Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart had more than 1,100 businesses pitch products to Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants June 28-29 at its ninth annual Open Call.
Preliminary results indicate that more than 330 of those pitches resulted in a deal for businesses to sell their items to Walmart customers through placement on Walmart or Sam’s Club shelves. Additionally, business owners of more than 280 products are continuing conversations with merchants for potential deals.
“Investing in U.S. manufacturing is not only the right thing to do for the country’s long-term economic health, it’s the right thing to do for customers today who are dealing with historic inflation,” said Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart Inc.
“We’re excited that more and more great products at strong price points are being produced in the U.S. Our $350 billion investment in items made, grown or assembled in the U.S. helps deliver our customers the goods they need, when they need them, at affordable prices, while supporting the creation of more than 750,000 jobs.”
Back in 2013, Walmart pledged to spend $250 billion over 10 years on products made, grown or assembled in the U.S., a milestone the company recently announced it has reached. Last year, Walmart committed to invest an additional $350 billion on products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. by 2031.
In addition to one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants, participants in this year’s Open Call also heard from Walmart executives and merchants. Smaller breakout sessions were available for suppliers to learn more about valuable topics and resources available to them.
“We’ve met so many amazing small business owners through Open Call over the years, and this year is no exception,” said Scott Gutche, senior director, U.S. manufacturing. “From Catrina’s Kitchen Southern Seasoned Flour to EZ-gro’s Spicy Salad Mix, Microgreen growing kit, we’re so excited about the new products and people that will be joining the Walmart supplier family.”
Open Call is Walmart’s largest sourcing event. The initiative supports its 10-year commitment to American jobs by investing $350 billion in products that are made, grown or assembled in the U.S.
For the first time, the company extended an early access period for marketplace sellers to submit their applications. More than 4,500 entrepreneurs applied and more than 13,000 products were registered.
For more information, visit corporate.walmart.com.
