BENTONVILLE, AR - In a bid to connect with more suppliers, Walmart has launched the application process for its seventh annual Open Call. The company invites entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their U.S.-manufactured products on Walmart shelves to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on October 1, 2020, via virtual pitch meetings.
“During this year of unprecedented challenges for U.S. businesses, Walmart remains committed to sourcing products made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart Senior Vice President for Global Sourcing and U.S. Manufacturing. “By investing in products that support American jobs, we are able to bring new, exciting products to our customers, support new jobs in our local communities, and invest in small businesses across the country.”
According to Walmart’s statement, 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 such as Sam’s Clubs and on Walmart.com.
“Walmart’s annual Open Call event gives us a unique occasion to identify new suppliers who can meet our customers’ needs with unique and innovative products manufactured or produced in the U.S. For the first time, this year’s Open Call event will be virtual, enabling even broader participation from potential new suppliers,” explained Phillips. “We know how important this opportunity is for many small businesses, especially this year, and we are looking forward to seeing the new product submissions and meeting potential new suppliers.”
The deadline to apply to participate in this year's Open Call for U.S.-manufactured products is August 10. The event itself, scheduled for October 1, kicks off Walmart’s celebration of U.S. Manufacturing Month and will include similar programming to previous years. In addition to one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart buyers, participants will have an opportunity to hear directly from Walmart executives and learn from company leaders during smaller breakout sessions designed to inform, empower, and encourage supplier-hopefuls.
For more information, click here.
Will we see new produce innovations enter the ring? Is Walmart selecting suppliers unknown to some of its competitors? All of these questions, and more, will be closely followed by AndNowUKnow as we continue to report as more news develop.
