Heather Reid, Director of Education Canada and Accounting Insights at 8th & Walton, joins 3-Minute Insights to discuss the importance of Walmart Canada’s Supplier Information Manual.
Lainie: What is the Walmart Canada Supplier Information Manual, and why should suppliers be aware of it?
Heather: Excellent question — it’s something I get asked all the time. This manual is essential for Walmart Canada suppliers because, unlike in the U.S., we don’t have the Walmart Supplier Academy.
The Supplier Information Manual houses everything you need to know about doing business with Walmart Canada — from accounting and tax details to distribution center information, shipping labels, and more. Recently, Walmart Canada posted an update about it in their Announcements section, and that’s important because those posts typically disappear after 30 days. Once that happens, it can be hard to find again.
So, my advice: bookmark the Supplier Information Manual. Make it your number one reference tool.
Lainie: What sections of the manual would you say are most critical for suppliers to review, especially if they want to build a strong relationship with their Walmart Canada buyer?
Heather: There are two key sections — the Replenishment section and the Distribution section.
The Replenishment section includes links to programs like the Fill Rate Program and the VIP Program, which explain Walmart’s compliance expectations and potential fines. The Distribution section helps you identify your type—whether you’re shipping to a perishable, regional, or high-velocity distribution center.
Within those guides, there’s also information about the Inbound Compliance Program, which is similar to the Supplier Quality Excellence Program in the U.S. It outlines what’s expected of suppliers when shipping to different distribution centers and, more importantly, how to avoid fines.
Lainie: That’s really helpful. Do you have any additional tips or other resources suppliers should know about to make the most of the manual?
Heather: My number one tip: read the manuals. They clearly lay out Walmart’s expectations and can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in compliance fines. If you can prevent unnecessary costs, why wouldn’t you?
I also recommend checking out two other resources: the Item File Templates (Canada) and the Replenishment Solutions under Docs. These include information on cost changes, spreadsheets for item management, onboarding guidance, and even details about the Helios Program, which lets you extend your Must Arrive By dates.
