LIDS Hat Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIDS Inks Agreement with University of Nevada, Las Vegas

 

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

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

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

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

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

Specific terms of this retail agreement have not been disclosed.

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

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.

  
 


 

 

Who Would Have Guessed...?

How is your bracket looking? If it's anything like mine, it's probably not looking too good.  If someone were to have told me that two #1 seeds would already be knocked out of the tournament, one region would have 3 of their 4 Sweet Sixteen teams at double digit seeds, and that Duke would get Kyrie Irving back but wouldn't make it to the Elite Eight, I would have told them that they were crazy.  I guess that's why this month is coupled with the term "Madness".  Being a senior at Butler University, I am a huge favorite of under"dawgs" and upsets, but even I couldn't have dreamed up what has unfolded so far.  Not only have two powerhouses, Duke and Pitt, been taken down, but there are still four double-digit seeds going strong, one of which will get knocked out today when VCU takes on Florida State.

Last year, Butler got a title as a "Cinderella" team with their sprint to the national title game, and many people have been talking about who will be this years Butler.  Of course, I would say that Butler is this years Butler; however, the way things are looking, we might have more than one Cinderella team on our hands as we get closer to that final game.  Which underdog team, or teams, do you think can pull out a big upset and don the term Cinderella?

One thing is for sure: Whether your team is an underdog or a top seed predicted to win it all, in the month of March, anything can happen. Some call it luck, others call it madness. But, all remaining teams have gotten there for a reason and they certainly aren't going to back down now.  Richmond guard Kevin Anderson, who plays the Kansas Jayhawks tonight, told reporters: "You don’t get to the Sweet 16 and decide that’s good enough. That’s not really a goal. I don’t want to sell our hard work short. Everyone’s saying we’re lucky to be in the Sweet 16, we’re lucky Morehead State beat Louisville. We want to prove those people wrong. What better way to do that than by beating Kansas?”

Who knows what will happen next? Could Richmond pull off a huge upset?  How many more buzzer beater shots will we see?  Who are your picks now that the field has been narrowed? Whatever happens, make sure to check in with us for all your game time headwear and get ready to cheer on your favorites!

 

Bring on the Madness!

As a college senior, I will tell you that there is no better time to be a college sports fan than in March.  March is home to passion, upsets, underdogs, last-minute shots, Cinderella teams, screaming fans, and most importantly heart. All I can say is bring on the Madness! Last year, I watched my team of Butler Bulldogs march their way to the Final Four and ultimately the National Championship.  A true Cinderella team.  As I gear up to hopefully cheer on my guys for another run this year, there are plenty of basketball teams that are looking to be must watches in the coming tournement.  Some will have to wait to see if their team made the lucky list for the tournement, while others are already making predictions on the title game.  Ohio State?  Jimmer Fredette and BYU?  Duke, again?

Whether your team is at the top of the list or whether you'll be crossing your fingers until the brackets are announced, make sure you have everything you need to support your team the right way. If you are looking to attend the games with a friend, LIDS has plenty of 2 for $25 NCAA Hats!  So, hurry and get the styles you want in order to cheer your team on to a National Championship!

Get ready to fill out those brackets because March is here and the teams are ready to make history!  Who do you think will make it to the Final Four?  What about the title game? And, of course, who is going to win it all?  Let us know your March predictions by leaving a comment on the LIDS Blog! 

 

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!

 

Big Sport's Week for Fans

    
This week has been a big week for sport fans everywhere.  With the start of the NFL postseason playoffs last weekend and the BCS national football championship, fans have had plenty to cheer about.   Auburn finished its perfect 14-0 season on Monday with a win against Oregon, winning the school's first national title in over 50 years.  With a national win under their belts, two Auburn players may be looking  to skip their senior year and enter the NFL draft.  Cam Newton, Auburn's star quarterback, already announced his decision to enter the draft. Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley will announce his decision regarding the draft today.  If Fairley chooses to skip his senior year, it has been speculated that he could be the NFL draft's top overall pick.  If you are an Auburn fan and haven't had a chance yet to get your hands on a championship hat, stop by lids.com to score yours today!

Auburn fans weren't the only fans with something to cheer about this week.  With NFL wildcard games last weekend, it was the underdog and his fans who prevailed.  Seattle Seahawks beat out last year's Super Bowl Champs last Saturday in their win over the Saints.  Not only were the Saints a huge favorite to win, but the Seahawks were the only team ever to make the playoffs with a losing record.  That losing record came out with a big win on Saturday, and Seahawk fans have their eyes set on the next obstacle, the Chicago Bears. Many have said that Seattle has one of the loudest venues in the NFL.  Without the help of their loud fans at home, will Seattle be able to pull out another huge upset against da Bears?

One More Basketball Season

Being a college senior seems surreal in so many ways.  One more semester, one more spring break, one more round of finals, and one more basketball season.  After 3 ½ years at the small, yet noteworthy Butler University, I am going into my last semester with nothing more than hope and excitement for a great couple of months.  Most of all, I am anticipating an exciting basketball season much like the 2009-2010 season the school recently had.  The only thing that can top off a great senior year would probably be another trip to the NCAA      Championship Basketball Game, with Butler coming out on top. 

But is this dream possible?

Since Butler’s loss to Duke in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game, the team took time off to focus and get a good start to the upcoming 2010-2011 season.  This past Saturday, Butler gained a 90-70 victory against Florida Southern in the exhibition opener.  The Bulldogs, who will return three starters and eleven letter winners from last year's 33-5 team, will open the 2010-11 campaign at home against the local Marian University, on Nov. 13.  I am personally looking forward to the rematch of Butler vs. Duke, which will occur at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 4. 

My hopes for this season might be hindered by the absence of a few key players: Gordon Hayward, Willie Veasley, and Avery Jukes.  Gordon Hayward, following his sophomore season, was taken No. 9 overall by the Utah Jazz and will be absent on the court for the Bulldogs. He was the program’s first NBA player since 1953.  Both Veasley and Jukes were key defensive players for the team last year,and both played their final season with the Bulldogs as seniors. 

Sitting in Lucas Oil watching the seconds tick down during the loss to Duke was probably one of the most heart-wrenching feelings I have ever experienced.  Although the team has lost a couple of its top players, the Butler Bulldog's line-up is full of determined, hard-working, young men.  I have the utmost faith that the 2010-2011 team will put on a great show for the Butler community, and will continue to build the Butler Way in men’s NCAA Basketball.   

For all you NCAA Basketball fans check out lids.com for the latest and greatest styles in NCAA licensed headwear and apparel.

We want to know:  Do you think Butler has a chance this season in the NCAA Tournament?  Who is your favorite NCAA team and why?  Leave a comment or send us a Facebook or Twitter post with your response!

 

Jennifer is a Marketing Intern at LIDS and is a senior at Butler University.  Jennifer writes occasional blogs regarding her experiences as a college student, an intern at LIDS and an avid sports fan. 

A Game of Life or Death?

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

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

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

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

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

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

College Colors Day Photo Contest

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

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

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

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

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?

Budget Friendly Hats Under $20!

I fondly remember my college days when I only had class a few hours a week, slept way too little, and ate and drank way too much.  However, not so fond is the "I'm strapped for cash" feeling that lingered for four years.  Yes, we've all eaten ramen noodles, canned tuna and generic cereal in order to save our precious money for going out, shopping or when you finally decide to buy the book...to cram for the class...that you never attended.   

We've been there and we feel for ya!  So, in an effort to help you buy that name brand cereal without sacrificing your hat style, we've got the Z-20 Two Tone and Z-20 Night.  This is a quality stretch-fit hat that costs less than $20!  Big on style, small on price.  So go ahead, go crazy!  We've all heard the saying "you can't have your cake and eat it too," but heck with the naysayers.  With these budget friendly hats, you can have your hats and eat name brand too!

 

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

 

"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? 

Hat Care and Hat Cleaning Tips

We've been receiving more and more questions about how to care for your caps.  We know your fresh cap isn't nearly as fresh when a huge dirt or sweat stain captures the attention of bystanders.  When your cap goes from a little worn to "warning this hat is dirty and smelly," it's time to give your hat a bath.

Here are a few of our Hat Care and Hat Cleaning tips:

1.  Protect your hat from the very beginning with Water and Stain Repellent.  This product helps water bead up and roll right off your cap.  It also repels dirt and sweat from absorbing into your hat.

2.  When you're ready to give your hat a bath, you'll want to take note of the material.  Wool caps will shrink a bit with water (or sweat for that matter) so dry cleaning is your best bet for 100% wool hats--unless your head has shrunk too.  Most cotton, polyester and cotton/polyester blends will be okay to wash in the dishwasher or washing machine.

3.  To begin the washing process, spray your dirty hat with Cap Cleaner and Deodorizer and let sit for 10-15 minutes.  Next, wet your cap with water and gently scrub with a clean dry sponge or brush.  Rinse.

4.  Finally, wash your cap in the top rack of your dishwasher (do NOT use dish washing detergent!) or launder in a washing machine on a delicate cycle.  Gentle laundry detergent can help get out difficult stains (like Woolite), but always test for colorfast.  Remove and let air dry.  Use the Ball Cap Buddy to help your hat keep its shape while washing.  Like all laundry you do, pay attention to the water temperature.  Hot water can shrink your hat. 

5.  If your hat is beyond help, just visit your local LIDS location or stop by lids.com to pick up a clean cap :)

We hope these hat care and hat cleaning tips have helped.  Please feel free to leave questions or comments.  Thanks for stopping by the LIDS Blog!

Bracketology or Bracket-OH MY-ology?

I wondered over the weekend: If i wanted to be assured of winning my men's college basketball tournament bracket office pool by picking every game correctly, how many different combinations are there in the 63-game format?

Having no clue how to calculate such an equation, I whipped out my cell phone and consulted my favorite source for all things trivial and often nonsensical: ChaCha. ChaCha is a mobile search engine that provides answers to questions users ask while on the go via text message. (Simply text your question to 242 242. Normal text charges from your carrier apply.)

I figured the number of combinations was large, but I had no idea how large. ChaCha’s reply: 18,446,744,073,709,551,616.

That’s 18+ quintillion. I had to look that up, too. Thanks Wikipedia. 

If you took 18 quintillion pennies and laid them out flat like a carpet, they would cover the surface of the earth – 36 times.  Talk about a long shot!

I think I’ll stick to my one bracket and just enjoy the “madness.”

Are you a one bracket guy or something more?  How many brackets will you fill out this year?  Leave us a comment on the blog, Tweet us on Twitter or comment on Facebook.  Thanks for reading!

Bracket Bu$ting

As a nation, count on a spike in water consumption today.  That’s because the day after Selection Sunday you can count on there being more proverbial “water cooler” talk around United States businesses than perhaps any other day of the year. College basketball’s tournament may cost U.S. employers as much as $1.8 billion in unproductive wages during the first week of action, according to an annual survey by Chicago-based placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

This figure is based on the 58.3 million people estimated to participate in office pools during the National Collegiate Athletic Association event known as "March Madness," with each devoting 20 minutes per day to watching the games or focusing on the pools.

In a typical office pool, participants pick the winners of all 63 games, deciding which teams will win in the first five rounds and the championship game, which this year is scheduled for April 5 in Indianapolis (the corporate office home of LIDS). 

"March Madness and the subsequent office pools have been going on long enough that employers can no longer claim to be caught off guard by the annual event,” John Challenger, the firm’s CEO, said in a statement. “Some have tried to squash these pools, most simply ignore them and others have found ways to embrace the tournament as a team-building and morale-boosting opportunity.”  The latter has always been LIDS' approach.

A survey last year by Microsoft/MSN found that 45 percent of Americans planned to join at least one college basketball pool. Every 20 minutes spent ignoring work because of the tournament will cost employers $362.2 million, according to Challenger. That figure is based on the $18.70 current average hourly wage for all U.S. workers, provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The unscientific survey did not take into account that many employees who participate in office pools devote extra time to finishing their responsibilities.

Last year, Challenger’s study pegged possible employer productivity losses at $1.7 billion, and a year earlier it was $1.2 billion.

Source: Indianapolis Business Journal & Bloomberg News

 

The LIDS Corporate Office and distribution center in Indianapolis, site of this year's NCAA Final Four.
 

LIDS Now Offers International Shipping

We are continually trying to improve our selection and services by listening to your suggestions.  One of the most frequent comments we receive is that we should ship to other countries.  As a result, we recently enhanced our online shopping experience for Canadian shoppers by launching lids.ca.  In addition, we are pleased to announce that we have taken another step to offer awesome hats around the globe! 

Introducing...(drum roll, please)...International Shipping at LIDS!  We have partnered with a trusted third-party company to fulfill orders for our international customers. The items in your cart will automatically be transferred into an iShopUSA cart where you may pay with international credit cards, PayPal and bank wire transfers. iShopUSA will process your payment and guarantee delivery.

Check out the steps below to find out how you can get your hands on hats--no matter where you're at!

Step 1: Shop lids.com and find your killer hat!  Select your size and add it to your cart. 

Step 2:  When you're ready to checkout, select the gray International Checkout button (just below the red Secure Checkout button).

Step 3:  After clicking the green Proceed to iShopUSA button, the items in your cart will be transferred to your iShopUSA cart.  Upon clicking this button, you will be leaving lids.com.

Step 4: Continue checking out through iShopUSA.  You will be given the option to select your currency and add in your shipping information.

 

Lids Daily Poll: To Coach or Not to Coach?

We're beginning a new feature on the Lids Blog, the Lids Daily Poll!  We set up this blog to communicate with our customers and really allow you to share your thoughts.  Well, what better way to find out more about you than to ask straight up with a daily poll?!?

Sometimes we'll feature serious or controversial questions, sometimes headwear related questions and other times it may just be a silly question we've been pondering around the office.  Either way, we hope you share your thoughts with us.  Feel free to drop us your insightful comments on the Lids Blog, the Lids Facebook page or send us a tweet @lids4hats.  

Without further ado, the first of many questions...

Should coach Mike Leach be allowed to coach Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl? 

Lids Black Friday Midnight Madness Super Sale

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

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

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

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

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

View Participating Midnight Madness Stores Here

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

Super Bogo: Save Big with a Lids Discount

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

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

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

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

Lids.ca is Now Open!

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

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

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

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

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

Knit Hats: Are you ready for the cold?

At Lids we take pride in offering the biggest and best selection of cold weather headwear styles in the market.  Whether you prefer to show support for your favorite team or just want to make a fashion statement, we have it all!!!  Visit lids.com or your local LIDS store to see what's new for this winter.  Here is a sampling of some our hot new styles....

TEAM STYLES

BRANDS

FASHION

Sneak Peak: New NCAA Hats

We've got lots of great new hats coming in and we wanted to give you a quick sneak peak at one of the new NCAA hats you'll soon be seeing online at lids.com and in select Lids/Hat World/Hat Shack stores. 

Introducing the newest starter to our NCAA lineup...the NCAA Chalkline.  This white NCAA hat features clean lines and simple style with just a pop of color on both the front and back team logos.  This flat-billed, stretch-fit NCAA hat matches anything and everything which is why it's the perfect addition to your NCAA hat collection.  Just remember to keep some cap cleaner handy so that your hat stays bright white!

Here are a few quick photos we've snapped for you.  You're getting your first look at the NCAA Chalkline here on the Lids Blog.  So...what do you think?  Will you be picking up your team?  Stay tuned to get this cap when it becomes available.

Trend Watch: Top Ten Best-Selling Hat Styles at Lids

Welcome to a new feature on the Lids Blog, where we report to you on the Top Ten Best-Selling Hats and Hat Styles at lids.com.  Today, we'll present the top sellers by Hat Style. 

For the week of September 20th, Lids customers were feeling nostalgic, making our MLB Coop collection the best-selling style.  As we told you last week on the blog, we just brought these hats back and added additional styles.  It proved a popular move.

1.  New Era MLB Coop

     

 

2.  59Fifty MLB C-Dub

         

 

3.  New Era MLB Authentic Collection

        

 

4.  New Era MLB Twisted

      

 

5.  New Era NCAA 2-Tone 59Fifty

      

 

6.  Twins NCAA Franchise

        

 

7.  Twins MLB Franchise

     

 

8.  New Era MLB Black & White

     

 

9.  Nike MLB Wool Classic

      

 

10.  New Era NCAA AC 59Fifty

        

Remember to check back and find out what individual hats Lids.com customers are buying the most.  Will your hat or team make the best seller list?  What's your favorite cap style and what do you think will rule the charts next time?  Give us your feedback below.

Football Uniforms...

 Are you ready for some football?

It is finally starting to cool down which reminds me that fall…and football season… is right around the corner.  With pre-season underway and Fantasy Football  drafts done, I’m quite excited.  Like most avid sports fans, I arrange my weekend around football games: for me it is Notre Dame on Saturday (hopefully, it won’t be as bad as last year) and the Colts on Sunday. 

On Saturdays, I typically get calls from old college friends who are also watching the games.  We’ll talk on the phone and reminisce about game day traditions, tailgating and the time we met Dickie V…of course, we talk about  the game too.  I may not be in South Bend anymore, but I’m always decked out in my own game day uniform.  It usually consists of my #83 jersey (Jeff Samardzjia, now pitching in the Chicago Cubs system), a Notre Dame hat, some very worn, comfortable, holey jeans that should have probably been thrown away and a pair of flip-flops or tennis shoes--depending on how late in the season it is.  It always makes me miss the good old days that weren’t so long ago, but sometimes seem that way.  I may not be at every home game anymore, but I’ve still got my game day uniform and the memories to go with it. 

Do you have a favorite game day outfit?  How about any superstitions with what you wear, where you sit or what you eat? 

Don't have a game day uniform yet?  Create your own fan uniform by checking out lids.com to see all your favorite team’s items (check out our clearance hats or 2 for $25 hats if your on a college budget).  Enjoy game day and happy football!

Football Fever

I don't know about you, but as training camp wraps up for the season, my excitement for football only continues to grow!  And lids.com has all the gear for the football fan in you including sports apparel (jerseys, sweatshirts, t-shirts, kids, etc.) and novelty items.  Whether you're looking for the perfect hat to support your alma mater (or just your favorite college team) or even to cheer on your beloved NFL team we've got what you need!  Check out your local Hat World, Lids, or Hat Shack store or visit lids.com.  Here are a couple HOT styles available right now! 

                        2009 NFL Sideline Hat             NFL Blindside            NCAA New Era 3 Way

                        

                                   

And of course I have to conclude with, GO COLTS!!!!

College World Series: Game 1 Goes To...

The Bayou Bengals of LSU!  That's right, LSU pulled off their first win in the College World Series best of three championship series to put them ahead of Texas 1-0.  The Tigers slid by the Longhorns 7-6 in the 11th inning to win game one.  CF Mikie Mahtook drove in the winning run in the 11th inning.  LSU reliever Matty Ott recorded the win for LSU after pitching three innings of hitless relief, while Texas reliever Brandon Workman took the loss.  Tonight's game could potentially be the final game of the 2009 College World Series if the Tigers can get another win. 

Last night's game was the third game of the 2009 College World Series to go into extra innings since the teams have reached Omaha, but was far shorter than the CWS' longest  game by innings (15 innings for both Michigan/Santa Clara in 1962 and Southern Cal/Florida State in 1970) and the longest game by time (3 hours and 59 minutes for Southern Cal/Arizona in 1998).  Texas, however, is used to playing long games as they hold the record for the longest game in NCAA history beating Boston College 3-2 in 25 innings (7 hours, 3 minutes) on May 30-31, 2009.  Yes...the game began on Saturday and ended on Sunday!

Game 2 of the series will be played tonight at 7 p.m. EST and can be found on ESPN.  If you're in Omaha, be sure to stop by one of our temporary LIDS locations on 13th Street near Rosenblatt Stadium and say hello.  Good luck to both teams!