Ultimate Guide to Walmart RRP Retail Ready Packaging Standards – PDQ Displays

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Table of Contents

Exit Strategy

Having an exit strategy for SRP/PDQ displays is necessary and actually begins in the design phase Design displays with right-sizing in mind, and focus on using recyclable materials whenever possible in order to support Walmart’s commitment to sustainability.

  • After product begins selling down, the product remaining in the trays or small bins can be combined and condensed to a smaller display or on store shelves.
  • After determining what style of structure will be used, designers should explore various methods of displaying the products throughout the life of the display, allowing multiple configurations using the same components.
  • Consider using stacked trays or small stacked bins within the initial full pallet display design.
  • All displays must be approved for store recyclability and able to be disassembled by store associates. If a display is approved by Walmart to contain non-corrugated and/or mixed materials, there must be end-of-life details in the proposal by the Supplier that include Supplier responsibility for the exit process and the related costs for the display to be managed responsibly at the end of the life cycle.
Exit Strategy Walmart PDQ Displays

PDQ Display Rules

The following rules have been developed to help Suppliers design the most effective PDQ display for the Walmart store environment.

Rule 1 – Deliver The Message

Messages featured on PDQ displays must be tailored to deliver an impact The message must be clear, concise, and effectively engage the customer through education, inspiration, or demonstration It must address a customer need and complement Walmart’s tone and voice.

Tips for designing a successful PDQ display:

Rule 1 – Deliver The Message Walmart PDQ Displays
  • Keep message short and simple.
  • Immediately engage customer
  • Illustrate value to the customer.
  • Clearly display Walmart price and product description.

Rule 2 – Structural Integrity

A PDQ display must be designed and built to withstand the rigors of the retail environment, including customer interaction, throughout the duration of its life on the sales floor This requires close attention to the strength and durability of materials and components used Safety is a priority for both customers and employees.

Tips for designing a safe, durable PDQ display:

  • Design within recommended and/or required specifications.
  • Keep safety in mind during design, installation and tear down.
  • Match materials and manufacture processes to Supply Chain performance requirements.
  • Use only hardware that has been determined to be the safest and most effective option. When used correctly, internal hardware components can simplify a display and increase overall strength When used incorrectly, they could cause display failure.
  • Testing is recommended to ensure durability through Supply Chain and life cycle of the display ISTA testing is required for any display unit over 500 lbs.
  • Build display with 100% corrugated materials when possible to support Walmart’s dedication to sustainability.
  • Palletized displays must be produced with a minimum of 200# Mullen Board grade.

Rule 3 – Clear Price Impression

Walmart uses a Goal Post Price Sign to clearly communicate price to customers throughout the store. All PDQ pallet displays must include an effective, built-in method for holding a Goal Post Price Sign.

Tips for building a Walmart price-compliant PDQ display:

Rule 3 – Clear Price Impression Walmart PDQ Displays
  • All PDQ pallet displays must be clearly marked “Insert goal post here” so that store associates know where to the place the Goal Post Price Sign.
  • Design the display so that a goal post pole fits within the body of the display or attaches to the display.

Rule 4 – Manage Inventory Turnover

Inventory turnover ratio is a measure of the number of times total store inventory is sold within a specific time period. The equation for this ratio is the cost of goods sold divided by average inventory for the same time period.

This ratio is helpful in determining how quickly product is being sold, which then helps determine how much replacement inventory to bring in. In an ideal world, inventory would be replenished at the same rate at which it’s sold, thereby eliminating the need for storage.

Tips for more effectively managing inventory turnover:

Rule-4-–-Manage-Inventory-Turnover Walmart PDQ Displays
  • Keep inventory turnover ratios in mind when shipping merchandise to be sold in stores This helps keep stores from getting overloaded with excess inventory
  • Take a look at the previous year’s inventory levels by month in order to factor in seasonality when forecasting this year’s inventory needs.
  • Know which products are the top sellers in each department and stock accordingly.
  • Stay in touch with consumer shopping trends to ensure that inventory levels are
  • ready to meet demand.

Rule 5 – Maintain Clean Line of Sight

When looking down Action Alley, each PDQ pallet display must be the same height in order to create a clean line of sight By maintaining a consistent line of sight, stores will have a cleaner, more organized appearance which is appealing to customers.

Tips for maintaining a clean line of sight:

Rule-5-–-Maintain-Clean-Line-of-Sight
  • Design and build PDQ displays according to Walmart’s recommended standards and specifications This will ensure that all displays are of similar dimensions regardless of Supplier
  • Always include space for a Goal Post Price Sign to be inserted on the display unit
  • Ensure that product is secured on display and cannot be easily knocked onto the floor.
  • Refrain from designing displays that have extra pieces sticking out into the aisles

PDQ Pallet Displays

PDQ pallet displays are used to promote products and quickly merchandise a larger volume of product in Action Alley and specialty locations around the store PDQ pallet displays ship to stores fully assembled and fully stocked.

  • Quarter pallets and floor-stand displays are not acceptable display formats in Walmart stores

PDQ Pallet Display (In-store Execution)

  • Pallet displays must provide adequate protection during shipping and at store level.
  • Store labor must be reduced to a minimum.
  • Displays are NOT ALLOWED to be stapled or glued to pallets Refer to Supply Chain Standards.
  • Pallet displays must be designed for efficient use of space Empty air space is required to not exceed 15% of the display.
PDQ Pallet Displays Types

PDQ Display | Side Support Slots

Side Support Slots

PDQ displays are often moved from their shipping pallet onto a black stack base while in store to improve the overall store appearance. The side support slot is a bottom tray enhancement recommended only for that may be transferred off a shipped pallet onto a black stack base. Some wood pallets mayget damaged in transit to the stores Having side support slots helps store associates to securely move displays, avoid damaging product, and remove possible trip hazards and broken pallets.

For Half Pallet Displays Only

Side Support Slots are recommended, but not required. The store managers will more than likely have all half pallet displays moved off of the wood pallet that they were shipped on, onto a stack base in-store.

Side Support Slots For Half Pallet Displays Only

Side Support Slots help to prevent damaging the display and/or product when they are moved. If Side Support Slots are used, it is critical that side support slots be incorporated into the structure of the bottom tray as well as the side walls of the display Access holes must fold into display walls for increased strength and support when moving displays.

PDQ Display | No Exposed Pallet Edges

PDQ displays that are shipped on a wooden pallet are required to cover the entire top of the pallet, with no exposed edges.

PDQ-Display-No-Exposed-Pallet-Edges

For PDQ displays that are designed with eight sides for strength, such a the gaylord bulk bins below, it is recommended to print
additional cautionary markings on all four edges to help prevent trip hazards
A full lid is required to be used on all full pallet bulk bins or dump bins as shown left.

PDQ Pallet Display Header

Pallet displays may include a header for branding, marketing, and/or pricing 8″ is the maximum height for a header

Goal Post Price Sign with Header

When a header is used with a Goal Post Price Sign the header must be easy to set up, and not cover up the Goal Post Price Sign.

Goal Post Price Sign without Header

There will be a 9″ gap from the top of the display to the bottom of the Goal Post Price Sign when a header is not present.

Goal Post Price Sign

Goal Post Price Sign Requirements

All PDQ pallet displays must include a built-in, effective method for holding a Goal Post Price Sign. Vendors or Suppliers are responsible for supplying a complete PDQ pallet display that would include a means of securing a goal post pole.

Goal post pole size

Outside diameter is 13/16″ to 1″.

Goal post pole location

Design the display so that a goal post pole fits in the center of full pallet displays or attaches to half pallet displays If the goal post fixture is not properly secured it could fall or gouge the sales floor.

  • All PDQ pallet displays must be clearly marked “Insert goal post here” so store associates know where to place the Goal Post Price Sign.

PDQ Display – False Bottoms and Risers

False Bottom Displays

A false bottom is an air cavity that lifts the product higher above the floor level and is supported by internal corrugated components. Displays with large false bottoms do not maximize the selling space and can easily fail during shipment.

  • Smaller false bottoms may be necessary in certain scenarios to help maximize the display height. False bottom displays require pre-approval from the Walmart Retail Ready Packaging team.
  • Displays with a 50% or larger false bottom are unacceptable.

False Bottom Risers (Dump Bins)

A false bottom riser is used inside the cavity of dump bin displays to lift smaller products up so that customers won’t have to reach down into the bin.

  • False bottom risers are required for dump bin displays with smaller products.
  • Dump bins that are for larger products such as pillows or comforter sets, may not need a false bottom riser.

PDQ Half Pallet Displays

Half Pallet Sizes

• 48″ L x 20″ W
• 43″ maximum height
• 5″ tall wooden pallet

Shoppable Facings

The backside of a half pallet display will not be shoppable. This allows a half pallet display to back up to another half pallet display.

1 side shoppable

PDQ-Half-Pallet-Displays-1-Side-Shoppable

3 sides shoppable

Pricing (1 Walmart price sign per half pallet)

  • Walmart in its sole discretion determines the retail prices of products on pallet displays.
  • A Goal Post Price Sign must be used on all pallet displays to show the Walmart price point.
  • Half pallet displays must hold products that share a single Walmart price point.

PDQ Full Pallet Displays

Full Pallet Size

  • 48″ L x 40″ W
  • 43″ maximum height
  • 5″ tall wooden pallet

Shoppable Facings

2 sides shoppable

4 sides shoppable

Pricing (One Walmart price sign per pallet)

  • Walmart in its sole discretion determines the
    retail prices of products on pallet displays
  • A Goal Post Price Sign must be used on all pallet
    displays to showcase the Walmart price

PDQ Dump Bin Displays

Sizes

  • 48″ L x 40″ W – full pallet
  • 48″ L x 20″ W – half pallet
  • 43″ maximum height (not including 5″ pallet)
  • The front of basic dump bins will be 36″ in height
  • Dump bins with windows must be a minimum height of 25″ from bottom of the display to the knockout opening (not including 5″ pallet).

Goal Post Price Sign

Display Integrity

  • Basic half and full pallet dump bins must be constructed with built-in dividers for strength and to help prevent bowing and rounding out of side walls.
  • Dump bins with windows must include a knockout on at least one side to allow for easy access to the product. Taller dump bins with knockout windows are better suited for larger, light-weight items such as pillows or large plush product. Double wall corrugated board may be used in the construction, when necessary.
  • A bottom tray is required for all dump bins to help keep the overall structure contained and intact.
  • A full lid is required for all dump bin displays.

Dump bin (basic)

Dump Bin (window)

PDQ Stacked Trays

Stacking trays on a pallet is a common option for selling heavier, bulk items. This style of display allows store associates to consolidate the product and transition the trays to a smaller format or to a shelf by simply removing the empty trays as they sell down.

  • Provide strength for heavy product
  • Can merchandise a high volume of product.
  • Requires locking tabs for stability
  • Must be designed to fill a pallet, with no overhang and a maximum of 1″ underhang.
  • Must adhere to size requirement of 43″ maximum height (not including 5″ pallet).
  • Will be priced with a Goal Post Price Sign.

NOTE – Must maximize the volume of space allocated. For example, a 40″ x 48″ pallet must be filled from pallet base to height of the display unit. Do not exceed 15% air space in the center of the display unit.

PDQ Display Tray

A PDQ tray display is a small feature vehicle for quickly merchandising promotional products on a store shelf.

PDQ Tray Display Guidelines

  • PDQ trays can be designed to be stacked on a pallet or on a shelf, or placed side-by-side in the intended selling space.
  • PDQ trays ship in a single shipper. The shipper must provide adequate protection so that the
    PDQ tray and product arrives to the stores intact. Stadium style trays with a higher back panel
    and/or side panels that extend to the full height of the product can provide additional protection during shipment.
  • Merchandise must be contained safely and securely within a PDQ tray.
  • PDQ trays must be easy to shop by customers and easily restocked or moved by store associates
    without damaging the tray or merchandise.

PDQ Display Tray Sizing

PDQ Display Tray Sizing Guidelines

  • Shelf Compatibility:
    • The combined width of all PDQ display trays used on a single shelf must be 1/2 inch less than the actual shelf width. This is crucial to prevent damage from the side support brackets present on all store shelves.
  • Depth and Weight Specifications:
    • Maximum depth for PDQ trays: 14 inches
    • Maximum weight capacity for PDQ trays: 50 lbs
PDQ-Display-Tray-Sizing

Tray Dimensions for Specific Shelf Sizes

  • 48″ Width x 14″ Depth (Side Counters and End Caps):
    • Avoid using a single 48-inch wide PDQ tray.
    • Recommended configuration: Two trays of 23.75 inches each, totaling 47.5 inches (1/2 inch less than shelf width).
  • 36″ Width x 14″ Depth (End Caps):
    • Use one tray of 35.5 inches wide or two trays of 17.75 inches each, summing to 35.5 inches (1/2 inch less than shelf width).
  • 30″ Width x 14″ Depth (4-Way and End Caps):
    • Use one tray of 29.5 inches wide or two trays of 14.75 inches each, totaling 29.5 inches (1/2 inch less than shelf width).
  • 24″ Width x 14″ Depth (Cosmetic End Caps):
    • Use one tray of 23.5 inches wide (1/2 inch less than shelf width).

PDQ Sidekick Displays

A PDQ sidekick display is a compact, lightweight display that is designed to be space efficient and easy to set up. It is intended for impulse buying PDQ sidekicks hang inside a wire frame fixture, usually located at the end of an aisle, on the left-hand side of an end cap (facing the end cap). Actual placement will vary by store.

PDQ-Sidekick-Displays

PDQ Sidekick Specifications

FeatureSpecification
Maximum Width14 inches
Maximum Depth5 inches (with product bin opened)
Height Options24 inches or 48 inches
Peg Hook Length4 inches maximum

Maximum Weights

  • 24″ Sidekick: Supports up to 25 lbs
  • 48″ Sidekick: Supports up to 50 lbs

Headers and Graphic Panels

  • Headers or graphic panels should be integrated into the sidekick design, eliminating the need for additional assembly.

Integrity and Durability

  • Rolled Edges: Both pegged product and shelf-style PDQ sidekicks must feature rolled edges. This enhances strength and overall display aesthetics.
  • Secured Products: PDQ sidekicks with products on hooks must be properly secured and tested to withstand shipment.
  • Full Load Testing: Ensure the sidekick display is fully loaded with merchandise to verify that it can sustain the product weight in-store.

PDQ Sidekick | Walmart Pricing

PDQ-Sidekick--Walmart-Pricing
  • Walmart in its sole discretion determines the retail prices of the products in displays.
  • Preferred placement of modular label is in the top right corner of PDQ sidekick.
  • All products in a PDQ sidekick display must be one Walmart price point.
  • When PDQ sidekick displays are hung within the wire frame fixture they will be priced with the in-store pricing sign on top of the wire frame.

PDQ Sidekick Hardware and Safety

PDQ Sidekick Display Hardware

Design and Hanging Requirements:

  • PDQ sidekicks must be designed to hang inside a standard PDQ sidekick wire frame.
  • Hanging hardware must be included in the PDQ sidekick shipper to ensure store associates can hang the display safely and securely.

Safety Considerations

  • PDQ sidekicks must securely hold products in place during shipping and at the store level.
  • To ensure structural integrity, each display must be tested while fully loaded with merchandise.

S-Clip Hardware

  • S-clips must be included with all PDQ sidekicks.
  • Several types of clips are available, and the weight of the sidekick loaded with merchandise must be considered when ordering clips.
  • It is crucial to design the PDQ sidekick display with S-clips positioned correctly. This ensures that when hung, the display fits within the sidekick wire frame.
  • Avoid using zip ties to hang PDQ sidekick displays.

PDQ Endcap Displays

When designing an end cap you should plan for a sidekick cage to be present next to the end cap.
If an end cap is designed to shop from the side, Suppliers run the risk of prices being obscured by the sidekick cage.

Dimensions and Size Specifications:

  • Maximum height: 70 inches
  • Maximum depth: 15 inches
  • Common widths: 35.5 inches and 47.5 inches (widths may vary by department; verify with your merchant for specific store locations)

Placement and Display Requirements:

  • Endcap displays must not extend beyond the base deck on any side.
  • All products on endcaps should face outward, rather than to the sides of the display. This enhances visibility and accessibility.

Pricing Consistency:

  • Endcap displays must adhere to a single Walmart price point for consistency and ease of shopping.

PDQ Endcap Displays (Cosmetics and Electronics)

Some end cap displays may require multiple Walmart prices. Check with your merchant.
When designing an end cap you should plan for a sidekick cage to be present next to the end cap. If an end cap is designed to shop from the side, Suppliers run the risk of prices being obscured by the sidekick cage.

General PDQ Endcap Display Guidelines

  • Placement and Orientation:
    • Endcap displays must not extend beyond the base deck on any side.
    • It is recommended that all products on endcaps face outward to improve visibility and customer engagement.
  • Pricing Consistency:
    • Endcap displays must adhere to a single Walmart price point, ensuring uniform pricing and simplicity for shoppers.
FeatureCosmetics PDQ Endcap DisplaysElectronics PDQ Endcap Displays
Maximum Height70″52″
Maximum Depth15″15″
Maximum Width23.5″ (specific to cosmetic end caps)35.5″

PDQ Endcap Display Security

Design and Installation:

  • Endcap displays must be designed to securely attach to the endcap fixture. Ensuring stability and safety is crucial to prevent accidents and maintain display integrity.

Securing Methods:

  • Proven methods for securing endcap displays include:
    • Zip Ties: Versatile and easy to use, providing a quick solution for securing displays.
    • Pegboard Clips: A reliable option for attaching displays to pegboard fixture

Inclusion of Hardware:

  • All necessary hardware for securing the display must be included with each shipment to the store. This ensures that store associates have the tools needed to install the displays safely and efficiently.

Toy Trend-pod PDQ Displays

Toy Trend-pod Strategy

  • Used for licensees/entertainment
  • Single-themed/branded event and single Supplier per display.
  • Display and tray sizes will vary as needed to support various products.
  • Display must have preprinted modular label for price impression on the tray or on the display.

Toy Trend-pod Safety

End cap displays must be securely attached to the fixture.

  • Display units should include side support slots for store associates to easily move on to base deck.

Pharmacy Line PDQ Bin Displays

Pharmacy Line PDQ Bin Displays

  • Material and Structure:
    • Constructed from corrugated material.
    • Four-sided design tapering in width towards the bottom.
    • Maximum dimensions:
      • Height: 32.5″
      • Widest diameter (top): 26″
      • Base diameter: 13.5″
  • Placement and Base:
    • Rest on top of the stanchion base to avoid damage from cart wheels and mopping.
    • Base diameter should not exceed the diameter of the bin base.
  • Stanchion Compatibility:
    • Hole through the center of the bin, running the full height of the display.
    • Must fit around pharmacy line stanchions (poles) with these dimensions:
      • Height: 40″
      • Diameter of pole: 3.25″
      • Base diameter: 14″
  • Product Display:
    • Can include corrugated dividers for up to 4 different product flavors or offerings.
    • All products must be at the same Walmart price point.
  • Testing Note:
    • Request a test fit with your PDQ manufacturer before mass production to ensure proper fit on the queue line stanchion and correct functioning of spiral numbers.

Walmart Pricing and Branding

  • Pricing Accommodation:
    • Bins must accommodate price spirals.
    • Slits or J-channels must fit 5.5″ spiral numbers.
    • Pricing placement should be on sides 1 and 3.
  • Branding Display:
    • Primary brand logo should be showcased on sides 2 and 4.

PDQ Display Shipping Fillers and Product Stops

To minimize damage and secure products during shipment, shipping fillers and/or product stops are required. Without properly designed shipping fillers, products can shift position and may not arrive to the store in good condition For PDQ displays with peg hooks, peg hook shipping fillers or product stops may be used to secure products. The display hook product stops shown can be purchased from kinter , siffron or equivelant source.

The examples shown below are just a few of the common types of corrugated shipping fillers used to protect and secure products during shipment. The actual size and styles of shipping fillers will vary based on PDQ design and product needs.

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