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.

Gorillas enters Private Brand

European rapid delivery retailer Gorillas announced this week the launch of Retail Brands (private brands) “Gorillas Daily”, “Gorillas Premium”, “Hot Damn” and “< start-up beer >” in its key markets of Germany, France, the UK, and the Netherlands. Gorillas will offer a unique and extensive assortment of around 50 products in 11 of the most

Gorillas enters Private Brand2022-06-08T15:55:39-04:00

Williams Sonoma Launches Seed & Harvest

Home retailer Williams Sonoma announced this week the launch of Seed & Harvest, a new Retail Brand (private brand) collection of flavorful food that prioritize providing customers with unprecedented transparency in ingredients and sustainable sourcing practices to accommodate various dietary, food or lifestyle preferences. As a result of these commitments to transparency and sustainability, the

Williams Sonoma Launches Seed & Harvest2022-06-07T19:17:43-04:00

Daymon Opens up Supplier Portal to the Market

Daymon, announced this week that it has opened up its Supplier Portal to the open market. Previously, brand development agencies like Daymon or customers supported by Daymon relied on direct communication relaying capacity, credentials, and contacts to develop Private Brands at retailers. Within the past ten years, Daymon began digitizing this type of information within

Daymon Opens up Supplier Portal to the Market2022-06-07T14:54:29-04:00

The Home Depot Launches Stylewell Kids

Atlanta-based home improvement retailer Home Depot is introducing StyleWell kids, a new Retail Brand (private brand) range of on-trend and affordable home décor featuring fun designs for children. The launch collection includes more than 65 items, ranging from curated textiles, soft goods and bedroom/bathroom décor. The Home Depot will continue to expand the StyleWell Kids

The Home Depot Launches Stylewell Kids2022-06-06T16:24:28-04:00

M&S Trials Refillable Private Brand Homecare Products

M&S is launching a trial of refillable own-brand cleaning and laundry products, as part of its commitment to reduce and remove plastic packaging, and offer customers more sustainable choices. M&S Refillable allows customers to choose from eight pre-filled, own-brand homecare products, including cleaning sprays, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners and washing up liquids. The offering,

M&S Trials Refillable Private Brand Homecare Products2022-06-05T14:14:25-04:00

SunOpta Unveils New Headquarters and Innovation Center

In early April, SunOpta, a U.S.-based, global manufacturer of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food and beverages, unveiled its new 65,000 square-foot global headquarters and eco-powered innovation center in Eden Prairie, Minn. SunOpta’s new home was designed to accelerate the speed of innovation, foster collaboration, and model the company’s sustainability heritage to positively impact people and

SunOpta Unveils New Headquarters and Innovation Center2022-06-05T13:59:12-04:00

Canadian Tire Launches First-Ever Activewear Brand “Forward With Design”

Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) announced the launch of Forward With Design (FWD), its first-ever activewear Retail Brand (private brand) designed, developed and incubated in-house for active, on-the-go Canadians. Forward With Design apparel was built from the ground up in just over 900 days from concept ideation to full brand launch. On the heels of

Canadian Tire Launches First-Ever Activewear Brand “Forward With Design”2022-06-02T14:27:20-04:00

Dollar General Appoints Jackie Li SVP of Private Brands & Global Sourcing

Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based Dollar General announced this week a dramatic series of promotions and hirings that include three new senior vice presidents and eight new vice presidents. The new appointments are effective as of May 31st. Jackie Li has been promoted to SVP of private brands and global sourcing. Li has been with Dollar General

Dollar General Appoints Jackie Li SVP of Private Brands & Global Sourcing2022-06-02T16:14:02-04:00

Perrigo Promotes Alison Ives To Role Of Chief Scientific Officer

Perrigo today announced that Ms. Alison Ives has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. In this role, Ms. Ives will be responsible for providing global oversight and coordination of Perrigo's research and development, regulatory and innovation efforts. She will join the Company's Operating Committee and report to President and Chief

Perrigo Promotes Alison Ives To Role Of Chief Scientific Officer2022-06-02T14:52:59-04:00

Walmart Private Brands to be sold in Korea

Homeplus announced this past week that it has signed a deal with Walmart to sell the retailer’s Private Brand products in its stores. Homeplus currently operates 135 hypermarket stores and 332 Homeplus Express outlets across Korea. Under the deal, the Korean retailer will sell Walmart private brand products including Great Value for packaged food,

Walmart Private Brands to be sold in Korea2022-06-01T15:02:44-04:00