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.

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

Velocity Innovate23 Replay: Sainsburys, CVS Health & Wakefern Speak

If you missed yesterday's Velocity Institute Innovate 2023 Virtual Summit, it is now available on demand. Join the more than 200 global attendees who enjoyed the the hyper-focused event on innovation and Retail–owned Brands. Innovation and Retail-Owned Brands Christopher Durham will present a look at Velocity Institute's recently completed

Velocity Innovate23 Replay: Sainsburys, CVS Health & Wakefern Speak2023-04-19T20:37:57-04:00

Sam’s Club Celebrates Earth Day with Member’s Mark Sustainability

Sam’s Club’s Retail-owned Brand (private brand) Member’s Mark brand is purpose-driven. The purpose is to provide the highest quality products that are good both for people and the planet. This Earth Day, Sam’s Club is marking another milestone in its journey toward becoming a regenerative company. Take a look at some of their latest

Sam’s Club Celebrates Earth Day with Member’s Mark Sustainability2023-04-18T19:21:54-04:00

At Home’s New Brand Found & Fable Brings Global Inspiration

Retailer At Home announced this week the launch of its new Retail-owned Brand” (private brand) Found & Fable. This traveled, eclectic and artisan-inspired brand focuses on global inspiration and international design. Shoppers can bring global destinations to their homes with furniture, bedding, storage, rugs, wall décor, and more from this collection. “Our new, exclusive Found

At Home’s New Brand Found & Fable Brings Global Inspiration2023-04-18T19:02:39-04:00

FREE Velocity Innovate23 Summit Starts Wednesday

FREE Virtual Summit Begins Wednesday April 19, 2023 at 10:00AM EDT This 2-hour fast-paced FREE online event is hyper-focused on innovation and Retail–owned Brands. Highlighting the trends, strategies, and emerging insights private brand retailers and manufacturers need to innovate and manage their brands and products. REGISTER FREE! Featuring Executives From AGENDA

FREE Velocity Innovate23 Summit Starts Wednesday2023-04-17T16:33:08-04:00

Target’s Putting Sustainability into Action During Earth Month 2023 — and Beyond

During Earth Month and year-round, sustainability touches Minneapolis-based retailer Target’s entire business. It shows up in how they source and design products, invest in their team and communities, develop partnerships in the supply chain and power stores. It all matters, and it’s all woven into their enterprise-wide sustainability strategy, Target Forward. “Our guests appreciate

Target’s Putting Sustainability into Action During Earth Month 2023 — and Beyond2023-04-17T16:27:54-04:00

Williams Sonoma Celebrates Easter with Bunny Bark

Inspired by the sweetness of springtime, this festive Retail-owned Brand (Private brand) Easter bark from Williams Sonoma is embellished with pastel candy pearls and sparkling edible glitter. Carrying forward the retro look of previous seasonal candy tins, this confection tin continues the mid-century look with nostalgic typography and playful illustrations. As always, the intent

Williams Sonoma Celebrates Easter with Bunny Bark2023-04-16T16:27:31-04:00