Lids opens quartet of UK stores as part of international expansion

The vision for the initial quartet of retail outlets has been brought to life by commercial interiors specialist Agilité Solutions – which completed the fit-out of shops in Covent Garden and the 02 Peninsula Square in London, Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, and Churchill Square Shopping Centre in Brighton.

“Lids sells 30 million hats every year, and the London store openings form part of a much wider programme of planned international expansion for the brand,” explained Neil Coales, managing director at Agilité Solutions. “As specialists in facilitating European growth for organisations, we are delighted to be a part of such an important rollout.

“Delivering four store fit-outs in as many weeks was no mean feat, but our UK team worked hard to ensure consistency across each project and create the immersive shopping experience the brand is known for in the U.S.”

Tom Ripley, chairman and CEO of Lids added: “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 across the world over the next year.”

Lids president Britten Maughan concluded: “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.”

Opened in December 2021, each of the stores feature Lids’ signature Custom Zones – which allow shoppers to customise a hat of their choice in-store – and are expected to create several jobs in the local area.

The brand currently has 2,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) flagship stores in Carnaby, London – the latter of which Agilité Solutions also fit-out last year.