Case study · 01

CBK × Walmart Holiday Packaging

Client-requested retail packaging for Christmas by Krebs at Walmart — packaging dielines created from scratch, built from their guidance and product requirements (including How2Recycle and JUMP). Christmas by Krebs was the creative point their teams used to direct other Christmas vendors.

PackagingRetailPre-PressCompliance
CBK × Walmart Holiday Packaging
How2Recycle · JUMP · Dielines from scratch · Vendor-direction standard

Overview

This work started the way all of my client projects do: with a request. Christmas by Krebs and the Walmart seasonal program needed packaging that would clear retailer requirements and still read clearly on shelf — hangtags, multi-count boxes, bins, PDQs, and secondary packaging for glass and shatterproof programs.

Within that ecosystem, Christmas by Krebs was the creative point their teams used to direct other Christmas vendors. CBK packaging and presentation standards informed how the broader seasonal vendor mix was guided. Designing for CBK meant working at that level of clarity and consistency.

I created all packaging dielines from scratch, then applied brand hierarchy, bilingual panels where required, barcode/legal zones, How2Recycle paths by construction type, and JUMP certification workflow through print-ready release.

At a glance Christmas by Krebs · Walmart · Holiday Time · American Pride
Packaging design (dielines from scratch), production art, pre-press

Recent related work: As a freelance designer for Gerson Companies, I handled packaging for both the Hobby Lobby and Walmart programs for the 2025 season—work completed in 2024 for 2025 product on shelf. Both accounts approved all versions during the first client review. During the Gerson engagement I supported training and handoff to Gerson teams, building their capability to independently complete future projects with Krebs clients absorbed through Gerson’s acquisition of Krebs.

Christmas by Krebs deliveries (product and packaging programs) continued through 2023. Like all of my work, this started from a client request—built to their specs when provided, or to specifications I defined when they weren’t. Where structure was needed, packaging dielines were created from scratch. Final files carry my signature for production release.

  1. Client requestSKUs, counts, glass vs shatterproof, markets
  2. Guidance + descriptionAdaptation forms, mock guides, paperboard rules
  3. Dielines from scratchHangtags, boxes, bins, PDQs, tearaways
  4. How2RecycleCorrect label path by construction
  5. JUMPCertification alongside art
  6. ReleaseMockup, feedback, print-ready files

Process & deliverables

WM2024 4-count USA box — dieline created from scratch.
WM2024 4-count USA box — dieline created from scratch.
American Pride tearaway retail — original dieline + art.
American Pride tearaway retail — original dieline + art.
WM2024 shatterproof bin mockup.
WM2024 shatterproof bin mockup.
Seasonal adaptation form (Krebs) — the written request.
Seasonal adaptation form (Krebs) — the written request.
Holiday mock guide — structural standard.
Holiday mock guide — structural standard.
Paperboard guidance — construction rules before art locks.
Paperboard guidance — construction rules before art locks.
Holiday Time department guidance reference.
Holiday Time department guidance reference.
How2Recycle guidelines for Walmart private-brand suppliers.
How2Recycle guidelines for Walmart private-brand suppliers.
H2R sign-up visual guide for suppliers.
H2R sign-up visual guide for suppliers.
How2Recycle label request supplier handout.
How2Recycle label request supplier handout.
Construction scenario: paper tag + plastic wrap.
Construction scenario: paper tag + plastic wrap.
Construction scenario: paper box + plastic window.
Construction scenario: paper box + plastic window.

Outcome

A multi-touchpoint packaging system that matched client intent, retailer rules (How2Recycle and JUMP), and production reality — dielines built from scratch; CBK held as the creative standard for other Christmas vendors.

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Christmas by Krebs Brand Packaging SystemsAmerican Pride Retail PackagingDisney × Krebs PackagingDisney Cruise Line PackagingBronner’s Christmas Wonderland OrnamentsHobby Lobby · Robert Stanley Packaging