Oxnard’s Primal Essence will Pitch Savory and Sweet Infused Coconut Oils at Headquarters of World’s Largest Retailer During Open Call Event
Courtesy photos
OXNARD — One local small business was surprised May 10 by Oxnard Walmart store manager Christy Wolff with the news that their company Primal Essence is approved to pitch their oils to buyers in Bentonville, Ark. as part of Walmart’s Open Call for US Manufacturers.
Now in its fifth year, Open Call is one way in which Walmart continues to invest in American jobs. During the daylong event, small businesses and entrepreneurs have hundreds of one-on-one meetings with buyers, hoping to get their product in the hands of millions of Walmart customers.
After applying, Primal Essence’s Vice President of Sales, Stu Bienstock, thought he was going to his local Walmart to pitch Primal Essence Coconut Oil to store managers in hopes he will get to attend the Open Call. What he didn’t know is that Primal Essence had already been accepted to attend the event at Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Ark.
“There’s no true medicine or food out there that doesn’t come from nature, and Primal Essence lives by this ideal every day,” said Stu Bienstock. “Our goal is for more people to begin eating and drinking for their health and having our products on Walmart shelves will help us reach that goal.”
Primal Essence, along with hundreds of selected entrepreneurs and businesses from across the U.S., will pitch her products to Walmart buyers on June 13, 2018.
“It was so thrilling to be a part of such an exciting day for a small, Oxnard business,” said Oxnard Walmart Supercenter Store Manager Christy Wolff. “It’s great to see Walmart giving people the big break they might not have without this type of opportunity. It definitely wasn’t just another day at work.”
Attendees at this year’s Open Call could secure deals ranging from one store in a local market, to supplying hundreds or even thousands of stores, Sam’s Club locations, and Walmart.com. Some companies will find out on the spot, while other deals may take more time with follow-ups between buyers and suppliers after the event has ended. The daylong event informs, empowers and encourages all who attend while providing a great networking opportunity for local entrepreneurs.
“Walmart’s investment in U.S. -manufactured products goes beyond the shelf. The investment is also in the entrepreneurs’ dream, and that can be an emotional experience for everyone involved,” said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart’s vice president of Merchandise Services and U.S. Manufacturing. “By investing in products that support American jobs, we’re able to bring new products to our shelves and new jobs to our communities.”
Job Opportunities: At Walmart, associates have access to competitive wages, affordable benefits, and the chance to build a career. More than 75 percent of store management teams started as hourly associates and 40 percent of those promotions went to associates within the first year of their employment.
About Walmart: 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. With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.