Walmart Names Finalists to Pitch at 2022 Open Call Event, Marking the Largest Group Ever Selected

Rhea-AI Summary

Walmart will host its ninth annual Open Call event on June 28-29, inviting nearly 1,200 small and mid-sized businesses to pitch their products. This year marks the largest group of participants, with over 60% identifying as diverse-owned. Each business will have a 30-minute one-on-one meeting with Walmart merchants to discuss potential product placements across stores, including Walmart.com. Additionally, Walmart is committed to investing $350 billion in U.S. products over the next decade, underscoring its dedication to American jobs.

Positive

• Largest group ever selected for Open Call with nearly 1,200 participants.
• Over 60% of participants are diverse-owned, promoting inclusivity.
• Commitment to invest $350 billion in U.S. products supports local businesses.
• Opportunity for small businesses to reach a wide audience through Walmart and Sam's Club.

Negative

• None.

Suppliers with products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. will meet one-on-one with Walmart merchants during the June 28-29 event

BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walmart has made its selections for the ninth annual Open Call event. With nearly 1,200 small and mid-sized business owners receiving official invitations, this year’s registrants mark the largest group ever selected to participate in the two-day event. Finalists represent all fifty (50) states, including the District of Columbia, with nearly sixty percent (60%) of them self-identifying as a diverse-owned business. The business owners have the option of pitching their shelf-ready products directly to Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants either virtually or in person on the second day of Open Call. Each supplier will be afforded a 30-minute one-on-one pitch meeting for a chance to secure deals ranging from supplying products to a few local stores to supplying products to hundreds of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations as well as Walmart.com and Walmart Marketplace. Open Call is set for June 28 and 29.

This year, Walmart notified some lucky entrepreneurs of their selection in unconventional and innovative ways. Some unsuspecting finalists were invited to join a Zoom meeting with Walmart representatives to receive updates regarding the Open Call application process. During the meeting, these business owners received confirmation of their spot at this year’s event and were also congratulated on video by celebrity pop artist, Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. The trio launched their line of premium popcorn called Rob’s Backstage Popcorn, exclusively at Walmart earlier this year. In addition to the celebrity surprise, two business owners were notified they would be advancing to Open Call via drone delivery.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is contagious, and that energy is a big part of what makes Open Call so much fun,” said Scott Gutche, Senior Director, U.S. Manufacturing. “Being able to surprise some of the business owners who’ll be taking part is the perfect way to kick off this year’s celebration of the American Dream.”

Open Call is Walmart’s largest sourcing event. The initiative supports Walmart’s 10-year commitment to American jobs by investing $350 billion in products that are made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. For the first time in Open Call history, Walmart extended an early access period for Marketplace sellers to submit their applications. More than 4,500 entrepreneurs applied, and over 13,000 products were registered.

In addition to one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants, participants will have an opportunity to hear directly from Walmart executives and merchants on day one of the two-day event. Smaller breakout sessions will be available throughout the day where suppliers can learn more about valuable topics and resources available to them.

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, approximately 230 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2022 revenue of $573 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 corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220608006120/en/

Walmart Media Relations

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Source: Walmart Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Walmart's Open Call event on June 28-29, 2023?

The Open Call event allows small and mid-sized businesses to pitch their products directly to Walmart merchants for potential deals.

How many businesses are participating in Walmart's Open Call event?

Nearly 1,200 businesses are selected to participate, marking the largest group ever.

What commitment has Walmart made to American products?

Walmart has committed to investing $350 billion in products made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. over the next decade.

What percentage of Open Call participants are from diverse-owned businesses?

Over 60% of the participants identify as diverse-owned businesses.

How does Walmart support small businesses during the Open Call event?

Walmart provides one-on-one pitch meetings with merchants and opportunities to learn from Walmart executives.