Indianapolis — Leading sports retailer Lids is expanding its brick-and-mortar retail presence internationally with the opening of its first standalone stores in Europe. For its European debut, Lids will open four locations throughout the London metropolitan area: Seven Dials (now open) and The 02 Peninsula Square in London, Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, and Churchill Square Shopping Centre Russel Place in Brighton, all opening in December.
“London is a natural fit for Lids,” says Britten Maughan, president of Lids. “The enthusiasm for both American sports and street wear aligns with our on-field and fashion focused hat and jersey assortment. We are excited to bring our brand and product to market.”
The London store openings are the first of many planned from Lids heading into 2022 as the retailer looks to double down on its global footprint. “Expanding in the UK is our top priority at Lids,” says Tom Ripley, chairman and CEO of Lids and partner co-founder at Ames Watson, the parent company to Lids. “Lids has become one of the strongest retailers in North America and we’re thrilled to take this growth internationally as we look to open 100+ standalone Lids stores in new markets. There has already been great success with the London NBA store operated by Lids since its grand opening earlier this year, and we are excited to introduce standalone Lids stores to an even larger audience of British customers.”
Ames Watson acquired Lids in 2019. To date, Lids operates nearly 2,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, including through its ongoing retail partnerships with Macy’s and Designer Brands. Lids also operates the newly opened National Hockey League (NHL) flagship store in New York City as well as the National Basketball Association (NBA) flagship stores in New York City and London. Lids is the world’s largest retailer specializing in the sale of officially licensed and branded headwear.
Indianapolis-based Lids Sports Group operates stores under the Lids, Locker Room by Lids, Fanzz, Yankees Clubhouse Shops, Dodgers Clubhouse, Cardinals Clubhouse, and numerous other nameplates. Lids also has locations within select Macy’s department stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.blog.lids.com.
SOURCE: Lids