Personal Care, Cleaning Brands Get the Nod in Walmart’s US Manufacturing Open Call

More than 500 entrepreneurs from across the country walked through the doors of Walmart’s corporate office in Bentonville, AR for the company’s U.S. Manufacturing Open Call. The day of deal-making and networking, held on June 28, 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.

“American entrepreneurship is on full display during Open Call,” said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart vice president, US 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.
Nearly 100 companies deals on the spot including Stinkbug Naturals, maker of  Lavender Stick Deodorant; Beard Balm, LLC;  and Spot Stuff, a start-up company touting a spot remover.
 
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%   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.

At the event, 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!’”

He continued, “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.”

According to Walmart, 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 US, the fourth annual event attracted companies of all sizes and focus who are anxious to elevate production and reach more households.