Lids Sports Group has introduced its new Lids U mall- and outlet-based concept in three stores, with plans for eight more brick-and-mortar locations in 2022. Lids is choosing sites in key college markets and offering an assortment of NCAA products such as headwear, apparel and accessories from local, regional and national university and collegiate teams. The retailer also announced the launch of its first private label line, “Explore by Lids,” a youth headwear collection featuring designs inspired by the solar system, wildlife, the ocean, desert, rocket ships and shooting stars, released just in time for back-to-school season.
On July 22, 2022 the first Lids U stores opened at Gurnee Mills shopping mall in Gurnee, Ill.; Mall of Georgia in Buford, Ga.; and San Marcos Premium Outlets in San Marcos, Texas. In addition to the 11 Lids U stores slated to open in 2022, the brand is planning additional locations in 2023.
The Lids U stores opening in 2022 include doors at:
- Castleton Square (Indianapolis, Ind.);
- Mall of Louisiana (Baton Rouge, La.);
- Perimeter Mall (Atlanta);
- Riverchase Galleria (Hoover, Ala.);
- Tanger Outlets Gonzales (Gonzales, La.);
- Tanger Outlets Savannah (Savannah, Ga.);
- Tanger Outlets Charleston (Charleston, S.C.); and
- Tanger Outlets Mebane (Mebane, N.C.).
Each Lids U store features goods for men, women and children that reflect the local collegiate and university markets, with a large assortment of licensed merchandise and branded goods. At Lids’ Custom Zones, customers can custom embroider their products in store. The locations will feature brands associated with Lids including Nike, adidas, Under Armour, Fanatics, Retro Brand, Champion, Colosseum, Cutter & Buck, Antigua, Mitchell & Ness, Wincraft, Tervis, Indigo Falls, New Era and Zephyr.
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“This is an exciting moment for Lids as we officially open a new store concept dedicated to collegiate sports fans across the country,” said Lawrence Berger, Co-founder and Partner at Lids parent company Ames Watson and Chairman of FanzzLids Holdings in a statement. “We understand that our customers wanted to see more collegiate products in our stores, and we’re proud to now offer a space for consumers to shop the latest looks from their favorite collegiate teams.”
This story has been updated to include information covering Explore by Lids.
