Manufacturing consultant Jen Hegeman explores the essentials of white-label and private-label product development, providing actionable advice for brands navigating the complexities of launching their own product lines.

WESA Retail Roundup June 25, 2026:

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook grou
• Guest: Jen Hegeman from Jen X Designs
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association

Time Stamps:

• 00:55 – Jen and Gamble the raccoon
• 03:16 – White label explained
• 05:13 – Private label overview
• 07:50 – Why volume and materials matter
• 08:08 – Case for in-house manufacturing
• 10:36 – Protecting innovation and IP
• 10:45 – Equine-safe materials vs human foams
• 13:22 – What products brands want to make
• 14:24 – Hidden costs and sampling realities
• 18:29 – COVID-era U.S. manufacturing story
• 21:19 – State of American cut-and-sew
• 23:06 – IP theft and enforcement limits
• 28:44 – How retailers find white-label options
• 31:37 – Inventory, color strategy, and close