International sports retailer expands with four debut stores opening in London area

Sports retailer Lids is expanding its brick-and-mortar retail presence internationally with the opening of its first standalone stores in Europe, four of which will be in and around London.

The store locations will be as follows: Seven Dials 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.

Products at each store will include an assortment of U.S. league team products from MLB, NFL, and NBA, among others, as well as items from brands including Adidas, New Era Cap, ’47, Mitchell & Ness, Hurley, Oakley, Local Crowns, and more.

Each store will also feature Lids’ “signature Custom Zones”, which allow consumers the opportunity to custom embroider hats or apparel of their choice in-store, including from the retailer’s options of player numbers and autographs.

The expansion into the UK is strategic from Lids as the retailer looks to further expand its international footprint moving forward.

Britten Maughan, President of Lids said: “London is a natural fit for Lids. The enthusiasm for both American sports and streetwear aligns with our on-field and fashion focused hat and jersey assortment. We are excited to bring our brand and product to market.”

Tom Ripley, chairman and CEO of Lids and partner co-founder at parent company Ames Watson, added: “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.

“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.”

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