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.

Williams Sonoma Celebrates Summer with BBQ Sauce

Williams-Sonoma’s summer season is centered around outdoor cooking and bold-flavored, regionally-based barbecue food products. When the retailer decided to refresh its Retail-owned Brand range of barbecue sauces, they hired San Francisco-based agency, Pavement to bring to life each sauce’s specific flavor profile in an unpretentious and approachable manner. The solution features colorful typography and

Williams Sonoma Celebrates Summer with BBQ Sauce2023-04-26T19:23:15-04:00

You are invited to Amsterdam, Monday, May 22 for the Vertex Awards

This years Vertex Awards will officially be presented in Amsterdam. The Vertex Awards ceremonies will bring the entire Retail-owned Brand (private brand) industry together to celebrate the 10th Anniversary Vertex Awards winners. ALL retailers, manufacturers, agencies, and solution partners are invited to join us. MAY 22, 202 | AMSTERDAM (The

You are invited to Amsterdam, Monday, May 22 for the Vertex Awards2023-05-16T21:36:50-04:00

Kroger Launches First Simple Truth Upcycled Breads

Cincinnati-based grocer Kroger has introduced its first Simple Truth brand upcycled bread items co-developed with Upcycled Foods, Inc. (UP, Inc.) Designed from scratch, the innovative upcycled bread line includes two SKUs that tap into consumers’ demand for delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food options. Both Simple Truth Upcycled Certified breads contain 10% of ReGrained SuperGrain,

Kroger Launches First Simple Truth Upcycled Breads2023-04-25T20:06:24-04:00

Eggs from Albert Heijn are Better for Nature & Farmers

Ahold Delhaize-owned Dutch grocer Albert Heijn has announced that it will work with laying hen farmers for the egg range within their Retail-owned Brand (private brand) Beter voor Natuur & Boer. Together with them, Albert Heijn makes long-term agreements about improving animal welfare, nature, and the farmer's revenue model. The eggs from Beter voor

Eggs from Albert Heijn are Better for Nature & Farmers2023-04-25T16:19:36-04:00

ALDI to Drop Exclusive, Limited Time Mother’s Day Gifts

This Mother’s Day, shoppers can impress mom with premium gifts from ALDI, starting at just $4. From trendy wine and accessories, such as refreshing sparkling rosé and a winedispensing tote, to home décor and kitchen must-haves, like stylish wall sconces and serving boards, the ALDI Finds aisle is the destination for all things ‘mom.’ ALDI

ALDI to Drop Exclusive, Limited Time Mother’s Day Gifts2023-04-24T19:55:59-04:00

John Lewis supercharges kids fashion plans

UK retaielr John Lewis has announced an expansion of its children’s fashion business, as it looks to significantly grow its share of the UK market. Their new collection features over 2,100 more lines, including theirfirst ever Retailer-owned Brand (private brand) ‘tween’ collection for 7-12 years olds, alongside 10 new fashion brands for Spring 23.

John Lewis supercharges kids fashion plans2023-04-24T19:35:24-04:00

Toronto in June! – Velocity Meetup!

Join myself and the Velocity Institute team for our Toronto Meet Up, Thursday June 8 at The Port House Social Bar & Kitchen in Mississauga, ON. The FREE networking event is designed to bring the industry together over cocktails and conversations. There are no presentations and no sales. The Port House in Mississauga is

Toronto in June! – Velocity Meetup!2023-04-23T20:29:57-04:00

Southeastern Grocers Unveils Sustainability Report

Late last week Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), the parent company of grocers Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery, released its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, showcasing the retailer’s progress in sustainability, community engagement, and values-driven operations. The ESG report is part of SEG’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in all

Southeastern Grocers Unveils Sustainability Report2023-04-23T15:09:15-04:00

The Final Velocity Conference + Expo 2023 Agenda

Today, I am excited to reveal the final agenda for this year's groundbreaking Velocity Conference + Expo. The program is purpose-built to provide the insights and networking that will help you build and grow your private brand business. VELOCITY INSTITUTE CONFERENCE + EXPO May 16-18, OMNI Charlotte, NC. REGISTER NOW! THE AGENDA Opening

The Final Velocity Conference + Expo 2023 Agenda2023-04-21T08:10:00-04:00

Loblaw Appoints New President & CEO Per Bank

George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies Limited jointly announced this week the appointment of Mr. Per Bank as President and Chief Executive Officer of Loblaw. Mr. Bank will formally join the company by Q1 2024. The appointment follows a global talent search initiated in August 2022 in anticipation of Robert Sawyer’s planned retirement as Loblaw’s

Loblaw Appoints New President & CEO Per Bank2023-04-20T19:27:27-04:00