US-based sports retailer, Lids, has opened its first four European stores – adding 234 sqm to its UK footprint. The launch, which sees new shops in Covent Garden, 02 Peninsula Square in London, Lakeside, and Churchill Square Brighton, forms part of a wider plan to increase the brand’s international presence, representing the first of many physical stores planned across the continent.

Tom Ripley, chairman and CEO of Lids, commented: “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, added that London was a ‘natural fit’ for the brand; “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,” he said.

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 the new stores join the estate of 2,000 stores the brand runs globally.  The vision for the initial quartet of retail outlets has been brought to life by commercial interiors specialist, Agilité Solutions.

“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.”