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.

Join the Velocity Institute Now & Save 50%

Become a PRO or PLUS Member and Save 50% Since our launch almost a month ago the Velocity Institute (RBI) has grown exponentially. Retailers, Manufacturers and Solution Partner's have joined our ranks eager to create the future of Private Brand. The RBI platform embraces both in-person and virtual interaction to create the next generation

Join the Velocity Institute Now & Save 50%2021-10-18T15:11:13-04:00

Whole Foods Reveals Top 10 Food Trends for 2022

Today, Whole Foods Market global buyers and experts unveiled their top 10 anticipated food trends for 2022 in the retailer’s seventh-annual Trends predictions. Buzz-less spirits, yuzu, Reducetarianism and functional beverages made with prebiotics and botanicals are among the food influences expected to rise in popularity in the next year. Each year, a Trends Council of more than 50

Whole Foods Reveals Top 10 Food Trends for 20222021-10-18T14:56:29-04:00

Thrive Market Announces First Shoppable Cookbook

Last week online retailer Thrive Market unveiled their first shoppable healthy cookbook. With 60+ recipes featuring better-for-you, healthy ingredients and single touch “add to cart” QR codes, this cookbook is redefining what healthy cooking at home looks like—all in 30 minutes or less. The book titled, Healthy Living Made Easy, is exclusively available on ThriveMarket.com for

Thrive Market Announces First Shoppable Cookbook2021-10-18T14:56:21-04:00

Macy’s Commits to Retail Brand Sustainability

Late last week US department store retailer Macy’s introduced its 2020 Sustainability Report and of course Retail Brands played a significant role in the report. Highlights include: By 2025 the retailer expects to reduce water use by third-parties manufacturing Macy’s private brands by 25% against a 2019 baseline in areas of “high water stress.”

Macy’s Commits to Retail Brand Sustainability2021-10-18T08:05:10-04:00

RBI Talks with Tom Hermes VP, Sourcing and Product Development at Whole Foods Market

Welcome to RBI Talks a weekly interview series in which RBI President Christopher Durham discusses the state of private brand, retail, and careers with retail executives and thought leaders from around the world. This week’s episode features his conversation with Tom Hermes, Vice President, Sourcing and Product Development at Whole Foods Market.

RBI Talks with Tom Hermes VP, Sourcing and Product Development at Whole Foods Market2022-01-31T07:59:34-05:00

Morrisons launches reusable Halloween Costumes to Make Halloween Sustainable

UK retailer Morrisons has announced it is launching a fully reusable Halloween costume range for children - made from 100% responsibly sourced materials - in a bid to create a more sustainable Halloween for customers. Research has shown thousands of Halloween costumes end up in landfills each year, bought once and then thrown away.

Morrisons launches reusable Halloween Costumes to Make Halloween Sustainable2021-10-07T15:50:43-04:00

ACE Hardware: Global Packaging Design Manager

Job details Job Type Full-time Full Job Description The Job The Global Packaging Design Manager will lead a team of creative partners that will be responsible for the design direction and execution of all private label packaging across our subsidiaries including Ace US, EJD, and Ace International. Responsibilities include initiating, planning, executing, and controlling packaging design

ACE Hardware: Global Packaging Design Manager2021-12-15T19:52:28-05:00

Global Retail Brands Magazine Interview with Christopher Durham

Take a look we were featured in an interview in Global Retail Brands Magazine. The magazine chatted with Christopher Durham about the launch of RBI. A Q&A With Christopher Durham, President, RBI The newly launched Velocity Institute (RBI) is the global professional membership organization committed to advancing retailers and their brands across all categories

Global Retail Brands Magazine Interview with Christopher Durham2021-10-08T10:05:40-04:00

Trader Joe’s Organic Stone Ground Blue Corn Taco Shells

Normally, we try to avoid feeling blue whenever possible – we’re only human, after all – but Trader Joe’s Organic Stone Ground Blue Corn Taco Shells have us feeling blue in the best way possible. Crispy, crunchy, and with a light, toasty, nutty flavor, these Blue Corn Taco Shells offer all the same textural

Trader Joe’s Organic Stone Ground Blue Corn Taco Shells2021-10-07T15:54:03-04:00

LOWES: Sr Director Product Design & Trends

Lowes Home Improvement: Sr Director Product Design & Trends Mooresville Job Description Job Summary: The primary purpose role is to lead the Product Trend & Design organization that is responsible for the development of product trends and designs for our private branded products driving growth and differentiation for Lowe's. Trend development includes responsibility for

LOWES: Sr Director Product Design & Trends2021-12-15T19:52:36-05:00