25 IL Businesses to Pitch US-Made Products at Walmart's Open Call

A chance to reach millions of Walmart customers awaits 25 Illinois businesses next week when they head to Bentonville, Ark., to meet one-on-one with buyers for a chance to get their products on store shelves.

The Illinois entrepreneurs will join more than 450 on June 13 at this year's fifth annual Open Call event, pitching their locally made products to Walmart buyers in hopes that they will earn a spot on a store shelf near you. Attendees represent 48 states and Puerto Rico, pitching products that range from cold brew coffee and gourmet popcorn to a stretchable heating therapy wrap and self-adhesive mosaic wall tiles.

From food and clothing to home goods and beauty products, Illinois businesses are pitching a wide array of goods to Walmart buyers. Illinois businesses participating include PepperFace, which makes unique pepper sprays to encourage higher use among women; Komodo Brands, which makes a coconut water-based energy drink; and La Guadalupana, whose masa has been homemade in Chicago since 1945.

Last year, businesses like Chicago-based DUDE Wipes received deals on the spot from Walmart buyers, and their products are now hitting store shelves across the country.

"Back when we started DUDE Wipes in our apartment, it was always a dream to be in toilet paper aisles across the country," said Sean Riley, President and Chief Executive Dude. "With the help of Walmart's Made-in-the-USA initiative, DUDE has made that happen."

"We are so excited about this year's event and the opportunity to meet the entrepreneurs that look to Open Call as a chance to get the big break they have been looking for," said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart vice president for Merchandising Services and U.S. Manufacturing. "We are proud of the supplier success stories from prior years and look forward to helping more entrepreneurs realize the American dream."

Attendees at this year's Open Call could secure deals ranging from a handful of stores in a local market, to supplying hundreds or even thousands of stores, Sam's Club locations and Walmart.com. The daylong event informs, empowers and encourages all who attend while providing a great networking opportunity for local entrepreneurs. In 2013, Walmart made a commitment to purchase an additional $250 billion by 2023 in products made, sourced or grown in the U.S. Open Call underscores this commitment and is one way in which the company continues to invest in American jobs by supporting U.S. manufacturing. Based on data from Boston Consulting Group, it's estimated that 1 million new U.S. jobs will be created through this initiative. Last year, Walmart spent $34.8 billion with Illinois suppliers, supporting 167,467 local jobs.

For more information on Walmart's commitment to U.S. manufacturing, visit corporate.walmart.com/americaatwork.