Walmart seeks out new products at annual open call event

Walmart has opened registration for its annual open call event, through which entrepreneurs and small business owners can pitch their products to the world’s largest retailer.

The hybrid event will take place online and along a monthlong countrywide touring initiative featuring a two-day event in Walmart’s Bentonville, Arkansas, U.S.A. headquarters 24 and 25 October, 2023. Walmart initiated its open call program in 2014, with the goal of finding more U.S.-sourced items to sell in its stores.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners may apply for the opportunity to gain shelf space at Walmart or Sam’s Club stores or on Walmart.com. More than 1,100 U.S. businesses participated in the program in 2022, with 350 pitches resulting in so-called “golden tickets,” or opportunities to sell their products via Walmart and the Walmart-owned Sam’s Club retail chain. Additionally, all of the program’s chosen finalists receive mentoring sessions with Walmart leaders, as well as a one-on-one pitch meeting with Walmart or Sam's Club merchants.

“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,” Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon said. “We’re excited that more and more great products at strong price points are being produced in the U.S. Our USD 350 billion [EUR 320 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.”

Walmart is once again partnering with RangeMe, a product discovery and sourcing platform connecting retailers and suppliers on this year’s open call. The application period for the program remains open through 18 August.

This year, Walmart has added a “Lead with Local Snacks” initiative to its open call program, promoting locally made snack foods at 130 U.S. stores.

“Through this initiative, Walmart sells locally made snacks prominently in stores, connecting customers to products from businesses in their hometowns,” Walmart Senior Vice President of Supplier Development Jason Fremsted said.

Walmart had more than USD 572 billion (EUR 522) in global sales in 2022.

Photo courtesy of Walmart