Back to Page
Walmart & eBay
How to set up a variant group in Walmart
What is a variant group?
A variant group on Walmart.com is a collection of individual items that differ by specific attributes, such as color, size, or pack count. This setup allows customers to view all options within a single item listing, enhancing the shopping experience.
Key variant group attributes
To set up a variant group, you’ll need to understand and use these five important attributes:
1. Variant Group ID
The Variant Group ID is a unique identifier you create to link items within a variant group. Each item in a group should share the same Variant Group ID. Different Variant Group IDs will keep items in separate groups.
2. Is Primary Variant
The Primary Variant is the item displayed by default in search results and on the item page. Set the primary variant by selecting Yes in the Is Primary Variant column dropdown. Walmart typically recommends choosing the top-selling or most stocked item as the primary variant.
Note: In cases where items are part of a merged variant group, the primary variant you choose may not be the one that appears on Walmart.com.
3. Variant Attribute Names
Variant Attribute Names indicate which specific features vary within the group. For example: If items vary by length, choose “size” as the Variant Attribute Name.
You can use up to three attributes per variant group (e.g., size, color, pack count).
To set up multiple attributes in the item setup spreadsheet:
Insert additional columns next to the existing Variant Attribute Names column.
Copy the existing Variant Attribute Names (+) column data starting from Row 3 and paste into the new columns.
For a complete list of available variant attributes by category, refer to Supported Variant Attributes in the Item Setup Spreadsheets.
4. Swatch Image - Swatch Variant Attribute
Swatch images visually represent variant attributes (like color) on the item page. For example, if your product comes in various colors, set color as the Swatch Variant Attribute, then add URLs for each color’s swatch image.
Tip: Ensure that swatch images follow Walmart’s Image Guidelines and Image URL Specifications.
5. Swatch Image - Swatch Image URL
Provide the URLs for each swatch image variation, such as different color options. For example, if a curtain set comes in burgundy, blue, and gray, each color variant will have its own swatch image URL.
Merged variant groups
If your variant group includes items sold by another Warehouse Supplier, DSV, or seller, Walmart will automatically merge these items into a single item page. In merged groups, content ranking will determine which content appears on the item page, so high-quality, optimized content increases the chance your content will be displayed.
Variant limits
Walmart recommends limiting the number of items in a variant group to ensure easy navigation:
Single attribute groups: Aim for fewer than 50 items (e.g., a towel available in 50 colors).
Multiple attribute groups: Keep below 500 items (e.g., a curtain set with 25 sizes and 20 colors).
