The spelling of the word "own brand" is straight-forward once you are familiar with the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription. "Own" is pronounced [oʊn], using the diphthong "ow" as in "cow". "Brand" is pronounced [brænd], with the "a" sound as in "cat". Together, the two words form a compound noun that refers to the branding of a product that is made and sold by a particular retailer. This term has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more companies strive to create and promote their own unique brands.
Own brand, also commonly referred to as private label, is a term primarily used in the retail industry to denote products that are specifically manufactured and sold under the name and branding of the retailer themselves, rather than being produced and marketed by a separate manufacturer or brand. In other words, own brand products are exclusive to a particular retailer and cannot be found under any other label.
Retailers create their own brand to offer consumers an alternative to well-established national brands. These products are often offered at a lower price point compared to branded items, providing customers with more affordable choices. The retailer takes responsibility for the entire production process, from sourcing and manufacturing to packaging and marketing. This level of control allows retailers to dictate the quality, design, and price of their own brand products.
Although own brand items were once associated with lower quality, many retailers today have successfully built their reputation around the quality and value of their own brand offerings. These products often strive to match, or even surpass, the quality of national brands, enticing customers to choose their own brand over the more expensive alternatives.
Own brand products can be found in various retail categories, including groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing, and cosmetics, among others. The development and expansion of own brand lines have become an essential strategy for retailers to differentiate themselves in a competitive market and boost their profitability.
The term "own brand" originated from the combination of two words: "own" and "brand".
1. Own: This term has its roots in Old English "āgen" or "egen", which meant "one's own" or "personal". Over time, it evolved into "own" in Middle English and has retained its meaning of possession or belonging to oneself.
2. Brand: The word "brand" originated from the Old Norse word "brandr", which meant "to burn". It was initially used to refer to the practice of marking livestock by burning a distinct mark onto their skin. Over time, it evolved to include any mark or label used to distinguish products or services.
The phrase "own brand" appeared as a combination of these two words, defining a product or range of products that are manufactured or produced by a particular company and sold under the company's own name or label.