When a supplier partners with 8th & Walton through our PathFinders Gold program, they gain more than consulting support — they gain an experienced team dedicated to digging deeper, uncovering new opportunities, and helping them build stronger relationships with Walmart.
Recently, one of our Gold-level clients — a supplier in the seasonal accessories category — partnered with 8th & Walton expert Sean Presley to take their planning to a new level. Their story shows how looking beyond the sales forecast can turn local insights into real, actionable advantages at the shelf.
Seeing Seasonality Differently
The supplier’s products, primarily sold during summer months, follow clear seasonal trends. Sunglasses and related accessories sell best when the weather’s warm and travel is high. But Sean saw a deeper opportunity: What if the team could identify specific events — large or small — that drive short-term spikes in demand?
Ye aWorking closely with the supplier’s Walmart team, Sean began to look at micro-seasonality — sales peaks linked to travel patterns, festivals, and regional events that draw crowds to key areas.
For example, while national sales were steady during early spring, Sean found that stores near coastal and vacation regions saw dramatic spikes during spring break weeks. By analyzing item-level and store-level data, he identified precisely where demand doubled — and where inventory ran out.
Event Planning as a Sales Strategy
That insight led to a larger conversation about event-based planning. Sean helped the supplier identify several high-impact regional events, such as outdoor festivals and sporting events, and analyze how each one affected nearby Walmart stores.
Using store-level purchase order data, Sean mapped which stores saw spikes, which items were moving fastest, and where replenishment lagged behind. His analysis revealed that certain locations were selling out early in the event week — leaving missed opportunities on the table.
By sharing this data and the story behind it, the supplier could proactively collaborate with Walmart’s replenishment and merchant teams, ensuring the right inventory arrived ahead of demand. For a category that might otherwise be overlooked during busy seasons, this kind of preparation built both sales and credibility.
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Building Credibility Through Partnership
As Sean explains, “It’s not just about forecasting anymore. Suppliers who take the time to understand the why behind their data — and connect it to real-world events — earn Walmart’s trust.”
The supplier now has a repeatable playbook to identify similar opportunities, and their internal team is learning how to apply the same data-driven approach across other accounts. Even more importantly, this kind of collaboration strengthens their standing with Walmart by showing they’re not just reacting to orders — they’re anticipating customer needs.
PathFinders Gold: Going Beyond the Basics
This work reflects what our PathFinders Gold clients receive: deep analysis, proactive guidance, and a partner who knows Walmart from the inside out. Gold-level support allows 8th & Walton experts to look past surface data and help clients create business strategies grounded in real-world insights — whether that’s optimizing for seasonal sales, enhancing in-stock performance, or building stronger buyer relationships.
Sean’s event-based analysis is just one example of how the PathFinders program helps suppliers turn complexity into clarity — and everyday sales into growth opportunities.
Why It Matters
At 8th & Walton, we’re proud to partner with suppliers who share our belief that smart, sustainable business practices lead to long-term success. As a Certified B Corporation, we’re committed to advancing equity, sustainability, and partnership throughout the supplier community.
Our work with this seasonal accessories client shows that growth isn’t just about data — it’s about using insights to make better decisions, build trust, and serve customers more effectively.
To see how data-driven collaboration can drive both sustainability and category growth, read our recent case study:
Ocean’s Halo and Walmart: A Partnership Driving Category Growth →
Ready for Expert Support Built Around Your Walmart Goals?
If you want clearer insights, stronger planning, or a partner who understands Walmart from the inside, we’re here to help. Complete the form below and tell us what you’re working toward. Our team will review your needs and follow up with practical recommendations on where we can support you most effectively, whether it’s strategy, analysis, training, or advisory.
