Play with Plaid

Last month, the Tampa Bay Rays donned plaid blazers in Rays colors during a trip to the West coast.  Rays Manager, Joe Maddon has embraced the concept of creating theme road trips while the Rays travel.  So far this season, the team has dressed in all white while in Miami (thank you, P. Diddy) and has sported hockey jerseys while in Toronto. The team has also participated in Urban Cowboy and Johnny Cash themed roadtrips, just to name a few.

The plaid Rays blazers, thoughtfully named BRaysers, created quite the buzz after the Rays bullpen donned the jackets while making their way from the dugout to the bullpen. As a result of the fanfare, New Era has created a lmited edition BRayser inspired 59Fifty Cap.  The Rays will wear the BRayser hat during tonight's game in New York. 

If you're a diehard Rays fan or just a fashionista, you'll want to get your hands on one of these hats quickly.  Currently, this limited edition hat is available at both the LIDS and Sports Fan-Attic stores at the West Shore Mall in Tampa, Florida.  If you don't live in the Tampa area, no worries!  The BRayser hat and a BRayser t-shirt will be available for purchase at lids.com in the coming weeks. 

In your opinion, should teams have more freedom to change up their attire or are you an advocate for sticking to the classics?  Share your comments with us or send us a Tweet or Facebook post. 

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?

Celebrity Sunglasses without the Celebrity Price

Celebrities are constantly wearing sunglasses to hide their faces from the stares of onlookers and overzealous paparazzi, not to mention the sun.  As I page through the gossip magazines, watch celebrity news shows and devour sports websites, it is abundantly evident that shades are the way to look cool, calm and collected in front of prying eyes.  

This season athletes and celebrities have been spotted wearing vintage inspired sunglasses similar to the Ray-Ban wayfarer that first surfaced in the early 1950's.  This wayfarer sunglass style was a staple in the 1950's and 1960's and again in the 1980's thanks to product placement in popular movies and shows such as Risky Business, Miami Vice and The Breakfast Club.  The popular style faded during the 1990's, but made another resurgence in the new millennium.  The vintage style can now be seen gracing the faces of young Hollywood, Top 40 musicians and professional athletes alike. 

If you're like me, you refuse to pay for the brand name shades, because you know you'll lose or break them; however, I still want to be fashionable!  Thankfully, LIDS has several hot new shades for a fraction of the price, but with the same iconic wayfarer look.  So if you want to look like a celebrity, but don't have the celebrity budget to back it up, check out the latest iLIDS sunglass collection.  These sunglasses are two for $20 and up the ante on any look.   Don't be caught without your iLIDS...you never know when paparazzi will follow you to the grocery store, movie theater or while shopping at LIDS!

Justin Timberlake, Joe Jonas and Courtney Cox Arquette have all been seen sportin' vintage "nerd" wayfarer glasses.  These stars prove a little nerd goes a long way!

If you're looking for a darker lens, think about adding a funky color or pattern to a classic frame for some extra zip.  Stars like Jessica Alba, Sienna Miller, Paris Hilton, Liv Tyler and Kirsten Dunst all crank up the volume with colorful frames!  Can you imagine all the ways you could wear these wayfarer glasses?

Terrell Owens, the latest addition to the Cincinnati Bengals, manages to pair his hip wayfarer shades with another perfectly in style accessory--the straw fedora!

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.

Saddle Up For The End of Summer With A Straw Hat!

With only about a month of summer left, many people are flocking to the nearest beach or to a great concert with their friends in order to soak up as much  sun as possible.  The summer is always a great time to catch up with your friends at a beautiful outdoor venue and enjoy some of your favorite tunes.  Many of  music’s biggest and brightest stars are touring across the country this year including Keith Urban, Jack Johnson, Tim McGraw, Dave Matthews Band, Lady Antebellum, Tom Petty, Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga and many others. 

While traditional cowboy hats are the norm among many of country music’s biggest names, many concert goers rock out in straw hats to set off their summer look.  While country music fans love to get decked out in full country gear – from their straw hats all the way down to their cowboy boots, others have been taking a cue from celebrity style opting for the more chill, casual straw fedora for their tailgating and concert look.  Ashlee Simpson (above) wears a straw fedora and illustrates straw hats aren't just for country music artists any longer.    

Whether gearing up for the beach with a sun hat or catching a concert in a straw hat, be sure to visit your local LIDS retail store or online at lids.com to grab all your straw hats.  As always, stay up to date on all the current hat happenings and releases by checking in daily with the LIDS Blog.

Photo:  Ashley Olsen (left), Drew Barrymore (center) and Cameron Diaz (right) all sport super chic straw fedora hats to compliment their stylish looks. 

   

Photos: Ashley Tisdale (left) rocks a straw fedora hat with a casual light, layered look.  Jessica Simpson (right) flaunts a classic straw cowboy hat with a flirty dress and cowboy boots. 

New Styles Arriving Daily!

We've got so many new styles arriving daily that it's difficult to choose which ones to highlight.  So many hats, so little time!  We have TONS of new styles ready to hit our site and store shelves so be sure to check lids.com daily!  For your viewing (and wearing) pleasure...

MLB Digitone New Era 59Fifty

MLB Team Crest New Era 59Fifty
(additional teams are still being added to the website)

 

NCAA Playmaker by Nike Team Sports

MLB C-Script New Era 59Fifty

 

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? 

"The Dark Side" of the ESPYS

As one of the few people left NOT to have seen the Academy Award winning movie The Blind Side, I was a bit lost during the "The Dark Side" trailer which was shown during the ESPYS.  The parody showcased a crazed Sandra Bullock and frightened Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. 

I rarely watch movies (it's sort of an running joke around the office that I've never seen Back to the Future), but I've had The Blind Side on my list of movies to watch for quite some time.  I took full advantage of a lazy Sunday and finally rented it from Red Box.  What a great movie!  Of course, it was a bit predictable--in part because it was based on a true story, but who doesn't like an easy to follow movie that wraps up nicely and leaves you feeling triumphant on a Sunday afternoon?   

For those of you that missed the ESPYS or who refused to watch because Norm McDonald is no longer hosting, here's the clip from "The Dark Side."  If you've got some extra time, check out the goofs and the trivia on IMDB.  Having recently watched the movie, I can recognize several of these situations where aspects were inconsistent.  All in all, The Blind Side (which also won an ESPY for Best Sports Film) is definitely worth renting. 

Have you seen any great sports movies lately?  Which sports film is your favorite?  How about any good movie that's worth paying almost $20 to see in a theater?  Perhaps only rental worthy? 

A ‘Major’ Return to Greatness: Tiger Woods Chases The Open Championship at St. Andrews

Tiger Woods and a star studded field return to the Old Course at St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, for this year’s Open Championship.  Tiger is hoping to capture his third Open Championship at the historic Old Course and in the process regain his spot as the best golfer in the world with his first victory of the year.  In his pursuit for another major championship, Tiger will try to cure his putting woes and battle the strong Scotland winds dressed head to toe in Nike Golf gear.  For the first time in over a decade, he has swapped out his Scotty Cameron putter for a new Nike putter, completing a full takeover from his Nike sponsorship from his TW hat, to his shoes, to everything golf-related in his bag.

Tiger has been seen sporting the white Nike TW Tour Swoosh Flex Cap in his practice rounds while perfecting his stroke with the new Nike Method putter, which he hopes will lead him to his fourth Claret Jug.  While Tiger has already been seen battling the elements and the British press, he eagerly awaits the first tee where he can slip behind his Nike shades and back into his comfort zone as he aims to take apart The Old Course like he did in 2005.

Will Tiger claim his fourth Open Championship and raise his black Nike TW hat in triumph on Sunday?  Or will defending champion Stewart Cink repeat and show the world another brilliantly colored Nike Golf Tour Perforated Cap like last year? Tune in to watch all the The Open Championship action this weekend and visit lids.com for all your Nike Golf Hats and Sunglasses.

Stay tuned to see whether Tiger can regain his form at the birthplace of golf and outlast the field to capture his 15^th major title by making sure to visit your local LIDS retail store or online at LIDS to grab all your Nike Golf hats and sunglasses.  As always, stay up to date on all the current hat sightings and releases by checking in daily with the Lids Blog.

Started Here

Lafayette, Indiana. It is commonly associated with its location across the Wabash River from West Lafayette, home of Purdue University.  Hat fans should hold a certain reverence for this ordinary midwest city as its Tippecanoe Mall is the birthplace of Hat World, Inc.  The July 12, 2010, edition of the Lafayette Journal & Courier newspaper featured LIDS' ownership group's humble beginnings.  Below is a photo of Store #1 back in the early days and featuring Company Co-founder Glenn Campbell greeting customers at the door. 

STARTED HERE

Built in Lafayette, businesses find a wider world of customers

By MAX SHOWALTER
mshowalter@jconline.com

City limits and county lines couldn't hold them. Not when there were customers to be served and money to be made.

Hat World, Arni's and Lafayette Auto Supply are names that have spread across the state -- and, in one case, beyond. And they are companies that got their start in Lafayette.

At Tippecanoe Mall, the familiarity of a national brand with local roots wasn't lost on Hat World customer Ryan Bunting, who was checking out the selection over the weekend. Sporting a spotless, spring training model New York Yankees cap, the Lafayette resident said he knew Hat World's start.

"I got this one last week down in Indy," Bunting said, tipping his cap. "Always looking for something different. And I always tell them down there that I know where the first one was -- that I get stuff from the first store. They think that's pretty cool."

From its first store at Tippecanoe Mall in Lafayette, which opened in time for Christmas shopping in 1995, Hat World has grown to more than 900 shopping mall-based stores throughout North America. The company started by selling officially licensed ball caps that bear the logos of college and professional teams.

"You have to be half crazy to work in retail," said Glenn Campbell, vice president of strategic initiatives for Hat World Inc. He was co-founder of the company with Scott Molander, who now serves as senior vice president of real estate.

"Scott and I thought we had a neat idea. We had a business plan for five stores. All were supposed to be local -- Champaign, Muncie, college towns. It took off ... and has almost taken on a life of its own. It's pretty amazing."

When it was launched, Hat World had a 60-day lease with Tippecanoe Mall. Campbell sometimes slept in the back of the store after he closed at night, so he'd be there to open in the morning. Sales in the first two months totaled an astonishing $108,000.

"It's almost like you're the typical entrepreneur, living hand to mouth anyway. You worked all those hours yourself," he said. "When I look back on it now, it was really different. If I was 30 again, I'd try it again."

Growth has been rapid for the specialty retailer. Hat World acquired Lids Corp. in 2001, Hat Zone Inc. in 2002 and Cap Factory Inc. in 2003. In 2004, the company that got its start in Lafayette was bought by Genesco Inc. for $165 million.

Now, a $22 million expansion of its Indianapolis headquarters and distribution operations, coupled with the acquisition of competing companies in the embroidery and screen-printing industry, translates into more progress.

"Retail is a service industry. We were fortunate enough to find a niche that young people clamor for. We've been lucky along the way," said Campbell. "If you just take care of the customer and have the right products in stores, you'll have those customers for life.

"I truly believe if you have a concept, are willing to work hard and surround yourself with good people, you'll succeed. I still will shop places where I'm treated good. Trust me, I'll be back. If you're going to be in retail don't be afraid to take a chance."

Click here to read the entire article.

In other LIDS news, the Indianapolis Business Journal also featured LIDS the same day as the J&C article.

FRESH Check: The Boys of Entourage Return

The HBO Hit series Entourage makes a triumphant return to TV, with Sunday nights finally regaining some excitement ahead of another long work week.  As many are anxious to see where Vince’s career has taken him or how the wedding planning is going for E and Sloan, Lids is pumped to see what fresh hats the boys will be showcasing in the much anticipated 7^th season.

At the beginning, Turtle was the main attraction, as he always sported a different fresh fitted hat to match the latest pair of Nikes he was rocking while cruising around Los Angeles with Vince.  Although Turtle still rocks the occasional New York Yankees fitted hat, he switched up his game this past season and was often seen sporting a variety of Kangol hats.

E and Johnny Drama have also been spotted trying to ‘up’ their respective hat games.  E shows his love for his native New York by sporting various New York Islanders hats, as a dedication to his beloved hometown hockey team. When Johnny Drama wasn’t wearing the infamous Viking helmet from his role as Tarvold, the star of “Viking Quest”, he has been seen in various Fedoras and other fashion hats while lounging with his mega star younger brother.

Tune into HBO this Sunday night at 10:30 PM EST for the season premiere of Entourage to see if Turtle is repping his hometown New York Knicks hat or staying classy with a Kangol Ivy. Stay up-to-date on all the current hat sightings and releases by checking in daily with the Lids Blog. Also make sure to stop by a local Lids Retail Store or online at Lids.com to pick up any of the latest styles that “Gatsby and the Funky Bunch” are seen wearing in the newest season of Entourage.

Celebrity Sightings at LIDS

LIDS works hard to constantly provide the latest and greatest styles in headwear, so its not surprising that even the stars can’t help but stop in on occasion to check out the selection.  With so many LIDS locations nationwide, it's easy for celebs to pop in whether they're at home, on location or on tour. 

In fact, Bieber Fever recently struck LIDS at Lenox Mall in Atlanta, Ga., as teen star Justin Beiber popped in to make a quick purchase.  We're guessing this teen didn't have to ask Mom for money. 

Rapper Lloyd Banks also dropped into a LIDS store last month.  Thanks to the sales crew at LIDS Store 5139 at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, N.Y., Banks is now a member of the LIDS Club where he'll save 20% on all his headwear and embroidery purchases and 10% on apparel and accessories purchases!  Hey, stars like to save money too!

Have you ever spotted a celebrity while shopping at LIDS?  What celebrity would you most like to see in a LIDS store?  Any guesses on which hats Justin Bieber and Lloyd Banks picked up?  Leave us your comments on the LIDS Blog, Facebook or Twitter.  

 

WORLD CUP 2010

The wait is over...World Cup 2010 is finally here!  Can the Italians repeat as champions?  Will the US make a run for the ages?  Can Messi live up to all the Maradona comparisons?  All our questions will be answered June 11th.  Make sure to represent your country with pride by wearing one of the new styles found only at lids.com.  Check out some of the new World Cup hats below.  Which country will you be rooting for?

ADIDAS PHENOM

USA

ENGLAND

MLS SWEEPER

MEXICO

USA

ADIDAS THREE-STRIPE

BRAZIL

MEXICO

For a limited time all Adidas hats will eligible for free shipping at lids.com.  This includes all Adidas World Cup gear too!  This offer expires at 11:59 pm on 6/16/2010.  Enter promo code ADIDASFGS at checkout. 

Chiddy Bang Shout Out to LIDS

At LIDS, we're constantly working to stay on top of the latest trends whether it be in fashion, music or sports.  Ultimately, it helps us provide the most fashionable headwear and...well...it's fun.

In our quest for all things cool, hip, sick and ill, we stumbled upon Chiddy Bang.  Chiddy Bang is a Philly based duo comprised of Chiddy (emcee) and Xaphoon Jones (DJ/producer) who combine elements of indie rock and electronica with some good ole fashioned spittin' (their words, not ours).  Not only do we love the fact that Chiddy is wearing a fitted hat (shown right) in their recent music video "Opposite of Adults", but LIDS also receives a shout near the 2:10 mark.  Check out the music video and let us know your thoughts about the group.  Do you have suggestions for other hot artists to watch for or perhaps you've seen or heard a LIDS mention we should know about??? If so, let us know by leaving a comment on the LIDS Blog or contact us on Twitter or Facebook.  Also, if you're interested in picking up Chiddy's hat, visit LIDS today.

According to their Facebook page, Chiddy Bang like to think of themselves as "kings of the basement party jam."  We'd rock with Chiddy Bang at a basement party any day, would you? 

Chew On This

Most Americans who watch professional sports do so on a television set rather than in person. Not surprisingly, they also use major sports events like the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals (which begin today) as an excuse to throw parties and eat like linebackers.

Well the National Basketball Association is now giving fans a chance to consume something else: team logos.

Starting next season, basketball fans ordering a pizza with their favorite toppings can also get it topped with an edible logo of their beloved team for an extra five bucks. Made of sugar, starch and food coloring, each logo is designed to melt into the cheese after the pizza has been baked and sliced. Some 1,200 pizza parlors across America will be supplied with the logos.

That's not the only logo-laden fare for fans.

The NBA is also introducing "NBA Pro Toast Toasters" this year, featuring team logos seared onto toasted sandwiches, with logo panini sandwich presses coming next year. Yes, the NBA is literally branding team logos (on bread).

Fans will find NBA team logos showing up on a wide variety of consumer items, too, due to the league's aggressive licensing strategy. With worldwide merchandise sales coming in at about $3 billion annually, licensing has become an important revenue stream for the NBA.

The NBA is hungry for more. Sal LaRocca, NBA's global merchandising head, tells USA Today, "As key licensing categories have matured, it's an ongoing goal of the NBA to expand the brand into places that may attract new customers."  So don't be surprised if you see a professional basketball team's logo on... well, just about anything.

While we don't carry logo toasters, logo pizzas (or edible hats for that matter), we are adding a wide assortment of team licensed products to lids.com.  Check out some of our newest team logo novelty items such as mugs, license plates, neck pillows, decals, patches, ties and pennants just to name a few.  Of course, we'll continue to carry the latest and greatest hats and caps around! 

Source: brandchannel.com

ACTION SPORTS SNEAK PEAK: JUNE 2010

New for June will be some fresh new styles that should help get summer rolling in a major way!  DC Shoes and New Era have teamed up for some collaborations that are super hot!  Fox Racing has come strong with some cool new styles.  Hurley will be back with some of their best new designs.  You will also see new product from Alpinestars, Metal Mulisha, Skin Industries, Famous, Element, Nixon, Quiksilver, and Billabong.  Below are four new styles you can expect to see in the next few weeks......

DC SHOES LASPSE 210 FLEX

DC Shoes has teamed up with Flexfit to produce this vibrant summer style.  This is a 210 flex and will only be available in the color shown below.

FOX RACING LATIN BASE FLEX

This new style screems Fox Racing!   It features both a screened and embroidered logo creating a very unique "Fox Riders" logo.  This will be available in black, white, and red. 

METAL MULISHA DESCENDANT FLEX

Metal Mulisha continues to come hard with another style that exemplifies everything Metal Mulisha.  Edgy and tough are what I think of when I see this style.  This is available in black.

HURLEY PUERTO RICO PLAID FLEX

The legend is back!  This plaid style has been featured on board shorts, t-shirts, and has been a staple in our collection.  This will be available in black, white, gray, and navy. The Puerto Rico plaid never goes out of style!

Be on the lookout for these styles at lids.com and a store near you......

FOX RACING IN-STORE PROMO

Fox Racing and Lids have teamed up for a special in-store promo starting April 29th.  All styles shown below will be available in stores and Lids.com.  Get there fast as they will only be available for a limited time..... 

TOP SHELF FLEX

DESTRUCTOR FLEX

CAMPLOSION FLEX

TRAVIS PASTRANA HAT - DC SHOES

Travis Pastrana has been aweing crowds since he burst on the MotoX Freestyle scene in the late 90s.  He is a decorated X-games champion and is always one step ahead of his competition, pushing the limits of man to never seen before heights.  He is the star of MTVs hit series Nitro Circus, and is truly one of the most popular athletes in the history of Action sports.  Check out Travis Pastrana going absolutely monster in the pics/video below....

DC Shoes has teamed up with Pastrana on a special edition signature hat that will have a similar impact as some of his crazy def defying jumps.  This hot new style will feature an oversized DC logo with a plaid fill/plaid undervisor that matches directly to the his clothing line with DC Shoes.  This hat will be hitting stores and Lids.com in the next few days.  Check out the hat below and let us know what you think.

ACTION SPORTS SNEAK PEAK: MAY 2010

May will be an exciting month for all you Action Sports fans as we are bringing in some heavy hitters to get the summer kicked off right!  Energy drink collaborations will be in full effect, we have some hot new plaid styles for you fashion geeks, also we are reloading with some of our best styles for 2010.  May will be hot!  Below are a few of the styles hitting Lids.com and stores in May:

BILLABONG - MONSTER NE FITTED

Billabong has teamed up with Monster Energy and New Era to create this masterpiece.  Under the Monster logo is an offset tonal Billabong wave logo.

METAL MULISHA MUGSHOT NE FITTED

The M/M skull says it all....ROCKSTAR!  Another collaboration featuring Metal Mulisha, Rockstar Energy, and New Era. 

FOX RACING SKEPTIC 210 FLEX

Sometimes simple but stylish is all you need.  Don't be fooled by the picture though, the under-visor matches up to the plaid fill.  Hot!!!

DC SHOES OK THEN FLEX

Tonal camo print with an oversized DC logo.  The picture says it all!

NO BAD IDEAS CLOTHING COMPANY

New to Lids.com and select stores will be a new installment of the No Bad Ideas fashion headwear line.  Check out these hot new styles below and let us know what you think!

            BENTLEY PLAID FLEX                                          BENTLEY STRIPE FLEX

                       

            UNION JACK TRUCKER                                          BENTLEY STRIPE FLEX

                             

Mr. Woods is in the building...

TIGER WOODS 2.0 is back and some say looking more focused than ever! 

Tiger has not played on tour since last September and there are many questions surrounding his return to golf.  Will the layoff effect his world class skills or will he be the same dominant player he has been since capturing his first Masters back in 1997?  The only certainty leading into this week's Masters is that he will be decked out in the hottest new fashions from Nike Golf. 

Lids.com is loaded with Nike Golf hats and are currently featuring two of the hottest styles on the course, the TW Tour Swoosh Flex and the Tour Perforated Cap.  Check out these two hot styles pictured below:

NIKE GOLF TW TOUR SWOOSH FLEX

NIKE GOLF TOUR PERFORATED CAP

Get all your Nike Golf head-wear only at lids.com!!

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.  

Max Out Your Style with Nike Air Max & Killer Caps

Journeys (our sister store) recently posted a picture of a their new Nike Air Max shoes on their Facebook page.  My first thought was "I gotta get to Journeys to get a pair," but my next thought immediately got me searching for hats that would compliment these sneakers.  Nothing pulls together a look like coordinating shoes and hats!  Nobody wants to look like they've tried too hard, but this is an effortless way to look 

Below are a few that we liked, but we also want to know what you would pair with these sneakers.  Do you match your shoes and hats to your look?  Feel free to upload some pics of your complimentary shoes and hats on our Facebook page or send us a Twitpic on Twitter.  We'll post the links back on the blog for others to see.

Check out the hats featured above:

1.  Kansas City Royals Authentic Collection hat from New Era
2.  New York Yankees MLB 2 Face-II hat from New Era
3.  Milwaukee Brewers Cooperstown Franchise hat from Twins
4.  Detroit Tigers MLB Pinwheel 09 hat from New Era
5.  Duke Blue Devils NCAA Sabotage hat from Top of the World
6.  Butler Bulldogs NCAA PC hat from Top of the World