American Innovation and Entrepreneurship Big Winners at Walmart 4th Annual U.S. Manufacturing Open Call

750 products offered deals on walmart.com, nearly 100 headed to
Walmart store shelves

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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&LT 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&LT 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.

Contacts

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Scott Markley, 800-331-0085
news.walmart.com/reporter

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