American Innovation and Entrepreneurship Big Winners at Walmart 4th Annual U.S. Manufacturing Open Call
June 28 2017 - 8:13PM
Business Wire
750 products offered deals on walmart.com,
nearly 100 headed to Walmart store shelves
More than 500 entrepreneurs from across the country walked
through the doors of Walmart’s corporate office in Bentonville,
Ark., today as part of the company’s U.S. Manufacturing Open Call.
The day of deal-making and networking included 750 product
presentations and an offer to participants to sell their items on
Walmart.com – an opportunity to potentially reach millions of
Walmart customers.
Product ideas spanned a broad range of categories, including
home décor, apparel, hardware, toys, health and beauty aids,
sporting goods, and food.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said, “Walmart’s continued
commitment to growing U.S. manufacturing should be applauded.
Strong manufacturing supports a strong America through the creation
of American jobs. Walmart’s Open Call gives innovators unparalleled
access to the world’s largest retailer.”
Doug McMillon, president and CEO, welcomed attendees and praised
their innovation. “We’re excited to have you here,” he said. “I
just want to buy items all day. I would love to just walk up and
down the hallway and say ‘Yes!’”
McMillon recognized the challenges facing American
manufacturing, signaling the company intends to pursue policy
proposals to help create a favorable climate for job creation. “We
are also committed to participating as a leader in the country when
it comes to policy. We believe that we should be one of the voices
at the table and we want to help renew U.S. manufacturing and drive
the creation of manufacturing jobs across the United States,” he
said, adding that “soon we’re going to be releasing a number of
policy recommendations that support U.S. manufacturing.”
The proposals under consideration would help simplify product
labeling and encourage innovation in workforce development, such as
apprenticeships. The company is also advocating for tax and trade
policies that encourage domestic manufacturing.
With a focus on products manufactured in the U.S., the fourth
annual event attracted companies of all sizes and focus who are
anxious to elevate production and reach more households.
“American entrepreneurship is on full display during Open Call,”
said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart vice president, U.S. Manufacturing.
“Today has been a fantastic show of innovation, and we are proud to
extend an offer and digital shelf space on Walmart.com to today’s
participants.” Marsiglio said investments in U.S. manufacturing are
important to not only job growth but product innovation.
Marsiglio says the journey for dozens of the participants is far
from over. Many will continue to have discussions with buyers and
further develop their products for a chance to be on store shelves
as well as online. However, nearly 100 companies won’t have to
wait, as they received deals on the spot including:
- Dera Industries, Inc – Dera-ties,
reusable zip ties
- O’Dang Hummus, LLC – O’Dang Hummus,
various flavors
- Decalomania – Augmented Reality Wall
Decal
- Iya Foods – One Pot Simmer Sauce
- Haven Sales & Marketing – Gourmet
Orange Chili Soy Sauce
- Haven Sales & Marketing – Carson’s
Fully Cooked Ribs
- T< Tamales, LLC – Tony’s Turkey
Tamales
- Ontario Knife Company – Old Hickory
5-piece Cutlery Set
- Stinkbug Naturals – Lavender Stick
Deodorant
- Beard Balm, LLC – Beard Balm
- Spot Stuff – Spot Remover
- Tidal Vision – Game Meat Protector
- Sayre Enterprises, Inc. – Service Pride
Service Keychain
- TipSee Light Co., LLC - The
Cane-Lite
“We are very happy and excited to be part of the Walmart
family,” said Reginald Mosley, owner of Mississippi-based T<
Tamales. “Five years ago, my mom read the book about Sam Walton and
this is a dream come true.”
The 2017 Open Call event attracted participants from 47 states
and Puerto Rico. Nearly half of the companies self-identify as
diverse-owned, including 25 percent identifying as woman-owned. The
event is part of Walmart’s investment in communities and job growth
through its 10 year $250 billion commitment to American
manufacturing.
For more information on Walmart’s commitment to U.S.
manufacturing, visit www.walmart.com/americaatwork.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, 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, over
260 million customers and members visit our 11,695 stores under 59
banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries.
With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9 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 http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at
http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/walmart.
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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.Scott Markley,
800-331-0085news.walmart.com/reporter
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