Walmart calls on manufacturers to join virtual pitch program

Walmart’s seventh annual Open Call for manufacturers looking to get their branded items on shelves at Walmart or build a private label partnership with the retailer is going to be a virtual event Oct. 1.

The retailer announced that the application process to join the virtual pitch meeting is open with a deadline of Aug. 10. Walmart is working with RangeMe to host the virtual pitch event, an organization that helped Thrive Market source private label and is part of a larger virtual meeting platform offered by parent company ECRM. 

A Walmart representative told Store Brands that the retailer is “always looking for quality manufacturers to support our private label business and invite them to apply to participate in this year’s virtual Open Call event.”

The event will include one-on-one pitch sessions with Walmart buyers as well as small break-out opportunities to hear directly from Walmart executives to learn more about what Walmart buyers are looking for in products and more.

"During this year of unprecedented challenges for U.S. businesses, Walmart remains committed to sourcing products made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. 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 business across the country,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for global sourcing and U.S. manufacturing. “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. 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.”

In January 2013, Walmart announced a commitment to help boost job creation and U.S. manufacturing through buying an additional $250 billion in products supporting American jobs by 2023. Walmart’s Open Call is one tool the retailer expects to add to the commitment.