Data & Insights
Walmart Forecasting: A Vendor’s Guide to GRS, Supply Plan & Demand
Walmart forecasting helps vendors predict seasonality, promotional demand, and ordering trends so products stay in stock. For Walmart and Sam’s Club suppliers, forecasting runs through the Global Replenishment Solutions system (GRS), which archives roughly two years of sales data to inform planning.
Updated: June 2026
What Is GRS (Global Replenishment Solutions)?
GRS is Walmart’s replenishment and forecasting system. It stores about two years of historical sales data and uses it to project future demand, forming the foundation of a supplier’s forecast planning.
Supply Plan vs Demand Forecast: What’s the Difference?
Two forecasts matter to vendors: the Supply Plan reflects anticipated supplier orders (what Walmart expects to order from you), while the Demand Forecast reflects projected customer sales (what shoppers are expected to buy). Both are directional planning tools not guaranteed orders, so decisions about equipment, raw materials, and staffing should be made with that caveat in mind.
When Walmart Forecasting Matters Most
Forecasting is especially important during new product launches, modular transitions, promotions and holiday periods, assortment selection, item deletions, and routine weekly orders.
How to Improve Walmart Forecast Accuracy
Accuracy improves when vendors align production timing to the Supply Plan, communicate early with replenishment and merchant teams about launches and seasonality, and review forecast vs. actuals weekly to catch drift. OCM helps with all three.
Walmart Forecasting FAQs
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Are Walmart forecasts guaranteed orders? No, they’re directional tools; actual orders can differ.
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How far back does the data go? GRS archives roughly two years of sales history.
How OCM Supports Your Walmart Forecasting
OCM is a Walmart replenishment and demand-planning expert. We translate GRS forecast data into clear, vendor-friendly views and stay in contact with Walmart and Sam’s Club merchant teams to help you prepare for launches, seasonal shifts, and promotions.