Are you a New Jersey entrepreneur with an product made in America? If so, Walmart has an offer for you.
Walmart announced Thursday it is accepting applications for its 6th annual Open Call from June 18 to 19 at its campus in Bentonville, Arkansas.
If selected, applicants will be given the opportunity to secure a face-to-face pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer.
“After attending Walmart’s Open Call in 2017, Jack of All Sprays was put on the shelves at more than 500 stores. After a year of success, we were added to more stores, and we also expanded our assortment,” Chuck Decker, president, Eatontown-based American Oil, maker of Jack of All Sprays, said. “Open Call allowed us to reach thousands of new customers that are proud to purchase products that support American jobs– it allowed our U.S.-manufactured product to reach a new level of success.”
At the Open Call, which is a two-day event, attendees have the chance to secure deals ranging from supplying local markets to hundreds or thousands of stores, including Sam’s Clubs and Walmart.com.
“Our customers tell us that products made, sourced or grown in the U.S. are important to them and we work year-round to identify local suppliers and source products that our customers are proud to buy,” Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart’s vice president of merchandise services and U.S. manufacturing, said. “Walmart’s annual Open Call gives us a unique opportunity to meet entrepreneurs from across the country and discover new, niche and innovative products that fill a need for our customers and support jobs right here in America.”
Last years’ open call held nearly 600 meetings with product pitches of toys, apparel, natural health and beauty aids, and food. Since then, a new lineup of products have started arriving at Walmart stores, including ground coffee from Death Wish Coffee Co. and naturally sweetened granola bars from The Perfect Granola.
To apply, click here. The application deadline is April 30.
