Retail & Specialty Stores
Franchise ID: 81RkUoYkv49g3yrlCUVo6v

Lids

The #1 Hat Retailer and Fan Shop

Franchise Overview

Overview

Lids is the premier destination for hats, caps, and officially licensed fan gear in North America. With over 20 years of marketplace experience, Lids has established itself as a leader in sports-related headwear and apparel, catering to fans from all major leagues, colleges, and select international teams.

Key Features

Franchisees benefit from an extensive product line and access to exclusive merchandise, including:

  • • Officially licensed team hats and apparel
    • Custom embroidery station for personalized products
    • Collectible and limited-edition releases
    • Partnerships with major brands such as New Era, Nike, and Adidas

User Experience

Lids stores offer a vibrant, engaging shopping environment featuring knowledgeable staff and interactive customization options. Customers can browse a wide assortment of team and lifestyle hats or design their own using in-house embroidery services. Loyalty reward programs encourage repeat business and long-term relationships.

Market Opportunity

The demand for licensed sports merchandise continues to grow as fan communities expand and new leagues emerge around the world. Lids franchises excel in high-traffic locations like shopping malls and tourist corridors, attracting steady customer flow from both devoted fans and casual shoppers. With a proven business model, turnkey inventory management, and full corporate support, Lids stands out as a lucrative retail opportunity.

Franchise Requirements

Initial Franchise Fee$25,000
Total Investment$189,000 - $354,000
Royalty Fee6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee2% of gross sales
Contract Term5 years, renewable
Net Worth Requirement$500,000 minimum
Liquid Capital Required$150,000 minimum
ExperienceRetail or management background preferred; passion for sports merchandising is a plus.
Financial Highlights
Average Unit Volume
$825,000
Average Profit Margin
14-18%
Typical Break Even
18-24 months
ROI (after 3 years)
24-32% (after 3 years)
Quick Facts

Established

1995

Total Units

1100+ locations

Headquarters

Indianapolis, IN, USA

Staffing

6-12 employees per store

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