Walmart held its annual Open Call for USA-manufactured products entirely online for the first time in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sourcing Journal reported on August 7.
Key details
- More than 3,000 businesses from 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico had applied, and more than 10,000 merchant meetings had been requested.
- Walmart said it especially wanted more general merchandise, including home, sporting goods, toys, stationery, apparel, hardware, automotive and seasonal items.
- Suppliers could win deals with Walmart stores, Sam’s Club and Walmart.com. Walmart Marketplace played a bigger role this year.
- The event was set for October 1, the start of Walmart’s U.S. Manufacturing Month. Applications were due August 10.
Walmart said the Open Call is part of its January 2013 pledge to buy an additional $250 billion in products supporting USA jobs by 2023.
“Offering Open Call in a completely virtual format gives us an unprecedented opportunity to reach and meet with more businesses.”
Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for global sourcing and U.S. manufacturing
FAQ
When was Open Call?
October 1, 2020, held virtually.
How many businesses applied?
More than 3,000 from 49 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
What is Walmart’s pledge?
An extra $250 billion in products supporting USA jobs by 2023.
Source & credit
Source: Sourcing Journal, August 7, 2020: “Walmart Sets Monday Deadline for Made in USA Virtual Supplier Open Call”.