Is Your Forecast Ready for the Next Viral Trend?

Trying to predict demand in a world where social media trends exist.

Greetings Vendorville,

If there’s one thing suppliers know by now, it’s that social media trends don’t care about your carefully crafted demand forecast. One minute your product is cruising along with predictable sales, and the next—it’s viral, shelves are empty, and your replenishment team is scrambling like it’s Black Friday.

While we can’t predict the next overnight sensation (looking at you, Stanley cups), here in Vendorville, we can help you stay ahead of demand shifts.

Beyond the Internet: What Else Impacts Demand?

📉Seasonality Swings: A time when demand naturally fluctuates (Pumpkin Spice in fall, pool floats in summer). Keep an eye on forecast trends to plan ahead for peak seasons.
🚚Supply Chain Disruptions: If Walmart’s Order Forecast suddenly drops, it might not be demand—it could be a shipping delay or inventory backlog at the DC.
🏷Price Changes & Rollbacks: A sudden Rollback or promotion can spike sales. If you see a forecasted jump, check if Walmart has discounted your item (before they send you a chargeback).

Whether TikTok turns your SKU into the next must-have item, Walmart adjusts orders based on seasonality, pricing, supply chain shifts, or a sudden OTIF nightmare, having the right data (and knowing how to use it) makes all the difference.

How to Stay Ahead

Spot a Trend Before It Hits

If the final forecast for Each Quantity is trending up, it means that demand is rising, and it is time to check if your inventory and replenishment plans have been adjusted accordingly. If it’s dropping, Walmart may be forecasting a slowdown, which means that you should adjust and notify production so that you are not stuck with excess stock.

Time Your Shipments to Avoid OTIF Issues

Scheduled Arrival Date tells you when Walmart expects inventory to arrive. If you are using Scintilla’s Charter plan, suppliers can get even more granular with Need Ship Date and Need Arrival Date to avoid OTIF fines and keep replenishment running smoothly.

Make Use of Walmart’s Scintilla Reports

Suppliers have access to two key datasets in Scintilla that help anticipate shifts in demand:

Store Demand Forecast: Walmart's best guess on what customers will buy in stores over the next 104 weeks.
Order Forecast: What Walmart plans to order from suppliers to keep up with that demand.

With these reports, you’ll have the insights needed to prepare for demand shifts—whether they’re seasonal, predictable, or caused by the latest social media craze.

Learn how to pull demand forecasts and more with SupplierWiki’s newly released eBook, “How to Pull Reports in Scintilla.” 📚

That’s right. You do have an awesome product. With Walmart’s demand forecasts, smart replenishment strategies, and a pulse on shifting trends, you can keep shelves stocked, orders flowing, and customers happy.

So keep that momentum going, and we’ll see you at the top! 🚀

Retailer News 🗞️

Henkel Divests Retailer Brands Business | Consumer Goods

“Henkel is selling its retailer brands business in North America, which includes detergent, fabric finisher and dishwashing categories, as part of its larger portfolio optimization strategy.”

Walmart Cuts Some Corporate Jobs, Will Close North Carolina Office | Retail Dive

“The retailer is asking some of its employees to relocate to offices in Arkansas or California as it works to return more staff to in-person teams.”

‘Gulf of America’ arrives on Google Maps | CNN Business

“Google said last month it would also change the name of Mount McKinley, the nation’s highest peak.”

Rick’s Tips💡

“Deductions happen—but lost revenue doesn’t have to. Staying on top of chargebacks, shortages, and compliance fines is key to keeping your cash flow in check. Keep an eye on those deduction codes, dispute any errors ASAP, and continuously look for trends because if it keeps happening, there’s probably a bigger issue.

The best way to protect your bottom line? Have a proactive deductions management strategy that keeps your bottom line intact.”

Let’s Circle Back 🐾

If there’s one thing that’s as unpredictable as demand forecasting, it’s our pets. One minute, your dog acts like they can’t hear you, and the next, they become a professional obedience champion when food is involved.

So, in honor of National Love Your Pet Day, here’s a forecast breakdown—but for your furry CEO of household chaos:

Dogs: Will demand 500% more belly rubs than yesterday. Replenish accordingly.

Cats: Demand for affection: Highly unpredictable. Will request pets, then immediately regret it.

Goldfish: Will forget their demand within 3 seconds.

Moral of the story? Predicting demand—whether for inventory or your pets—is an art, not a science.

Happy National Love Your Pet Day! Give your pet an extra cuddle and treat (and maybe forecast a few more). 🐕🐈🐾

Until Next Time,

Vendorville ♥️