Company invites entrepreneurs to pitch new, niche and innovative products at 6th annual event June 18 – 19, 2019
VENTURA COUNTY — If you’ve ever dreamed of potentially reaching thousands of customers with your American products, now is the time to act: Walmart is accepting applications for its 6th annual Open Call, scheduled for June 18 and 19 at the company’s Home Office campus in Bentonville, Arkansas. Apply today by visiting Walmart-jump.com for the opportunity to secure a face-to-face pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer. The application deadline is April 30.
“After participating in Walmart’s Open Call, Tampico spices can be found on Walmart shelves so more households can enjoy the savory flavors our family-owned business has developed over decades,” said Francisco Medrano, National Sales Manager Retail Division at Tampico Spices. “Ever since we hit Walmart shelves, our business and brand recognition has grown tremendously. Open Call was an incredible opportunity we were proud to be a part of, and we encourage other companies to present their products this year.”
This year’s Open Call attendees could secure deals ranging from a handful of stores in local markets to supplying hundreds, even thousands of stores, Sam’s Clubs and Walmart.com. The two-day event informs, empowers and encourages attendees while providing effective networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
“Our customers tell us that products made, sourced or grown in the U.S. are important to them and we work year-round to identify local suppliers and source products that our customers are proud to buy,” said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart’s vice president of Merchandise Services and U.S. Manufacturing. “Walmart’s Annual Open Call gives us a unique opportunity to meet entrepreneurs from across the country and discover new, niche and innovative products that fill a need for our customers and support jobs right here in America.”
During the 2018 Walmart Open Call, nearly 600 meetings were held with product pitches including toys, apparel, natural health and beauty aids, and food. Prospective suppliers traveled from 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. More than half of the attending businesses self-identified as diverse, including nearly 25 percent identifying as women-owned.
In January 2013, Walmart announced its commitment to help boost job creation and U.S. manufacturing through buying an additional $250 billion in products supporting American jobs by 2023. Walmart’s Open Call is one way in which the company continues to invest in this commitment. Last year, Walmart spent $28.2 billion with 5,736 California suppliers, supporting 257,706 local jobs.
Apply for Open Call today and join the conversation on your social channels by using #WalmartOpenCall
About Walmart in California: Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 260 million customers and members visit our more than 11,600 stores under nearly 60 banners in 28 countries and eCommerce websites. In California, we serve customers at 303 retail units and online through Walmart Grocery Pickup, Walmart.com and Jet.com. We are proud to employ more than 90,000 associates in California. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $24 billion with California suppliers in FY18, which supported 257,706 supplier jobs. Learn more at the Walmart Today blog, and our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram channels.