Walmart’s 5th Annual Open Call Event
Registration open NOW; deals on the spot possible at daylong event June 13
Albuquerque, N.M., April 26, 2018 – Often times, the best ideas are right in our own back yard. So, why not you? Attention entrepreneurs, Walmart is looking to serve up the big break you’ve been looking for during Walmart’s Open Call scheduled for June 13, 2018 in Bentonville, Arkansas. You can apply now for a chance to secure a seat at a table with one of the company’s buyers by visiting walmart-jump.com; the deadline is May 4.
“In a world where there is incredible competition for foreign-grown and foreign-made food products, we’re working with Walmart to promote products made and grown right here in New Mexico,” said Rob Holland, CEO of Albuquerque-based Flagship Food Group who is a Walmart supplier. “Thanks to Walmart, we’ve gone from about 20 employees in New Mexico in 2013 to almost 400 today.”
“Walmart’s investment in U.S. -manufactured products goes beyond the shelf. The investment is also in the entrepreneurs’ dream, and that can be an emotional experience for everyone involved,” said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart’s vice president of Merchandise Services and U.S. Manufacturing. “By investing in products that support American jobs, we’re able to bring new products to our shelves and new jobs to our communities.”
Attendees at this year’s Open Call could secure deals ranging from a handful of stores in a local market, to supplying hundreds or even thousands of stores, Sam’s Club locations and Walmart.com. The daylong event informs, empowers and encourages all who attend while providing a great networking opportunity for local entrepreneurs.
A brand new batch of products identified during the 2017 Open Call event recently landed on Walmart store shelves, representing the dreams of dozens of entrepreneurs across the country, including
· Curries by Nature Simmer Sauces is a Texas-based business that landed a deal to sell its authentic Indian Simmer Sauce in more than 400 stores.
· Room décor takes on a whole new perspective with Decalcomania’s Augmented Reality Wall Posters, currently available in 1,000 stores and manufactured in Idaho.
“The chance to sell at Walmart stores represents a remarkable opportunity for manufacturing companies across the state,” said Allison Smith, interim president of the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry. "ACI has encouraged its members to apply by May 4th and try for a chance to grow sales in a very significant way.”
In January 2013, Walmart announced it intends to help boost job creation and U.S. manufacturing through buying an additional $250 billion in products that support American jobs over 10 years. Based on data from Boston Consulting Group, it’s estimated that 1 million new U.S. jobs will be created through this initiative. Last year, Walmart spent $81.9 million with New Mexico suppliers, supporting 7,359 local jobs.
About Walmart in New Mexico
In New Mexico we serve customers at 53 retail units and online through Walmart Grocery Pickup, Walmart.com and Jet.com. We are proud to employ 14,201associates in New Mexico. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $81.9 million with New Mexico suppliers in FYE17, which supported 7,359 New Mexico supplier jobs. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are active in the communities where we live and work and invest in communities through local grants, customer engagement and associate volunteer efforts. In FYE17, we contributed $16.45 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in New Mexico. Learn more at the Walmart Today blog, and our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram channels.