US-based sports retailer Lids has opened its first four European stores – adding 234sq m to its UK footprint. The launch forms part of a wider plan to increase the brand’s international presence, representing the first of many physical stores planned across the continent.
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 US.”
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.”
