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.

LIDS Club House Video | Licensed Apparel

 

LIDS Clubhouse is a diverse, all-inclusive, industry leading team merchandising company for more than 25 professional sports team and organizations, and collegiate athletic programs. LIDS Clubhouse operates storefronts, e-commerce, and retail for game-day concessions and special events. Operating out of Indianapolis, Indiana, as a division of LIDS Sports Group, LIDS Clubhouse properties offer officially licensed sports apparel including team-specific headwear, apparel, accessories and novelties in the latest styles and colors. Some locations also offer custom embroidery capability.

LIDS Clubhouse began as Sports Avenue in 1986. Sports Avenue grew to become an industry leader in overall team shop development and licensed team merchandising, and joined forces with LIDS Sports Group in 2010. LIDS Sports Group operates within Hat World, Inc. which is a subsidiary of Genesco Inc.

Learn how LIDS is dedicated to expanding league and team recognition and how your brand can be represented through the Lids Clubhouse.

LIDS Locker Room | Video

LIDS Locker Room is the place to be for sports fans. We have an extensive selection of collectibles such as bobble heads, coozies, house flags, jewelry and much more! Whether you are looking for a fun way to show your team spirit or shopping for a crazy sports fan, shop LIDS Locker Room for all your sports collectibles. With sports memorabilia for a wide selection of teams and leagues from NBA to NFL, to name a few, where else would you go but LIDS Locker Room. LIDS provides this video to give the sports fan in you an overview of just what exactly LIDS Locker Room has to offer.

LIDS Inks Agreement with University of Nevada, Las Vegas

 

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

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

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

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

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

Specific terms of this retail agreement have not been disclosed.

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

THE TRUE Super Bowl Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Glenn

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.     

 

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?!?

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.

Store Spotlight: Sin City’s #1 Hat Provider

Store:        LIDS

Location:  Fashion Show Mall
                   3200 Las Vegas Blvd South 2550
                   Las Vegas, NV 89109

Status:      Certified Fresh

On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I was able to make the most of the opportunity, visiting everything from the casinos to the lavish hotels to the luxury shopping, which of course included a stop a LIDS store.  I met up with two of my best buddies, Matty and Raul, to do all of the above.  Amidst of all of the partying and lounging poolside, we decided to venture out to Fashion Show Mall to check out the LIDS retail store.  

The Fashion Show Mall is a great way to take a break from the hot weather and to take care of some shopping in the comfort of air conditioning, especially in the sweltering August summer heat. 

We walked through the doors of the LIDS Las Vegas store and immediately became entranced with the customization station that allows you to add your own personal touch to most of the products offered in the store. After the quick tutorial from a helpful LIDS employee, we began brainstorming what customization we should put on the new Yankee fitted hats we were about to purchase (as the three of us are all diehard Yankee fans, much to my Boston boss’s chagrin). After being deadlocked between names, nicknames or other perhaps inflammatory comments about rival teams, we began to explore the rest of the store.

This Vegas location offered a great selection of fedoras displayed prominently as you enter, and definitely was the proper attire for any scene in Vegas from the cabanas by the pool to the bar at the club.  The Fashion Mall LIDS Store offered the full array of products from fedoras to fitteds to sunglasses, basically everything you would need to stay fresh in the City of Sin.  

Whether you are visiting Vegas for a wild bachelor weekend with the boys or a spa escape with all of your  best girlfriends, LIDS has you covered from straw hats to shield the sun while you lay out by the pool or the fashionable fedora to set off your club look. Lids has 9 different locations spread across Sin City, so you can grab your hat fresh off your plane at McCarran International Airport or stop by one of the locations located on the strip. Next time you visit Vegas make sure to hit up one of the many Lids locations and finish off your look with a fresh hat or fedora. 

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.

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.  

 

The Return of Stars & Stripes Caps to Major League Ballparks This Weekend

This Memorial Day weekend marks the triumphant return of New Era Stars and Stripes Major League Baseball Hats to ballparks across America.  Games played on Monday (May 31^st) will feature all players and coaches wearing the 2010 Authentic Collection Stars and Stripes hats that feature team logos with the American flag on a bright white upper with either red or blue brims.

This year’s design breaks away from the previous two versions that featured solid navy and red colorways with the same American flag in each team’s logo. 

 

The Toronto Blue Jays Stars and Stripes Hat features the team logo with a Canadian flag, as the sole Major League Baseball team in Canada. 

Major League Baseball teams will showcase the fresh new Stars and Stripes hats not only this Memorial Day Weekend, but also on Independence Day Weekend (July 4^th) and September 11^th.

So before you head to the ballpark this weekend or settle in at a barbeque, pick up your favorite team’s Stars and Stripes hat from your local Lids Retail Store or online at Lids.com.

Stay up to date on all the current hat sightings and releases by checking in daily with the Lids Blog.

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!

Feelin' Fresh with New 59Fifty Hats

It's the first Friday of the month which can only mean one thing--Fresh Goods Friday has arrived!  This months Fresh Goods Friday is the MLB Sandstorm 59Fifty.  This hat features an all-over light tan camo with a tan raised embroidered team logo, New Era logo on the leftwear side and MLB logoman on the back. 

As part of the Fresh Goods Friday program, the MLB Sandstorm 59Fifty is only available in limited teams and at select stores.  Visit a participating store today or lids.com to get your exclusive Fresh Goods Friday New Era 59Fifty. 

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.

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.

Lids Friends and Family Hat Sale

What can we say...we love our loyal Friends!  Simply print and present the coupon below and get hats on the cheap.  We hope to see you this weekend! 

Lids Readers, what hat are you going to pick up this weekend?  Perhaps a new NFL knit or an MLB Postseason hat?  Whatever it is that you're looking for this weekend, stop by Lids: Your Team, Your Style, Your Size!

New Yankees Hat Added to the New Era "Spike Lee Joint" Cap Collection

Spike Lee, legendary filmmaker and avid New York Yankees fan, and New Era have once again teamed up to create another sick hat to add to the "Spike Lee Joint" Cap Collection.  The Spike Lee Joint 2.0 is the third cap that Lee has worked with New Era to create and the second in the Spike Lee Joint Collection.  The Spike Lee Joint 2.0 cap commemorates the Yankees'  twenty-six World Series Championships by featuring the years in which the championships were won.  This cap also acknowledges their inaugural season in the new Yankee Stadium on the inside of the hat.   

Spike Lee and New Era Cap Company originally crossed paths in 1996 when Spike Lee asked New Era to do a special, one-of-a-kind red 59Fifty New York Yankees cap.  Lee wore the 59Fifty hat and with it, started a new trend of fashion-focused fitted hats. 

Only 750 of these exclusive Yankees 59Fifty hats are being made available to the public.  Lids is proud to have two of the four retail locations where the cap is being offered.  You can pick up the Spike Lee Joint 2.0 at Lids on 42nd Street or Lids in Herald Square (see addresses below).  The cap comes in a commemorative box and can be picked up for $75.

  ---------------------------------- LOCATIONS ----------------------------------

Lids
42nd Street Entertainment Center
239 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

Lids
Herald Square
1293 Broadway
New York, NY 10001