Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is looking for entrepreneurs to pitch their made-in-the-USA products to the company’s buyers in a daylong event at Walmart’s global headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., on June 28.
“We are opening our doors and making our buyers available to meet with suppliers with one goal in mind—buy more American products,” said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart’s vice president of U.S. Sourcing and Manufacturing. “From food to toys to apparel, companies large and small from coast to coast, we want to make a deal with you for your U.S. made products.”
But Open Call is about more than entrepreneurs pitching products to Walmart. The U.S. Manufacturing Summit and Open Call brings together industry experts, government officials, suppliers, and innovators. Attendees will explore the infrastructure and economic development opportunities available to new and expanding manufacturing facilities throughout the United States.
In January 2013, Walmart committed to American renewal by announcing it intends to help boost job creation and U.S. manufacturing through buying an additional $250 billion in products that support American jobs across 10 years. Walmart intends to meet this commitment in a variety of ways, including buying more from existing domestic suppliers, doing business with new domestic suppliers and helping current suppliers reshore their oversea production.
The deadline for entrepreneurs to register for Open Call is May 27. Eligible business owners can range from a one or two-person firm that is starting up or one that has been in business for years. You can be trying to get into a single or multiple outlets, and must have shelf-ready, packaged products with a UPC code. Items should be made in America and be an exciting product that Walmart customers would be interested in purchasing. While it is not required, examples of sales from a website or other retailer will help boost your case with the buyers. The initial step is to visit the Walmart website and apply for the open call. Those selected to participate should hear back within a week with an appointment.
Then manufacturers should be prepared to travel to the corporate headquarts with your products on June 28 for your scheduled appoitment.
For more details about Walmart’s 2016 U.S. Manufacturing Summit and Open Call, entrepreneurs may visit walmart-jump.com.
