Salt Lake City — 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, 2024.
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 September 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 hailing from all 50 states.
Walmart already has deep roots in Utah with 59 retail outlets. The company employs 20,350 associates in Utah. Walmart also supports local businesses supporting 25,608 supplier jobs and has spent $2.6 million with Utah suppliers in FY24 alone.
Open Call offers an extraordinary growth opportunity for even more Utah 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, Open Call winners often go on to 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.
What Customers Are Telling Us
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. Thanks in part to Open Call, Walmart continues to make progress toward sourcing even more of these products.
About Walmart in Utah
Walmart 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. In Utah we serve customers at 59 retail units and online through Walmart Online Grocery, Walmart.com and our family of brands. We are proud to employ 20,350 associates in Utah. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $2.6 billion with Utah suppliers in FY22 and supporting 25,608 supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In FY22, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $23.5 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Utah. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting our corporate website and our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels.