VELOCITY Talks

Connecting Private Brands and Manufacturers: A Conversation with Oisin Hanrahan, Keychain’s CEO

In the latest edition of Velocity Talks, Christopher Durham, President of the Velocity Institute, had the privilege of sitting down with Oisin Hanrahan, the CEO of Keychain, a company making waves in the private brand and manufacturing sectors. As the Velocity Institute continues to bridge the gap between thought leaders in retail, sourcing, and private brands, this conversation with Oisin provided invaluable insights into Keychain's innovative journey and its transformative impact on the industry. We are thrilled to present another enlightening episode of Velocity Talks. Velocity Talks' mission is to connect with industry leaders who are driving change

Exciting News: Carlos Saavedra, SVP of Brand & Portfolio Management at Target, to Headline Velocity Conference!

We're thrilled to share some major news with you: Carlos Saavedra, the Senior Vice President of Brand & Portfolio Management at Target, is set to take the stage at the upcoming Velocity Conference + Expo! This announcement marks a significant moment for the private brand industry as one of the most influential figures in retail joins us for this exclusive event. With Carlos Saavedra's wealth of experience and leadership at Target, his insights promise to be nothing short of groundbreaking. Taking place from May 13th to May 15th in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Velocity Conference + Expo is an

From Fashion to Velocity a conversation with Laraine Durham

WATCH THE INTERVIEW The rapid transformation of private brands has become a cornerstone of contemporary retail strategy. In a compelling discussion on Velocity Talks, Laraine Durham, the Vice President of Marketing and Events at the Velocity Institute, shares invaluable insights on the growth of Retailer-owned Brands and the strategic pivots necessitated by the modern marketplace. Key Takeaways: Private brands have seen significant growth and acceptance, which is a testament to their improving quality and design. The Velocity Institute has been at the forefront of embracing technology and digital platforms, enabling global reach and virtual engagement. Upcoming industry events like

Passion for Good Food: Insights from Neil Stern, CEO, Good Food Holdings

WATCH THE INTERVIEW In this week's enlightening edition of Velocity Talks, Christopher Durham welcomes Neil Stern, the CEO of Good Food Holdings. The episode delves into the intricate journey of a seasoned consultant stepping into the role of a CEO, overseeing a group of gourmet and specialty retail brands stretching from Southern California to Seattle. The episode provides a deep dive into the retail landscape, private branding strategies, and the passion behind creating food products that define and differentiate upscale markets. Neil starts by sharing the origin story of his career in the retail industry, touching on innovative

Embracing the Future of Retail: Insights from Lowe’s Foods Anne Gooden Whitfield

WATCH THE INTERVIEW The retail landscape is ever-evolving, and understanding the journey and insights from industry leaders can be a compass guiding businesses towards success. In an engaging discussion with Anne Gooden Whitfield from Lowe's Foods on the Velocity Talks podcast, a rich array of topics were explored that underscore the importance of innovation, customer engagement, and staying ahead in the retail game. Key Takeaways Embracing Local and Experiential Retail: Lowe's Foods' focus on local partnerships and experiential stores sets them apart in a crowded marketplace. Redefining Private Brands: With a portfolio of distinctive private brands, Lowe's Foods

Packaging and Sustainability: An Expert’s Perspective with Kim Carswell

WATCH THE INTERVIEW In this episode of Velocity Talks, Christopher Durham, president of the Velocity Institute, invites Kim Carswell to dive deep into the nuances of private branding, sustainability, and packaging innovation. These show notes present an overview of Kim's illustrious career, her current endeavors, and her insights into the future of sustainable packaging in retail. Kim Carswell shares her extensive expertise in packaging, emphasizing the evolution of her knowledge from the protection and design of packaging to understanding consumer interaction and ultimately sustainable packaging principles. She details her journey and experience at Target, including the development of

Exploring Innovation in Retail and Private Brand with Justin Honaman of Amazon

WATCH THE INTERVIEW In this engaging episode of Velocity Talks, host Christopher Durham sits down with Justin Honaman from Amazon to delve into the intersection of retail, private branding, technology, and sustainability. As a pivotal figure at Amazon Web Services with expertise in worldwide retail and consumer goods, Justin offers profound insights on innovation within industry giants and startup brands alike. The discussion explores the rapid advancements in customer experience technologies and how retailers are leaning into innovation to enhance physical store experiences and shape new standards and strategies in sales, marketing, and engagement. With the shifting landscape

BuildingProfitable Private BrandConnections with Wayne Bennetof ECRM | RANGE ME

WATCH THE INTERVIEW The retail landscape is continually evolving, with new trends and challenges emerging as businesses strive to stay competitive and meet consumer demands. Private brands, also known as Retailer-owned brands, are an integral part of this dynamic industry. In a recent episode of Velocity Talks, Christopher Durham, president of the Velocity Institute, sat down with Wayne Bennett of ECRM and RangeMe to discuss the pivotal role of private brands in retail and the cutting-edge strategies employed by industry leaders to foster growth and innovation. Key Takeaways: Strategic Partnership Potential: Collaborations between organizations like Velocity Institute and

Velocity Talks – Catching Up with Private Brand Hall of Fame Member Tom Ewing

WATCH THE INTERVIEW Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Private Brands: Insights from Tom Ewing at Velocity Talks The private brand industry has witnessed transformative changes over the years, shifting from the early days of generic offerings to becoming a powerhouse in retail differentiation. Tom Ewing, an esteemed veteran in the private brand sector, recently shared his wealth of experience and insights with Christopher Durham during a Velocity Institute's Velocity Talks. The industry leader reflected on his journey, the evolution of the market, and his vision for the future of private brands. Here's what you need to know. Key