Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: Walmart is accepting applications for its 11th annual Open Call event inviting small business owners and others to apply for the opportunity to pitch their products to be sold at Walmarts and Sam’s Clubs.
Contributed Article
Walmart has begun accepting applications for its 11th annual Open Call event, inviting small business owners and entrepreneurs across the U.S. to apply for the opportunity to pitch their products to be sold on Walmart or Sam’s Club shelves or Walmart.com and SamsClub.com. Applications are open until July 15, 2024.
Open Call is central to Walmart’s $350 billion commitment to bolster U.S. manufacturing by sourcing shelf-ready products that are made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. Open Call 2024 will be held on September 24 and 25, leading up to Manufacturing Month in October.
Since its launch in 2014, Open Call has provided thousands of small and medium-sized businesses with the chance to become Walmart suppliers and reach millions of new customers with their U.S.-made products. At last year’s Open Call Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants heard over 1,000 pitches from more than 700 businesses hailing from all 50 states.
Walmart already has deep roots in Arizona with 124 retail outlets. The company employs 37,026 associates in Arizona. Walmart also supports local businesses supporting 2,260 supplier jobs, and spending $1.5 Billion with Arizona suppliers in FY24 alone. Highlights from last year’s Open Call can be seen here.
Open Call offers an extraordinary growth opportunity for even more Arizona small and medium businesses. Entrepreneurs who secure a “golden ticket” — a deal for Walmart to sell their products in stores or online — can gain access to a vast customer base, enabling significant growth. After earning golden tickets, Open Call winners often go on to grow their manufacturing footprints and create jobs within their local communities.
All Open Call entrepreneurs will participate in mentoring sessions with Walmart leaders and hear from special guests, gaining invaluable business insights and resources. Additionally, each entrepreneur will have a one-on-one pitch meeting with Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants. Every entrepreneur at Open Call stands to gain valuable business advice and guidance.
What Customers Are Telling Us
More than 86% of Walmart shoppers have said it is important for retailers to carry goods made in the U.S. Already, more than two-thirds of Walmart’s annual product spend is on goods made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. Thanks in part to Open Call, Walmart continues to make progress toward sourcing even more of these products.
About Walmart in Arizona
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. In Arizona, we serve customers at 124 retail units and online through Walmart Online Grocery, Walmart.com, and our family of brands. We are proud to employ 37,026 associates in Arizona. Walmart supports local businesses, $1.5 Billion with Arizona suppliers, and supporting 2,260 supplier jobs in FY24. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In FY23, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $34.8 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Arizona. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting our corporate website and our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter channels.
