Welcome to another exciting episode of Velocity, This Week Live! Today is Wednesday, August 7, and we are thrilled to bring you the latest and greatest in the world of Private Brand, Private Label, and Retailer-owned Brands. Hosted by Christopher Durham, President of the Velocity Institute, and Laraine Durham, VP of Marketing and Events at the Velocity Institute, is joining me.

Every Wednesday at 1:00 PM EST, we go live on LinkedIn and YouTube to inform you about breaking news, industry insights, and upcoming events in the private brand sector. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode! We encourage you to join the conversation by commenting on our livestream.

Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence (WISE) Awards Nominations Open

Our first story is from our friends at Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence (WISE). Nominations are now open for the 2024 edition of the Top Women in Store Brands Awards. This prestigious award program, now in its 12th year, celebrates the outstanding achievements of women in the North American private brand industry. Categories include Functional Expertise, Emerging Leader, Lifetime Achievement, and DEI Company of the Year. The nomination deadline is August 18, 2024, so don’t wait to nominate the inspiring women in your professional circle.

Target’s Denim Take Back Event

Target is making strides in sustainability with its first official Denim Take Back Event, running from August 4-10. Customers can recycle their used denim at Target stores in exchange for 20% off new denim apparel. This initiative, just in time for back-to-school shopping, builds on Target’s successful Car Seat Trade-in Program. It’s a fantastic opportunity to refresh your denim wardrobe while contributing to environmental conservation.

Tesco Introduces Orange-Fleshed Watermelons

For the first time ever, rare orange-fleshed watermelons are hitting British high streets, exclusively available at Tesco. These sweet and visually striking melons are grown in Spain and are a hybrid of old heirloom varieties. This innovation results from years of collaboration and dedication by Tesco’s fruit technical manager, James Cackett. The orange-fleshed watermelons are now available in over 140 Tesco stores across the UK.

Kroger’s New Field & Vine Brand

Kroger is expanding its retailer-owned brand lineup with the introduction of Field & Vine, a fresh produce brand highlighting U.S. farmers’ work. The brand’s debut selection includes premium berries sourced directly from American farms. This initiative ensures optimal freshness and flavor while supporting local farming communities. Field & Vine is more than just a brand—it promises quality and a connection to the land and farmers who grow our food.

Walgreens Launches “Nice For You!” Range

Walgreens is enhancing its commitment to healthier eating by launching its new “Nice For You!” range, expanding the popular Nice! Brand. This new lineup includes over 150 items, such as jerky, oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit, coffee, and fruit juices. Each product is crafted without artificial flavors, synthetic dyes, or high-fructose corn syrup, providing healthier alternatives without compromising taste.

Stay Connected

Thank you for joining us on Velocity This Week Live! Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell icon to receive notifications so you never miss an episode. Join us every Wednesday at 1:00 PM EST for the latest in Private Brands, Private Labels, and Retailer-owned Brands. Engage with us by asking questions and participating in the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you next week!

This blog post accompanies our latest episode of Velocity This Week Live. Be sure to check out the video for more in-depth coverage and insights into the world of private brands. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay ahead with Velocity This Week Live.