What Lids sells and how it works as a hat retailer

Lids is a retail chain that sells hats, caps, and headwear across the United States, with both physical stores and an online shop. The company carries branded sports caps (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), casual hats, beanies, and accessories. Most Lids locations are in shopping malls, though some standalone stores exist in major cities. You can browse and buy in person or order online for home delivery or in-store pickup.

Lids is owned by Genesco Inc., a publicly traded company. The chain has been operating since 1995 and operates hundreds of locations. If you are shopping for team merchandise or licensed sports headwear, Lids is one of the largest dedicated retailers for that category. The store also carries house brands and private-label hats alongside the major licensed brands.

Key Takeaways

  • Lids sells licensed sports hats, casual headwear, and accessories both in physical stores and online at lids.com.
  • Most Lids stores are located inside shopping malls, so you can visit during mall hours rather than calling a separate store number.
  • Online orders can be picked up in store within a few days or shipped to your home, with shipping costs varying by order size and location.
  • Lids runs sales and promotions regularly, particularly around sports seasons and holidays, so prices change throughout the year.
  • Return and exchange policies vary slightly between online and in-store purchases, so check the receipt or order confirmation for your specific terms.

Finding a Lids store near you

The easiest way to locate a Lids store is to use the store locator on lids.com. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool shows nearby locations, hours, and phone numbers. Most stores are inside malls, so they follow mall hours rather than having independent operating hours. If you plan to visit, check both the Lids website and your mall's website to confirm the store is open, since mall hours can change seasonally.

If you cannot find a Lids store nearby, you can order online. Lids ships to all 50 states and offers both standard and expedited shipping. In-store pickup is also available at most locations if you want to avoid shipping costs — orders typically arrive for pickup within two to five business days.

How to shop online at Lids

On lids.com, you can browse by sport (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), team, hat style (snapback, fitted, adjustable), or brand. The site shows product photos, available sizes and colors, and current price. You add items to a cart and proceed to checkout, where you enter shipping or pickup information and payment details.

During checkout, you choose between home delivery or in-store pickup. Home delivery costs vary based on order total and your location — orders over a certain amount sometimes ship free, though this threshold changes. In-store pickup is usually free. You can also create an account to save addresses and payment methods for faster checkout on future orders, though an account is not required to make a purchase.

Pricing, sales, and when to buy

Lids prices vary by product and brand. Licensed sports caps typically range from $20 to $40, though premium or limited-edition items cost more. House-brand hats are often less expensive. The store runs promotions regularly — discounts are common around opening day for each sport season, holidays like Father's Day, and during clearance events.

Prices on the same hat can differ between in-store and online, and online prices sometimes change. If you find a hat you want, checking both the website and a nearby store can help you find the better price. Signing up for Lids' email list gives you access to promotional codes that may explore to your purchase.

Returns, exchanges, and what to keep

Lids allows returns and exchanges within 60 days of purchase if the item is unworn and has tags attached. For in-store purchases, bring the hat and your receipt to any Lids location. For online orders, you can return items by mail using a prepaid shipping label (available through your order page) or at a physical store if one is nearby.

Keep your receipt or order confirmation number — you will need it to process a return or exchange. If you bought the hat as a gift and do not have the original receipt, Lids can usually look up the purchase using the credit card you paid with. Refunds to credit cards typically process within 5 to 10 business days after Lids receives the returned item.

Sizing and fit

Lids carries hats in multiple fit styles: adjustable (with a strap or buckle in back), fitted (sized by head circumference in inches, typically ranging from 6 7/8 to 7 5/8), and one-size-fits-most. The product page for each hat shows which fit type it is and available sizes. If you are unsure of your hat size, you can measure your head with a soft measuring tape just above your eyebrows and ears, then compare to the size chart on the website.

Adjustable hats are the most forgiving if you are between sizes or prefer a looser fit. Fitted hats require knowing your exact size. If you buy online and the fit is not right, you can exchange it for a different size at no charge within the 60-day window, as long as the hat is unworn and tagged.

Lids gift cards and membership programs

Lids sells gift cards in physical stores and online. You can use them in any Lids location or on the website. Gift cards do not expire and can be reloaded. If you shop at Lids regularly, you can join the Lids Rewards program (sometimes called VIP or loyalty program) through the website or in store. Members earn points on purchases that convert to discounts on future orders.

The rewards program is free to join. Points accumulate on every purchase, both online and in store, and can be redeemed for discounts or free shipping. The earning rate and redemption thresholds vary, so check the program details on lids.com or ask in store for current terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a hat I bought in store to a Lids location if I ordered it online?

Yes. You can return online purchases to any physical Lids store within 60 days as long as the hat is unworn and tagged. Bring your order confirmation or the email receipt. In-store returns are processed when ready, and refunds go back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

What if the hat I ordered online does not fit?

You can exchange it for a different size at no charge within 60 days if it is unworn and has tags. Use the prepaid return label on your order page to mail it back, or return it to a nearby store. Once Lids receives the return, you can place a new order for the correct size.

Does Lids ship outside the United States?

Lids ships to all 50 states but does not currently ship internationally. If you need a hat shipped to another country, you would need to use a package forwarding service or have it sent to a U.S. address first.

Are Lids hats authentic if they have a team logo?

Yes. Lids is an authorized retailer of licensed sports merchandise. All hats with official team logos sold through Lids are genuine products made under license by the teams or the leagues. The product page shows the manufacturer and license information.

How long does in-store pickup take?

In-store pickup orders typically arrive within two to five business days. You will receive an email when your order is ready. Pickup hours are the same as store hours, so you can collect your hat during any time the Lids location is open.