Lids makes European bricks and mortar retail debut

Sports retailer, Lids, is expanding its brick and mortar presence with the opening of its first standalone stores in Europe.

For its European debut, it 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 launching in December.

"'Twas a Lids store during Christmas and all through the land, hats were being given to all loyal fans."🎅 Introducing the story of Fitted Santa, as told by @QuavoStuntin pic.twitter.com/iYE2jYbApX
— Lids (@lids) November 16, 2021

"London is a natural fit for 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," says Britten Maughan, President at Lids.

“Expanding in the UK is our top priority at Lids,” says Tom Ripley, Chairman and CEO at 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.”

The retailer was acquired by Ames Watson in 2019. To date, it operates nearly 2,000 stores throughout the US 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.

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