The August 28 episode of Velocity Live brought a dynamic mix of breaking news, industry insights, and exciting updates from the private brand world. Hosted by Christopher and Laraine Durham, the broadcast delivered the latest stories and trends shaping the industry, featuring big moves from major retailers like Sam’s Club, Loblaw, The Fresh Market, and 7-Eleven. Here’s a recap of the main stories from this week’s live broadcast.

Sam’s Club Unveils the Clubhouse Innovation Hub

Sam’s Club has officially launched its new Clubhouse retail design studio on the Bentonville campus, marking a significant investment in innovation and private brand development. This 37,000-square-foot facility, built for $8.337 million, is a collaborative space where employees can pitch ideas, test products, and work on projects that drive the business forward. The Clubhouse has workshop areas, zones for product testing, and spaces dedicated to digital design, including virtual reality experiences.

According to Todd Garner, Sam’s Club’s chief product officer, the Clubhouse aims to democratize innovation and strengthen the company’s commitment to being a product-led organization. This state-of-the-art facility is set to play a pivotal role in accelerating private brand development, allowing cross-functional teams to collaborate seamlessly and bring innovative solutions to market.

Loblaw Launches No Name Discount Stores

In a bold move, Canadian retailer Loblaw is extending the innovation of its iconic “No Name” private brand into full consumer experiences with the launch of ultra-discount No Name grocery stores in Ontario. The first three stores will be scheduled to open in September in Windsor, St. Catharines, and Brockville. These stores aim to simplify the shopping experience and cut operational costs, offering even lower prices than traditional grocery outlets.

Loblaw President and CEO Per Bank highlighted the cost-effective approach of No Name stores. These stores will feature a streamlined model with around 1,300 products, focusing on essentials like frozen, packaged goods, and pantry staples. This initiative represents Loblaw’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for affordable shopping options amid rising grocery costs in Canada.

The Fresh Market’s Grab-and-Go Breakfast Stations

As the school year kicks off, The Fresh Market is making mornings easier by introducing grab-and-go breakfast stations in all 160 stores. Located near the deli area, these stations offer a range of hot croissant sandwiches, parfait cups, pastries, and the signature Farmhouse Egg Bake. Available daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., these offerings are designed to provide a convenient breakfast solution for busy shoppers.

Additionally, The Fresh Market has launched a new collection of over 30 private brand coffees, curated in partnership with small-batch roasters who adhere to sustainable practices. Shoppers can sample these coffees during tasting events, bringing customers a premium, ethically sourced coffee experience.

7-Eleven and Green Day Team Up for Exclusive Coffee Blend

7-Eleven is celebrating 60 years of pioneering to-go coffee by launching an exclusive Anniversary Blend from Punk Bunny Coffee in collaboration with Green Day. Starting August 28, this limited-time blend celebrates the retailer’s milestone and the 30th anniversary of Green Day’s breakout album. The coffee features bright citrus notes, rich undertones of stone fruit, and a warm cocoa finish; available at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores nationwide.

To commemorate the launch, the first 50 fans who get a custom 7-Eleven x Punk Bunny tattoo at a New York City location will receive free 7-Eleven coffee for 711 days. The collaboration reflects 7-Eleven’s commitment to offering exclusive products that resonate with coffee and music enthusiasts.

Upcoming Event: Velocity Sustainability Summit

The episode wrapped up with a special mention of the 5th Annual Velocity Sustainability Summit, set for October 22-23, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. The summit will bring together leaders in sustainable private brand practices, offering attendees a chance to engage with cutting-edge strategies and innovations. Early bird registration is open, offering a $200 discount before September 10th.

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