Lids entering new international market
Lids is expanding south of the border as part of its plan to expand its international presence going forward.
The world’s largest retailer specializing in the sale of officially licensed and branded headwear is on track to open its first independent stores in Mexico. Four locations are expected to open across the country in the coming months, with stores at Parque Toreo, Galerías Toluca and Premium Outlet Punta Norte in the “metropolitan area, State of Mexico,” and one at Premium Outlet Querétaro in Querétaro.
Lids is entering Mexico on the heels of its European debut. In December, the retailer opened a store in London’s Seven Dials neighborhood, which was followed by three additional U.K. locations.
The merchandise assortment in Lids’stores in Mexico will include a wide variety of products from major U.S. league teams, including the MLB, NFL and NBA and others. The selection will also feature items from brands such as adidas, Nike, New Era Cap, '47, Mitchell & Ness, Hurley and Oakley. The Premium Outlet Punta Norte store will feature Lids' exclusive custom areas, which give consumers the opportunity to embroider a cap of their choice there.
“For over 20 years we’ve received feedback from Mexico longing for the world’s largest hat and jersey selections to be closer to home,” said Lawrence Berger, co-founder and partner at Ames Watson and chairman of FanzzLids Holdings, which is the owner of Lids. “We’re thrilled to finally make that a reality this month as we open four locations in Mexico, bringing the best selection of sports and fashion headwear to the country,”
Lids operates nearly 2,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, including in-store shops through its ongoing partnerships with Macy's and Designer Brands.
In addition, Lids operates the NBA flagships in New York City and London, the NHL flagship in New York City, as well as clubhouse stores for the Yankees, Dodgers and Paris St. Germain.
[Read More: First Look: French soccer giant Paris Saint-Germain opens NYC flagship]