Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart is taking applications for its ninth annual “Open Call” event. Small business owners and entrepreneurs that have a dream of selling their U.S. made, grown or assembled products to millions of customers will have their ability to apply for selection.
For the first time in the program’s nine-year history, Walmart offered an early access period for marketplace sellers to apply for Open Call, resulting in more than 2,000 companies registering more than 6,000 items they hope to present to merchants. If selected, participants will be able to choose from virtual or in-person pitch meetings with a Walmart or Sam’s Club merchant during the June 28-29 event.
“Open Call” is Walmart’s largest sourcing event that aims to bring products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. to shoppers across the country, both in-store and online. Open Call helps support Walmart’s 10-year commitment to American jobs through its $350 billion investment in items made, grown or assembled in the U.S.
This year, Walmart is offering mentoring sessions to all applicants registering for the event to provide tools to become successful selling on Walmart’s virtual and physical shelves. In addition to sourcing new products, Open Call also aims to expand work the retailer is already doing with current online sellers. Applications for the two-day hybrid event will be accepted through April 8.
“We know how much supporting American products and American jobs truly does matter to our suppliers, entrepreneurs, sellers and local communities,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart SVP for global sourcing and U.S. manufacturing. “With all the new tools and resources available this year, we’re hoping we can foster growth for many more businesses and Walmart Marketplace sellers that already work with us, along with those that are just getting started.”
Applicants who receive a one-on-one product pitch meeting invitation will be given 30 minutes to showcase to Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants why their product and business should join the Walmart family. Entrepreneurs can secure deals ranging from supplying products to a handful of local stores to supplying hundreds of Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs as well as online through its websites.
In addition to the product pitch meetings, Open Call includes breakout sessions featuring company leaders and special guests to provide suppliers and sellers with valuable insights and to offer additional resources available.
Walmart’s annual Open Call event continues to grow in popularity with small businesses across the country. Last year’s event saw more than 900 small and medium-sized businesses from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico pitch their products.
Businesses wishing to apply for this year’s Open Call event can apply here.
For more information, visit corporate.walmart.com.
