Walmart invites California entrepreneurs to pitch products at annual open call
Applications are open until July 15
– This week, Walmart began 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 on Walmart.com and SamsClub.com. Applications are open until July 15.
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 Sept. 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 from all 50 states.
Walmart in California hosted a road to open call event at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. During this event, select suppliers received “fast passes,” granting them direct invitations to Bentonville for the open call to pitch their products. Among the chosen suppliers from California were Cactus Foods and Synear Foods.
Walmart already has deep roots in California with 309 retail outlets. The company employs 102,137 associates in California. Walmart also supports local businesses, supporting 343,848 supplier jobs, and spending $32.4 billion with California suppliers in FY24 alone.
The call offers an opportunity for more California 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, winners often 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.
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.
