[February 12, 2013]

SymphonyIRI Partners with 8th & Walton to Offer Courses on Multi-Outlet Point-of-Sale Data

Walmart's recent decision to share its point-of-sale (POS) data with select research companies for the first time since 2001 has created numerous opportunities for suppliers, but also is causing significant uncertainty about how to maximize these opportunities. To address suppliers' questions, SymphonyIRI Group, Inc., a global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and healthcare companies, has partnered with 8^th & Walton, a Walmart supplier education and Retail Link training business, to offer courses that will educate suppliers on the use of Walmart and multi-outlet POS data. Classes began Jan. 15 and are open to all interested Walmart suppliers with approved access to multi-outlet POS data.

"In talking with our clients, it's evident that the renewed availability of Walmart's POS data is drastically impacting the marketplace," said Jeff Clapper, chief marketing officer, 8^th & Walton. "Many suppliers weren't ready for it and are now scrambling to invest in new hires and add Walmart data to their data sets. We're excited to offer this deep, pervasive training to help get attendees up-to-speed quickly and share SymphonyIRI's valuable insights."

SymponyIRI, which is one of only three research companies currently receiving POS data from Walmart, and 8^th & Walton each bring a unique, complementary perspective and authority to the supplier community. The collaborative trainings will be a great opportunity for suppliers to learn to leverage newly accessible data to meet Walmart's needs and move their business forward. 8^th & Walton and SymphonyIRI are teaching these courses in partnership, and classes will touch on diverse subjects, such as:

• Best practices for new multi-outlet POS data analysis and insights
• Leveraging the category management process to drive growth
• Building strategy through understanding shopper behavior

The partnership also includes SymphonyIRI's Data Detective workshop series, which is a set of interactive forums where attendees learn how to maximize the potential of SymphonyIRI retail sales scanner data and consumer and shopper household panel data. The workshop series focuses on how to apply best-practice data analysis techniques in real-world business issues and utilize actual examples of SymphonyIRI reports.

"SymphonyIRI considers training and professional development essential to the effective use of our solutions," said Bernhard Nann, president of Operations and Technology, SymphonyIRI. "By learning to get the most out of our sophisticated solutions, our clients maximize the value of the data and obtain deep, valuable insights efficiently. Collaborating with 8^th & Walton is another outstanding way for us to educate suppliers and help them foster better partnerships with retailers."

A webinar course on multi-outlet POS data will be held on March 1, 2013, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT (register here).

About 8^th & Walton

8th & Walton is a Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart supplier development company, which helps educate large and small suppliers in their efforts to do business better with the world's largest retailer. For more information, visit: http://www.8thandwalton.com.

About SymphonyIRI Group, Inc.

SymphonyIRI Group is a global leader in innovative solutions and services for the CPG, retail and healthcare industries. SymphonyIRI uniquely combines powerful market and shopper information, predictive analytics, flexible technology solutions and consulting services to help its clients drive and grow their businesses. For more information, visit: http://www.SymphonyIRI.com.

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