First Look: Lids rolling out new store format
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Lids Sports Group is rolling out a new store prototype that puts an emphasis on high-tech personalization. The rollout launches at Lids’ Times Square flagship, with additional locations to follow nationwide in 2018.
The new design concept emphasizes key differentiators that improve the customer experience. While the majority of Lids stores have long offered custom embroidery options, the updated store introduces a designated “custom zone” that serves as a central destination for shoppers, highlighting the brand’s ability to personalize headwear. Connected to the centralized cash wrap, the custom area features touch-screen technology where customers can browse a digital library of customization options.
The embroidery machine itself is highly visible for customers to watch the process unfold as the Lids store associate creates a shopper’s custom design digitally and deploys the embroidery machine to do the rest. Among the options is the EmbroidiGraph, which is exclusive to Lids and allows stores to embroider autographs of current professional athletes on headwear.
Shoppers can also request the embroidery of names, numbers, quotes, phrases, images and more to make the headwear their own.
The new prototype also includes a feature wall within the cashwrap to display online orders that have been pulled, making it seamless for customers to pick up and check out.
Within the updated space, pedestal fixtures serve as the initial focal point across the lease line to individually showcase headwear styles that are exclusive to Lids and represent recently launched products. The retailer has made a conscious effort to pull product away from the wall and towards customers to interject a new energy while creating a more engaging shopping experience. New digital messaging towers and screens have also been added throughout the store to better communicate fresh product styles, loyalty program perks and in-store promotions.
“Headwear is the heart of our business and our focus on providing shoppers the largest and most on-trend selection is what sets Lids stores apart,” said David Baxter, president and CEO of Lids Sports Group. “Investing in a store design that represents the next era of Lids is the next step in our mission to evolve the customer experience and improve our omnichannel presence overall.”
Lids Sports Group currently operates more than 1,100 retail locations across North America.
The new design concept emphasizes key differentiators that improve the customer experience. While the majority of Lids stores have long offered custom embroidery options, the updated store introduces a designated “custom zone” that serves as a central destination for shoppers, highlighting the brand’s ability to personalize headwear. Connected to the centralized cash wrap, the custom area features touch-screen technology where customers can browse a digital library of customization options.
The embroidery machine itself is highly visible for customers to watch the process unfold as the Lids store associate creates a shopper’s custom design digitally and deploys the embroidery machine to do the rest. Among the options is the EmbroidiGraph, which is exclusive to Lids and allows stores to embroider autographs of current professional athletes on headwear.
Shoppers can also request the embroidery of names, numbers, quotes, phrases, images and more to make the headwear their own.
The new prototype also includes a feature wall within the cashwrap to display online orders that have been pulled, making it seamless for customers to pick up and check out.
Within the updated space, pedestal fixtures serve as the initial focal point across the lease line to individually showcase headwear styles that are exclusive to Lids and represent recently launched products. The retailer has made a conscious effort to pull product away from the wall and towards customers to interject a new energy while creating a more engaging shopping experience. New digital messaging towers and screens have also been added throughout the store to better communicate fresh product styles, loyalty program perks and in-store promotions.
“Headwear is the heart of our business and our focus on providing shoppers the largest and most on-trend selection is what sets Lids stores apart,” said David Baxter, president and CEO of Lids Sports Group. “Investing in a store design that represents the next era of Lids is the next step in our mission to evolve the customer experience and improve our omnichannel presence overall.”
Lids Sports Group currently operates more than 1,100 retail locations across North America.