Today, global sports retailer Lids announced the launch of its reinvented retail store concept, designed to elevate the shopping experience with a strong focus on personalization. The new store format features a modernized layout, an enhanced ‘Custom Zone,’ and an expanded selection of localized and exclusive products with increased attention on fashion headwear – reinforcing Lids’ commitment to empowering customers to showcase their individual style.
Developed based on customer insights, the redesigned concept introduces a more immersive in-store environment featuring enhanced visuals and a reimagined Custom Zone offering shoppers even more personalization options for their hats and jerseys. Each store will deliver a best-in-class “personalize everything” customization experience. Additionally, for the first time, customers will be able to digitally personalize headwear directly in store through “Build-A-Cap” kiosks.
“Customization has always been at the heart of our brand, and this new store design takes it to the next level,” said Bob Durda, President of Lids. “We’re offering more ways for customers to make their gear uniquely theirs – whether it’s stitching, patching, or curving. This rollout represents our commitment to a dynamic, customer-centric experience where every visit feels personal, engaging and tailored to each individual.”
Key New Features:
- Custom Zone: A redesigned customization hub featuring interactive “Build-A-Cap” kiosks and a new hat-curving machine, available at select locations, allowing customers to stitch, patch, and curve their hats to match their personal style. Customers can save and revisit their designs online and order through customlids.com.
- The “Build-A-Cap” kiosk allows customers to create their own unique designs in seconds and once completed have their designs emailed to them with a barcode. Employees then scan that barcode and work with the customer on final design details before ordering. The kiosk can also be utilized to place bulk orders of any customized, non-licensed headwear.
- Customization starts at $10 for hat curving, $12 for stitching, and $15 per patch.
- Each store will offer approximately 40 unique patches tailored to the local market.
- Jersey customization is also available in select stores, starting at $50 per jersey.
- T-Shirt Wall: A curated assortment of trendy and hyper-localized apparel reflecting the latest styles and regional fan favorites.
- Kids’ Corner: A dedicated children’s section featuring an expanded selection of youth-focused apparel and headwear available in team branding.
- Headwear Accessories: Lids is increasing its focus on demand for accessories, specifically shoppers increasing desire for a full assortment of cap cleaning and treatment products. Each store will feature a vast array of products to help consumers keep their hats looking fresh.
The new store format was rolled out to an initial 20 stores across the country starting in April.
The new stores feature an expanded selection of local and exclusive merchandise, offering products that are uniquely relevant to the surrounding market.
Looking ahead, Lids will use key learnings from these initial store openings to continue evolving and expanding the concept throughout 2025 and beyond.
Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the North America, Europe and Australia through over 2,000 retail locations. Indianapolis-based Lids Sports Group carries officially licensed and branded gear aimed at empowering customers to represent their unique and individual style, team, passion and fun. Lids Sports Group operates stores under the Lids, Locker Room by Lids, Fanzz, Yankees Clubhouse Shops, Dodgers Clubhouse, Cardinals Clubhouse, and numerous other nameplates.
