Store brands are ubiquitous. They're known by thousands of names and brands, are sold in 98% of 327 grocery categories and generated more than a quarter trillion dollars in sales last year in all U.S. retail outlets. Chances are good you have a store brand product right now in your pantry, refrigerator, shed or garage. The products meet the needs of every consumer demographic and contribute to retailers' bottom lines as well as shoppers' buying power. Most importantly to you, the store brands industry is growing fast and represents an opportunity for careers in scores of positions in retail, manufacturing and marketing.

Interested in learning more? PLMA's University Outreach program, now in its sixth year and conducted during PLMA's Private Label Trade Show, November in Chicago, offers a curriculum that includes college-level courses on store brands development and marketing in the U.S. and internationally, the role of store brand manufacturers and of the chains who sell them, and consumer retail psychology, and also provides a directed tour of nearby stores with superlative private brand programs.

What makes the University Outreach program so unique is the mentorship phase, which connects each enrolled student one on one with an exhibiting manufacturer for a part of the day as well as an opportunity to shadow a buyer for a period of time as strategic business conversations are conducted.

Here's what a student participant and a college advisor said about the University Outreach program.

“Overall, I thought it was a very informative experience. I went into it without knowing much about private label. I did not understand how large the event would be or how retailers procure their products. It was cool to see that they buy products from many sources which as a consumer you do not always understand. Finally, I really enjoyed learning how and why the quality of private label is high and will take that into consideration when shopping myself.”

“The University Outreach program has always been the most coveted experience for my students. Several have described it as transformative. It has served to help them find their passion and even embark on a career path. My University Outreach graduates have been subsequently hired by great companies like Clorox, Rich Products, Rosina, Wegmans and Tops just to name a few, and that's the ultimate goal of the PLMA program."