Lainie: How can a simple, well-maintained ladder plan help suppliers manage new item launches and end-of-life inventory so they avoid out-of-stocks and heavy markdowns?
Sean: Yeah, I think ladder plans, it’s something that most new suppliers have no real knowledge about. The Ladder Plan. Walmart actually has a document they send to each supplier, and the supplier fills it out. The supplier and Walmart are on the same page regarding reviewing the internal inventory (the inventory Walmart owns), but it also provides a picture of what the supplier has available. With a new item launch, it tells Walmart, ” his is when I’m going to have product available, just so everyone’s on the same page.” So you’re not bringing in late product early. And the same thing with the end-of-season or end-of-life. It allows both sides to be able to plan the inventory down so no one’s left with the burden of overstocks or running out.
Are you a Walmart Supplier? Get in touch to schedule a free consultation:
