Effective August 1st, 2022 Apparel suppliers using 1WorldSync’s Item Management Discovery (IMD) will automatically transition to 1WorldSync’s Vendor Item Portal (VIP). This will both simplify the onboarding process and provide additional support resources.
How will this simplify the onboarding process?
When submitting items through 1WorldSync it will no longer be necessary to publish items to discovery, wait for a Kroger associate to request those items, then proceed with full submission to Kroger. Users will now be able to submit directly from 1WorldSync VIP to Kroger.
What are the changes to support?
After the conversion to VIP, the primary contact for support will be the Kroger Supplier Engagement Group (SEG) @ 1-844-277-6165. This is a direct connection with Kroger associates who specifically focus on item onboarding through VIP as well as providing support for the Kroger Supplier Hub.
Will I still need to contact 1WorldSync support?
Although 1Worldsync is still committed to providing item onboarding support, the SEG should be your primary contact for this purpose. However, if you utilize 1WorldSync as your GDSN data provider, the SEG may direct you to 1WorldSync for support on how to update those GDSN-owned attributes. Also, 1WorldSync will still be the primary contact for account management or subscription/fee inquiries.
When should I contact the Kroger category manager?
In the context of 1Worldsync/VIP, the Kroger category manager should only be contacted for the purpose of determining assortment, product classification/family tree or the event type (i.e., sales plan, seasonal, basic stock). The category manager should not be contacted for instruction on how to use 1Worldsync/VIP as they don’t utilize these systems. Please reach out directly to SEG @ 1-844-277-6165.
What if SEG is not able to resolve my problem?
If SEG cannot resolve an issue, please provide the ticket#, support staff name, and date/time of the call and communicate that information to the Kroger category manager. This information is needed to escalate the issue. If the information is not provided, they will direct you back to the SEG.
What are my next steps?
Starting July 31st, Discovery will be disabled for all current users.
Apparel suppliers utilizing 1WorldSync Item Management (IM) for GDSN should continue to use IM to submit a full item to Kroger upon request by the Category Manager and complete the Kroger attribute top-off in Kroger VIP.
Apparel suppliers currently not utilizing IM or VIP should contact 1WorldSync to get set up. You can contact 1WorldSync at 866.280.4013 Option 2, Option 2 or send an email to businessdevelopment@1worldsync.com
