Welcome to Velocity This Week, where we dive deep into the world of retailer-owned brands / private brand / private label and bring you the latest news, insights, and opinions. In this article, we will explore the most significant themes discussed in our recent episode, using verbatim quotes from the transcript. From mergers and donations to holiday spice and Christmas campaigns, we will discuss these topics’ implications and potential impact. So, let’s get started!

Merging for Modernization: Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market

Chicago-based startups Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market will merge, the company said in a release earlier today.

The merger between Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market is a significant development in the retail world. Foxtrot, the 2022 Vertex Award Retailer of the Year winner, has established itself as a community-driven brand that delivers new and exciting products to its customers. By joining forces with Dom’s, a brand known for its upscale downsize concepts, Foxtrot aims to elevate the shopping experience and modernize the retail industry.

“We’re excited for this new venture with Dom’s Kitchen and Market because we share a common mission of modernizing the way people shop.” – Liz Williams, Foxtrot CEO

Foxtrot CEO Liz Williams will lead the merger under a new company name, Outfox Hospitality. This collaboration brings together the expertise and vision of industry leaders, including Dom’s co-founder Bob Mariano and Foxtrot co-founder Mike Lavitola. With their advisory and board roles, they will contribute to the growth and success of the new company. Dom’s CEO Don Fitzgerald, will serve as Dom’s president and chief operating officer during the transition period.

Giving Back: Meijer’s Simply Give Program

During the week of Thanksgiving at Meijer stores throughout the Upper Peninsula, the Meijer Simply Give program contributed one meal to a food pantry for every purchase of any Meijer brand product.

Meijer’s Simply Give program is a shining example of how private brands can impact positively. By donating one meal to a food pantry for every purchase of a Meijer brand product, Meijer is addressing the issue of food insecurity that affects millions of Americans. Melissa Conway, Director of Community Partnerships and Giving at Meijer, emphasizes the importance of programs like Simply Give, especially when food insecurity remains high.

“Together we can feed our neighbors in need while enjoying the good food and great prices we all love.” – Melissa Conway, Meijer

Since its inception in 2008, the Simply Give program has been instrumental in feeding hungry families and stocking the shelves of hundreds of pantries each year. In 2023 alone, over 400 food pantries participated in the program, and it has donated more than $86 million to pantries across the Midwest. Ben Hamlin, Director of Own Brands Food at Meijer, highlights the program’s role in bringing communities together and supporting those in need during the holiday season.

“The holidays are a time to lend a helping hand, and at Meijer, we are grateful for the opportunity to support our food pantry partners and embrace the essence of Thanksgiving.” – Ben Hamlin, Meyer

Spicing Up the Holidays: Trader Joe’s Chili Crunch Cranberry, Orange, and Onion

If you’re someone like me who’s pretty much obsessed with chili crunch, then you’ll love what Trader Joe’s has launched. The new Crunchy Chili Cranberry, Orange, and Onion is a simply constructed yet deliciously complex condiment that’s ideal for serving over turkey, pork roast, prime rib, and many other staples of the holiday seasons.

Trader Joe’s has introduced a new condiment that promises to add a flavorful twist to holiday meals. The Crunchy Chili Cranberry, Orange, and Onion condiment combines the savory and lightly spicy profile of Crunchy Chili Onion with the bold, bright, and tart elements of dried cranberry and orange oil. The addition of sweet and rich brown sugar replaces garlic, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.

This innovative new version introduces the bold, bright, and delightfully tart elements of dried cranberry and orange oil and swaps out the garlic for sweet and rich brown sugar.

The versatility of this condiment allows it to pair well with various proteins, adding crunch and a rich citric zing to dishes like roasted carrots or sweet potatoes. It also provides a pronounced mix of sweet and savory when spooned over cream cheese. Trader Joe’s continues to innovate and offer exciting products that enhance the culinary experience during the holiday season.

Sainsbury’s Christmas Campaign: A Festive Celebration with Private Brands

UK grocer Sainsbury’s is kicking off the countdown to Christmas with its highly anticipated Christmas advertising campaign. And of course, private brand plays an important role.

Sainsbury’s, a leading UK retailer, has launched its Christmas advertising campaign, showcasing the role of private brands in creating a memorable holiday experience. The campaign is set in a Sainsbury’s store, where a curious girl asks the question, “Hey, Sainsbury’s, what does Santa eat for his Christmas dinner?” This innocent question sparks a flurry of responses from Sainsbury’s associates, who share their recommendations.

The new TV commercial is the first-time customers will see the Good for all of US campaign line. It aims to highlight how Sainsbury’s can provide the widest choice of quality food perfect for every occasion, encouraging customers to ask Sainsbury for the answers to their Christmas questions.

The commercial showcases a variety of private brand products, including Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range. Pop icon Rick Astley, who features in the campaign, expresses his excitement about being part of the shoot and emphasizes the importance of food during the holidays. The campaign aims to highlight Sainsbury’s commitment to providing quality food options for every occasion and positions the retailer as a trusted source for Christmas dinner inspiration.

“For me, food plays such an important role during the holidays, and we’re always looking to bring something exciting to the Christmas dinner table.” – Rick Astley

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In this comprehensive look at retailer-owned brands, we explored the themes of mergers, donations, holiday spices, and Christmas campaigns. The Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market merger represents a step towards modernizing the retail industry and enhancing the shopping experience. Meyer’s Simply Give program demonstrates the power of private brands in addressing food insecurity and supporting local communities. Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Cranberry, Orange, and Onion condiment adds a flavorful twist to holiday meals. Sainsbury’s Christmas campaign showcases the role of private brands in creating a memorable holiday experience.

These themes highlight the innovation, community engagement, and customer-centric approach of retailer-owned brands. By leveraging their unique position in the market, these brands can make a positive impact and create meaningful connections with their customers. As we look to the future, we can expect further advancements in product offerings, community initiatives, and creative marketing campaigns from retailer-owned brands.

Be bold and stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of retailer-owned brands.