Kroger Supplies - Letter

[CommunityJedi22]

Dear Valued supplier,
Kroger’s business model has evolved to include multiple modalities making it necessary to
move our item onboarding to a process that supports the requirements and ensures the
consistency of the process across the enterprise. Kroger has begun the transition of the item
on-boarding process for Supplies to 1WorldSync’s Vendor Item Portal (VIP) platform. We have
partnered with 1WorldSync in the development of this platform to create a standardized item
submission process across the enterprise that captures the required attribution to support the
fusion between traditional brick and mortar operations, compliance requirements and our
digital presence in the retail industry.

You are being contacted because your company has been identified as having product stored in
one of our Distribution Centers. We are asking that you review the attached documentation
and begin the registration process now with 1WorldSync so that item submission through VIP
can begin. Please direct all registration and fee related questions to the 1WorldSync support
line provided in the documentation.

Once the transition to VIP is complete this will be the standard item onboarding process and
legacy methods of submission directly to the Supplies teams will not be accepted. Our goal is to
transition all of our Supplies suppliers to VIP in the coming months.
Kroger and 1WorldSync are dedicated to assisting you with successfully submitting your items
for use within the enterprise. Thank you for partnering with us on Vendor Item Portal to grow
your assortment with the Kroger family.

For questions regarding registration/fee structure call 1WorldSync: 1-866-280-4013
For item submission or Supplier Hub questions call Kroger Supplier Engagement: 1-844-277-6165
For product assortment questions call your Sourcing Category Manager

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this something new?
No. Kroger has utilized 1WorldSync VIP as the standard onboarding process for all departments for
many years. Supplies is one of the last departments to transition to this process.

Is this required?
Yes. All suppliers are being transitioned to 1WorldSync/VIP. Once transitioned that will be the standard
onboarding process for all item submissions going forward.

Why is this being done now?
As our business model has evolved to include multiple modalities, including digital, it is necessary to
move our item onboarding to a process that supports the requirements to enable them. This ensures
that the process is consistent across the enterprise and captures the required attribution and images
needed to showcase the products we sell.

Is there a cost associated with this service?
Yes. The subscription is based on your company’s annual purchases with Kroger. 1WorldSync will
provide this information during registration.

What if I only sell a few items to Kroger?
VIP will still be the standard onboarding process. Subscription fees are based on annual purchases, not
item count.

What about cost changes, pack changes, etc…?
Cost changes will continue to be managed through the current process and are not handled through VIP.

Will images be required for items?
Yes. All items submitted will be required to have images. Suppliers will need to register to enable Image
shadowing functionality. Information on Kroger’s Image Requirements and how to enable can be found
here.

Will suppliers need to register products with WERCSmart before submission?
Yes. All affected products sold to Kroger will have to be registered in WERCSmart to prevent delays with
item setup. Information on if your products are affected and how to register can be found here.

Does Kroger offer support?
Kroger has a dedicated staff specifically assigned to assist with VIP item entry and the Kroger Supplier
Hub. After registration and submitting items, the Kroger Supplier Engagement Group (SEG) should be
the primary contact for support (1-844-277-6165). For account and subscription related questions,
1WorldSync will be the primary contact. 

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Please visit www.1worldsync.com/Kroger and follow the “How to get started/Steps to Supplier Success”.
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
Kroger Landing Page (1WS)
1WS Kroger Training Resources
Kroger Supplier Data Item Responsibilities

Special instructions for supply items:
To ensure that the item submission is routed to the correct party within Kroger, supply items must be
submitted using Kroger class 159 MISCELLANEOUS TRANSACTIONS in the “Class Selection” area within
VIP. This will enable the ability to select a routing department. Select the routing department that
makes the most sense for the item (or select the department that was communicated by the Kroger
category manager).

Please post any questions you have below...