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Walmart, in its continuous effort to support and collaborate with budding entrepreneurs, recently held an "Open Call" event. During this event, business owners were given the opportunity to pitch their unique products to Walmart's buyer teams, with the hope of securing a deal to have their products featured in Walmart stores.
- Open Call Event: Approximately 700 business owners gathered in Bentonville for Walmart's Open Call. Each entrepreneur was allotted 20 minutes to present their product to Walmart's buyer teams. The event saw representation from every state.
- Golden Tickets: Out of the numerous pitches, Walmart and Sam's Club merchant teams awarded 60 "golden tickets," signifying a deal with the retail giant. Some companies even secured two golden tickets for different products they presented.
- Ugly Co's Success: Ben Moore and Matt Gorella from California pitched their sustainable dried fruit snack made from rejected fruit. Their brand, Ugly Co, aims to reduce fruit waste by turning discarded fruit into delicious snacks. Their efforts were rewarded with a golden ticket.
- Buttery Spell's Journey: Amanda Ratcliff and Nicholas Hall from New Orleans introduced their brand "Buttery Spell," which offers a range of flavored butter blends. Their innovative approach to infusing flavors into butter earned them a spot in Walmart stores next year.
- Diverse Product Range: The Open Call saw a variety of products, from Syrian bakery pita bread to soy-based candles that support the fight against human trafficking. Each product had a unique story and value proposition, showcasing the diversity and innovation of the entrepreneurs.
Walmart's Open Call event underscores the company's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting local businesses. By providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, Walmart not only diversifies its product range but also empowers small businesses to reach a wider audience. The success stories from this event highlight the potential for collaboration between large retailers and budding entrepreneurs, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse retail landscape.
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