Walmart to provide gen merch data to NPD Group

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/6/2012 2:23:58 PM

Bentonville, Ark. - Walmart U.S. stores has signed an agreement with consumer research firm NPD Group to provide data for its general merchandise categories. The move comes seven months after Walmart signed a similar cooperation deal with Nielsen for packaged goods.

"This agreement is truly a game changer for NPD and for the industry," said NPD president and chief operating officer Karyn Schoenbart. "With Walmart data, we will be able to provide our clients with world class information and solidify our leadership position as the premier source of market insight in our industries."

NPD will analyze sales data from Walmart's U.S. stores as well as walmart.com. Categories covered in the agreement include home, apparel, hardlines, toys and entertainment.

In addition to surveying thousands of consumers on a monthly basis, NPD collects information from more than 900 retailers operating some 150,000 retail locations around the world.