House brand is a term used to describe a product that is sold under a particular retailer's name, rather than an established brand name. The pronunciation of "house brand" is /haʊs brænd/, with the "ou" in "house" pronounced as the diphthong /aʊ/, and the "a" in "brand" pronounced as a short /æ/. It is important to spell and pronounce this term correctly, as it is frequently used in the retail industry to distinguish between private label products and those manufactured by other companies.
A "house brand" refers to a range of products that are marketed and sold under a specific name or label by a retailer or an organization exclusively associated with that entity. Sometimes known as private label, own brand, or store brand, a house brand is designed to establish a distinct identity for a company and to offer consumers an alternative to well-known national brands. The products under a house brand are typically manufactured by a third-party supplier or producer for the retailer rather than being produced by the retailer themselves.
House brands are usually characterized by their lower price compared to national brands, as they cut out the cost associated with advertising and marketing, which is often borne by the national brands. This pricing strategy makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking value for their money. While house brands may not have the same level of recognition as national brands, they often deliver comparable quality and are subject to strict quality control standards to maintain consistency.
House brands are commonly found across a wide range of product categories including food items, clothing, electronics, household goods, and more. Retailers often leverage their house brand as a means to differentiate themselves from their competitors and create customer loyalty by offering products that are perceived as exclusive and of good quality. House brands may also allow retailers to have greater control over pricing and profit margins, as they are not reliant on the pricing decisions of external national brands.
The term "house brand" is formed by combining the words "house" and "brand".
The word "house" dates back to Old English, where it was spelt as "hūs". Its etymology can be traced to the Proto-Germanic word "hūs", meaning "dwelling, shelter". This ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*keus-", which means "to cover" or "to hide". Over time, the word "house" has evolved to refer to a building or structure where people live.
The word "brand" originates from Old English as well, where it was written as "brand". It is thought to have come from the Old Norse word "brandr", meaning "burning, firebrand". In its original sense, the term referred to a burning piece of wood or a torch.