Company News

NOTICE: Wal-Mart Implements New Title Submission and Change Process

March 7th, 2008

March 7, 2008 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has implemented a new process for seeking authorizations, requesting cover price changes and making other Item file modifications (such as to Bipads and UPC codes). The retailer contracted Source Interlink to manage its magazine Itemfile, effective February 25th, and Wednesday evening announced the new process in the attached memorandum. In an email message, Buyer Christy Jenkins advised supply chain partners of a new willingness to direct wholesalers to shred unauthorized product, notwithstanding the company’s sustainability goal of a 50% sell-thru efficiency.

Wal-Mart’s new Item file process requires:

  • The submission of change requests at least 90 days before the start of the month during which the affected title will go on-sale
  • Written justification for desired changes, and
  • A new Item file submission each year for annuals. (Annual UPCs will be removed from the list 90 days after going off-sale.)

This extended timeline makes it unlikely that products requiring corrections to pricing and UPC errors at the printer will be delivered by Wal-Mart’s servicing wholesalers. In addition, in order to comply with the new timeline and still effectively represent your products, CMG must ask you to deliver to our Bentonville, Ark., office:

  • New title and other requests 13 weeks before the start of the month during which the title will go on-sale with at least five business days before new month begins.
  • Samples or mock-ups 14 weeks before the start of the month during which the title will go on-sale.

CMG has maintained a productive relationship with Wal-Mart for many years, in large measure by adhering to their rule, “no samples, no presentation, no authorization.” We look forward to your attention to these lead time requirement so that we can continue to grow our business in Wal-Mart stores.

Wal-Mart’s memo and a blank Item Submission Form are attached for your review. Please note that changes for products going on-sale in July are due in our Bentonville office by Tuesday, March 25th. Thank you.