Walmart is always on the lookout for innovative products that are made, grown, or assembled in the United States. That’s why it began Open Call almost a dozen years ago.
Open Call has provided thousands of small and medium-sized businesses the chance to become Walmart suppliers. Since its launch in 2014, it has provided an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurs with a shelf-ready product. Being granted a Walmart Golden Ticket is the start of an amazing journey.
Last year (once again) Open Call was impressive! In 2024 at Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call in Bentonville, entrepreneurs from 48 states participated, and more than half of the participants received a Golden Ticket. Plus for the first time, international buyers from Canada and Mexico participated, expanding opportunities greatly.
Entrepreneurs submit applications for a chance to pitch a product to Walmart and Sam’s Club. These product pitches are 30-minute, one-on-one, face-to-face meetings. Success results in getting a product in the stores, and this can range from supplying a handful of local stores to supplying hundreds of stores, clubs, Walmart.com, SamsClub.com, and Walmart Marketplace.
For further information directly from Walmart, go to this URL: https://corporate.walmart.com/suppliers/investing-in-american-jobs/e%20vents/annual-open-call
You’ll need to put together a presentation about your product, but before you begin, dedicate an afternoon to walking the store. Better still, dedicate a full day and walk two or three Walmart stores. Observe. Take notes.
Spend time looking at the shelves where your product is likely to be placed. What is missing in that category? What does your product do to fill in that gap? How will your product fill an unmet need? How is your product innovative? Why does Walmart need it?
Before you dive into preparing your presentation, make sure you’re fully equipped for success. Our New Walmart Supplier Checklist gives you all the essential steps you need to become a successful Walmart supplier — from getting ready to apply to staying on the shelf and growing your business.
Download your free checklist now
Have Questions or Need Guidance?
Our experts are here to help! Complete the form below to book a free 15-minute Open Call consultation.
Made, grown, or assembled in the United States.
After the application period closes the week of June 24, 2025, those accepted will receive an email from RangeMe.
Walmart has partnered with RangeMe, a product-discover and sourcing platform, to gather all product pitches for Open Call.
“One of the best things to do if you are going to participate in Walmart’s annual open call is to set up a free account with RangeMe,” suggests Joel Graham, one of 8th & Walton’s key directors and advisor to Walmart suppliers. “This will allow you to create a product profile, and that’s great exposure for you.”
Yes, repeat attendees are encouraged to return to Open Call but to pitch only for categories not previously pitched and only to Walmart merchants with whom they have not met in the last year.
A maximum of two per company.
Products must be already in hand and must have a UPC code. They must be all set to actually be put on a Walmart shelf.
Walmart advises that suppliers complete everything on the application form and pay special attention to the supplier requirements. Share everything you can, including where your products are made or assembled. Filling it out completely increases your chances of success.
Walmart explains many details here. Additionally, Walmart now offers help preparing through its Road to Open Call with further information.
Welcome to Bentonville! We are thrilled to have you. To find out about staying in and visiting Walmart’s hometown, we recommend heading to visitbentonville.com. They have an easy-to-use website with trip planners and suggested outings.
If you are fortunate enough to receive a Golden Ticket, do your utmost to complete everything requested promptly and accurately. Errors can set you back months or even eliminate you. Our 8th & Walton experts, with decades of experience working with Walmart, are here to guide you have a flawless onboarding as a Walmart supplier. Complete the form below to book your free 15-minute Open Call consultation.