Walmart to Streamline In-Store Merchandisers

Walmart has narrowed the number of companies able to manage supplier displays and other services in its U.S. stores to five partners, according to a report from Arkansas news website talkbusiness.net citing an internal memo. Here are the highlights:Why the change?An extension of the retailer's "one best way" overhaul, the shift is intended to give Walmart more control over its store environment and follows various changes the retailer has been implementing across its store operations — most recently, narrowing requirements for "On Time In Full" deliveries that took effect on Aug. 1.As more third-party in-store merchandising companies emerge, Walmart wants to centralize the planning process and establish standard operating procedures that follow its agenda regarding tasks such as modular resets and display installation, seasonal program execution, P-O-S placements, stocking, and availability.Who was selected?After conducting a request for proposal, Walmart approved five companies to continue working in its stores: Anderson Merchandisers, Crossmark, Acosta, Premium and SAS Retail Services. (Advantage Solutions will still handle in-store retailtainment and demos.)How will it work?Walmart and the aforementioned partners will establish ranges of service costs, and merchandisers will be trained to work specifically at Walmart — not performing assignments at competitors.What does it mean for manufacturers?"The program will benefit Walmart and our suppliers by enabling better coordination with stores, improving the quality and consistency of the work being performed by representatives and enabling our store associates to more effectively complete activities and better serve the needs of our customers," Bratspies noted in the memo, according to TB&P.However, the change could negatively affect smaller suppliers used to working with local consultants that can't afford the big-name companies Walmart has selected. Suppliers that employ in-house merchandisers can continue to do so, but first must comply with Walmart's new protocols and best practices, and obtain certification for the retailer's new digital platform.When will the change go into effect?The new protocols go into effect on Sept. 1. Third-party merchandisers have until Jan. 1, 2018, to fully transition out of the business, and will not be authorized to perform merchandising services in Walmart stores beginning Feb. 1, 2018.Where will the change apply?The changes will apply across all of Walmart's U.S. stores. Sister chain Sam's Club is not included in the scope of the program.

P2PI MEMBERS

JOIN P2PI

You May Also Like

Turkish E-Commerce Platform Relaunches Retail Media Network

Report: Marketers More Enthusiastic About Retail Media