Shipping spacer assembly for washing machines

A washing machine appliance comprising:

• a cabinet having a rear panel;
• a wash tub located within the cabinet;
• a power cord configured to connect the washing machine appliance to an external power source;
• and
• a shipping spacer assembly removably attached to the wash tub for fixing a distance between the wash tub and the cabinet in an installed position, the shipping spacer assembly defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the shipping spacer assembly comprising:
• a bolt comprising a shaft extending along the axial direction, a head located at one end of the shaft, and a threaded portion located opposite the head in the axial direction;
• a cord retention mechanism configured for receipt of the power cord, and located along the shaft of the bolt, the cord retention mechanism being positioned between the head of the bolt and the rear panel when the shipping spacer assembly is in the installed position;
• and
• a grommet defining a grommet cavity, the shaft removably positioned through the grommet cavity, wherein the cord retention mechanism is located between the grommet and the rear panel of the cabinet.