Feels Like Home

I have been attending PLMA’s World of Private Label in Amsterdam for twenty years now. As I’ve visited the city multiple times, I’ve grown fond of it, and I cherish the memories of spending quality time with friends and business associates. To me, this fair offers much more than just a chance to trade. It allows me to interact with people, stay updated on the latest trends, brainstorm new ideas, and enjoy myself.

We are lucky as an industry that our hard work is paying off. Retail brands are thriving and surpassing national brands, and this is not just because consumers want to save money. In my two decades of experience, I have seen private label products transform from basic, budget-friendly options to high-quality choices that consumers genuinely enjoy.

Our industry is facing widespread challenges that impact society as a whole. It’s no longer feasible to consume the earth’s resources at the same rate as before. We must take responsibility for our actions not just for our own well-being, but for the benefit of future generations. Therefore, sustainability and plant-forward initiatives are essential measures, not just temporary trends.

In this issue, we take a closer look at the current state of the industry. Our featured topics include a retailer that prioritizes sustainability and affordability, a provider of eco-friendly plastic alternatives, a design competition aimed at propelling retail brands forward, and trade events focused on advancing these initiatives. Perry Seelert’s article poses the question, “Why can’t we...?” as a call to action for us to constantly strive for innovation and improvement instead of becoming complacent with our achievements.

Join us on Monday evening, May 22, at the Doubletree Amsterdam Centraal Station for the Vertex Awards Celebration. And of course, we would love to see you in person during PLMA at our stand in Hall 2, C.15.

We extend our gratitude to our contributors and clients who have made this magazine possible. We wish them all the best for an enjoyable and productive show, and continued success in their endeavors.

Kind regards,

Phillip Russo Founder / Editor phillip@globalretailmag.com