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

LIDS Super Bowl Rally Time

 

This past week was a memorable one for all of the LIDS employees who came to INDY to help celebrate the Super Bowl!  Check out the video above of co-founder, Glenn Campbell, as he rallies up the troops before a big day at one of the stores!

Make sure you check out Glenn on twitter @Wear_a_lid, for daily updates on all things LIDS!

Season of Giving

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

New to LIDS: LIDS MOBILE PROGRAM

You 'like' LIDS on facebook, follow @Lids4hats on Twitter, and now you can TEXT LIDS straight from your mobile phone!  That's right!  You can join LIDS MOBILE today to receive instant alerts on special promotions, new products and exclusive offers. Simply text LIDSONLINE to 477493.  Message and data rates may apply. Includes 4-6 messages per month. Hurry and join for a special one-time offer!

 

*For a full lus of terms and conditions visit http://www.lids.com/HelpDesk/security/Terms#SMS 

The Campbell-Cardinals Tradition

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lessons Learned

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

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

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

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

-Glenn Campbell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join the LIDS Community

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

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

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

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

LTD Series Facebook Page

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

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

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

What is the LIDS Taste Development Series?

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

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

No Bad Ideas at LIDS

 
 

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

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

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

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

_{BAMBOO MILITARY                MASH UP IVY}

 
_{TRAD RIP POP STITCH IVY     PITT IVY}

Fan Returns Jeter's 3,000th Hit Ball

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

LIDS Hosts Pete Rose at College World Series

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

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

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

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

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

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

  
 


 

 

One-Stop Shop for All Things Yankees!

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

  

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

Ken Kocher hires passionate employees at LIDS - Smart Business Indianapolis

Out on newsstands this month, LIDS President Ken Kocher is featured in the Indianapolis installment of Smart Business. In the issue, which can also be viewed online, Kocher provides readers with an insight of the LIDS culture, how the Company remained on course amid a tumultuous economy, as well as tips on setting a successful standard for developing strong leadership. “My role is on the growth side … It’s to provide avenues of growth for our company, for our employees and for our shareholders that maximize profit. I’m kind of steering the ship in the direction I feel like we should go as a team to best make use of our skill set as a company,” said Kocher.  A great tribute to LIDS’ “Have Fun, Sell Hats” mindset, the article also reinforces the importance of earning employee buy-in and maintaining a competitive environment.

Store Spotlight

Each week we receive comments from customers that praise and recognize our store associates for the superb customer service received while at one of our many LIDS stores.  We truly appreciate those who are working so hard to help their customers and we want to share their successes.  We have so many great stories to tell, you can bet this will become a regular feature. 

Please join us in recognizing these awesome LIDS employees for their effort and dedication to customer service.  Now, without further adieu, our Store Spotlight...

Daniel P., Assistant Manager
Store 6326 Del Amo Fashion Center – Torrance, CA
“He was very understanding of my situation, and helped in creating customized hats for the recent passing of my Grandmother.  His respect, diligence and work ethic greatly reflects the epitome of what customer service stands for! ”

Lucas G., Assistant Manager
Store 5665 Washington Square – Tigard, OR
“I am a senior citizen and I was treated excellent by Lucas.  For my age, I am very much an alternative person, but he totally made me feel at home.  Next time I need a lid, this will be the store I will go to.”

Britt C., Store Manager
Store 5830 Aventura Mall – Aventura, FL
“Britt gives myself and several of my colleagues expert service each time we visit her store.  She gives a level of competency, class and professionalism to her job as well as knowledge of product, presentation to the customer, helpful assistance, genuine personality and extreme pride in her employer.  She makes each visit an enjoyable experience for me, making me a steady and loyal customer for Lids.”

Matt S., Store Manager
Store 5232 Bangor Mall – Bangor, ME
“Matt was a great help when I needed to order a hat for my boyfriend.  He has a great sense of humor and made my experience more enjoyable than I would have expected.”

Thank you, Daniel, Lucas, Britt and Matt for taking the time to show your customers a true LIDS experience.  GREAT service really does matter!  A BIG thanks to ALL of our hard working associates who continue to make a difference.  Keep up the good work!

~~~~~~~~~~

Are you a customer who wants to praise an associate for the service you received?  Or do you have ideas on how we can better serve you?  If so, leave a comment here on the LIDS Blog or send us a message via our Contact Us page at lids.com. 

LIDS and DeAngelo Hall support Caps for Kids

Earlier this week, Store Manager Will R. from Store 5462 was assisting with coverage of Store 5826 in Dulles Town Center in Dulles, Virginia, when he came across yet another special LIDS shopper — Washington Redskins' playmaker DeAngelo Hall.  During his visit, the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback gladly signed a hat for Caps for Kids.  You might recognize Will R. as the manager responsible for acquiring a signature from LeBron James earlier this fall.  Kudos again, Will and thank you Mr. Hall!  

LIDS is a proud supporter of Caps for Kids, but we couldn't do it without the help of our amazing employees, customers and celebrity customers.  If you'd like to learn more about Caps for Kids and how you can help, please visit http://www.capsforkids.org.     

 

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

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

 

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

 
Photo: IndyStar.com

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

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!

 

LIDS Embroidery - A Stitch to Save Lives

Visit any LIDS Store that offers custom embroidery in 2010 to show your support for the American Cancer Society® Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign by having the pink ribbon embroidered on a hat.  For every purchase of the pink ribbon embroidery, $5.00 will go to the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.  Your support will help the American Cancer Society save lives, and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Simply present this flyer to any store associate at one of LIDS' custom embroidery locations to put your dollars to work for this worthy cause!


 

For more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org/stridesonline.

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?

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."

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