Lids’ debuts new store concept with exclusive product drops

Lids has opened its first brick-and-mortar store for an e-commerce platform it launched early this year.

In February, the retailer unveiled Lids HatDrop.com, an online site featuring limited-edition and exclusive headwear collections, with products dropped twice weekly. The company recently opened the first physical location for the site, the 950-sq.-ft. Lids HD in Queens, N.Y.

The same type of assortment available on the online site will be sold in the store. Starting Dec. 9, Lids HD will release a limited quantity of new exclusive hats every Friday at 11 a.m. ET. Product drops will include athlete and celebrity collaborations tailored to the neighborhood. Well-respected designers and influencers will also create exciting and fashionable new collections, Lids said.

In addition, the store will feature consumer favorite brands along with recent collaborations such as Marvel and Playboy. It will also include Lids’ signature “Custom Zones,” which gives consumers the opportunity to customize their headwear with an array of designs.

A limited quantity of previous LidsHatDrop.com exclusive products will also be available in the store.

Earlier this year, Lids debuted a new store concept targeted at the lucrative college sports market. Called Lids U, the format dedicated to collegiate sports product and apparel. The company plans to expand the concept with approximately 11-plus locations in 2022, with more to follow in 2023 and beyond.

In September, Lids opened its largest store to date, a two-level, 12,000-sq.-ft. flagship on the Vegas Strip.

Lids is also expanding its footprint abroad. Lids made its European debut in December, in London. In April, the company announced plans to open its first stores in Mexico. 

Lids operates several concept stores, including Locker Room by Lids and team-specific stores such as Yankees Clubhouse and Dodgers Clubhouse. The company counts the National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, and Paris Saint Germain as partners as it runs several of each league and team's respective U.S. and international flagship locations. 

Lids operates more than 1,500 stores throughout North America, Europe, and Australia.  It is the world's largest retailer specializing in the sale of officially licensed, branded, and fashion headwear, with more than 30 million hats sold annually.