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.

Network with 23+ Retailers at the Velocity Conference

The Velocity Conference + Innovation Expo 2023 is a few weeks away, and retail leaders, manufacturers, brokers, and solution partners are excited to be back together in Charlotte, NC. Join Target, CVS Health, Foxtrot, Misfit Markets, Albertsons, Home Depot, Staples, Sprouts, Wakefern, Ahold Delhaize, Lowe's Foods, Metro, Lowe's Home Improvement, Navy Exchange, and more

Network with 23+ Retailers at the Velocity Conference2023-04-27T21:02:56-04:00

Velocity Talks with Maryellen Lynch of Circana

Welcome to Velocity Talks a weekly interview series in which Velocity Institute President Christopher Durham discusses the state of private brand, retail, and careers with retail executives and thought leaders from around the world. This week we chat with Mary Ellen Lynch of Circana. If you would like to join Christopher in a

Velocity Talks with Maryellen Lynch of Circana2023-04-27T20:46:41-04:00

Velocity Conference Adds Hotel Rooms – Stay where the Action is!

The Velocity Conference + Innovation Expo 2023 is a few weeks away and we are excited to announce that due to the overwhelming response we have added rooms to our conference block through the end of the week. Don’t miss your opportunity to stay at the Omni Charlotte, the official headquarters of the Velocity

Velocity Conference Adds Hotel Rooms – Stay where the Action is!2023-04-26T20:11:04-04:00

Steel Sharpens Steel – Meet Luke Rauch, Walgreens Chief Merchandising Officer

Luke Rauch was 19 years old and putting in another eight-hour graveyard shift in a steel mill, swinging a sledgehammer in sweltering temperatures to pound molten metal. It wasn’t a typical—or easy—job for a college student on summer break, but for Rauch it was a life-changing one because the steel ended up shaping him as

Steel Sharpens Steel – Meet Luke Rauch, Walgreens Chief Merchandising Officer2023-04-26T19:46:43-04:00

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