Two MattB Customs artists customising New Era caps live at the New Era stand inside the new JD Sports Meadowhall store

New Era x JD Sports: 100+ Caps Customised Live at the New JD Meadowhall Store

For the opening weekend of JD's new store at Meadowhall, Sheffield, in August 2026, MattB Customs set up inside the store to customise New Era caps live for shoppers. Two of our artists, including our founder Matt - completed more than 100 customisations over the weekend, making it one of the most popular services we've run in a JD store.

Best fit for: retailers and brands opening a new store or launching a product who want a live, hands-on in-store moment that drives footfall and gives every customer something personal to take home.

100+ customisations in one weekend

Shoppers picked their New Era cap and our two team members customised it on the spot, so every customer left the store with a cap made for them, not just bought off the shelf. 

Custom New Era caps made live at JD Meadowhall: a green cap with a butterfly patch and pearl logo, and a pink cap with a floral patch and initials

Personalisation and decals

Every cap could be personalised with heat-pressed vinyl - names, initials or numbers - and finished with small decals, including:

  • Embroidered patches
  • Bows
  • Studs and rivets
  • Pin badges
  • Pearls and diamantés

Pearls were the most requested add-on of the weekend. The mix meant customers could keep it simple with a name, or build up a fully decorated cap with patches, pins and embellishments.

MattB Customs artist applying pearls to a New Era cap logo, next to a display of customised and plain New Era caps

Why it worked

A store opening needs a reason for people to come in and stay. Live customisation gives shoppers something to watch, choose and take part in - and every cap that leaves the store carries the moment with it.

Can MattB Customs run live customisation at our store opening or launch?

Yes - this is the JD Meadowhall model: our team set up in-store, customising product live with personalisation and decals for every shopper who wants one. We've run similar activations for JD across the UK, including our Back-to-School Roadshow Tour and the Havaianas pop-up at the Trafford Centre.

Planning a store opening, launch or in-store activation? Get in touch via our Work With Us page or email business@mattbcustoms.com, or browse our full Case Studies library.