About Christopher Durham

Christopher Durham is the president of the Velocity Institute. Prior to this he founded the groundbreaking site My Private Brand. He is the co-founder of The Vertex Awards. He began his retail career building brands at Food Lion and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Durham has worked with retailers around the world, including Albertsons, Family Dollar, Petco, Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, Metro Canada. Durham has published seven definitive books on private brands, including Fifty2: The My Private Brand Project and Vanguard: Vintage Originals.

Be in the “Room Where It Happens” for Private Brand

On May 7, 2026, Vertex Live on Broadway brings the Private Brand community to Times Square for one powerful night designed to connect leaders, share insight, and move business forward. Private Brand is taking its rightful place on stage. This is the “room where it happens.” Conversations That Drive Growth The evening will feature

Be in the “Room Where It Happens” for Private Brand2026-02-25T10:23:58-05:00

The One Private Brand Night in Amsterdam You Can’t Afford to Miss

Here’s the truth: most industry events don’t move your Private Brand business forward. They’re comfortable. Predictable. Easy to attend and just as easy to forget. Vertex Live Amsterdam is designed to be the opposite. A Night Built for Private Brand Growth On May 18, 2026, the global Private Brand community will gather inside the

The One Private Brand Night in Amsterdam You Can’t Afford to Miss2026-02-25T10:09:20-05:00

Vertex Live 2026 Tickets Are Now On Sale

Join Us in Times Square and Amsterdam Tickets are officially on sale for Vertex Live 2026, and we invite the global Retailer-owned Brand and private brand community to join us for two unforgettable events in New York City and Amsterdam. These are the industry’s premier gatherings for leadership, creativity, connection, and recognition. If you

Vertex Live 2026 Tickets Are Now On Sale2026-02-09T09:57:34-05:00

This Is Your Sign to Submit Your Vertex Entry Today

For 14 years, the Vertex Awards have quietly become the most respected stage for Retailer-Owned Brand, private brand, and private label package design in the world. This is not just another awards program. This is where Private Brand proves it is no longer following national brands. It is leading them. Setting the global standard

This Is Your Sign to Submit Your Vertex Entry Today2026-01-08T14:45:03-05:00

Enter Vertex Today and Put Your Brand on the Global Stage

Happy New Year. Let 2026 Be the Year Your Brand Takes the Stage. A new year brings new ambition, new ideas, and a new chance to be seen. If your team created standout Retailer-Owned Brand design this year, now is the moment to put that work on a global stage. The 2026 Vertex Awards,

Enter Vertex Today and Put Your Brand on the Global Stage2026-01-04T11:40:45-05:00

Save Big Before It’s Gone: Vertex Awards Early Bird Ends Tomorrow

The world’s leading competition celebrating excellence in Retailer-Owned Brand, private brand, and private label package design is officially open — and the Early Bird window closes tomorrow. Teams across the globe are already submitting their best work for the 2026 Vertex Awards, and if you’ve created outstanding Retailer-Owned Brand design this year, this is

Save Big Before It’s Gone: Vertex Awards Early Bird Ends Tomorrow2025-12-11T10:06:10-05:00

Save Big Before It’s Gone: Vertex Awards Early Bird Closes This Friday

ENTER NOW! Save Big Before It’s Gone: Vertex Awards Early Bird Closes This Friday The world’s leading competition celebrating excellence in Retailer-Owned Brand, private brand, and private label package design is officially open — and the Early Bird window closes this Friday. Designers, retailers, manufacturers, and agencies around the world are already submitting their

Save Big Before It’s Gone: Vertex Awards Early Bird Closes This Friday2025-12-08T09:52:18-05:00

Save Big Before It’s Gone: Vertex Awards Early Bird Is Live Now

The world’s leading competition celebrating excellence in Retailer-Owned Brand, private brand, and private label package design is officially open. Designers, retailers, manufacturers, and agencies from around the world are already submitting their best work for the 2026 Vertex Awards. If your team created outstanding Private Brand design this year, now is the time to

Save Big Before It’s Gone: Vertex Awards Early Bird Is Live Now2025-12-04T09:30:47-05:00

The Vertex Awards Are Now Open for Entries!

The world’s leading competition celebrating excellence in Retailer-Owned Brand, private brand, and private label package design officially opens on November 14, 2025. This is your moment to showcase the most innovative, strategic, and creative private brand design work produced this year. If your team delivered outstanding design, this is where the world will see

The Vertex Awards Are Now Open for Entries!2025-11-14T09:49:15-05:00

The Boldest Night in Retail Is Back — Velocity Bold Bash 2025!

The Boldest Night in Retail Is Back — Velocity Bold Bash 2025! Now in its fifth year, Velocity Bold Bash returns as the boldest, most high-energy event in the Retailer-owned Brand industry—and this year’s celebration is going to be bigger than ever. Join us on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Joe’s Live Rosemont, just

The Boldest Night in Retail Is Back — Velocity Bold Bash 2025!2025-10-22T07:40:21-04:00