Walmart is accepting applications for Open Call 2025, giving U.S. entrepreneurs an opportunity to grab a spot in the company’s physical and online stores, with this year’s event adding an invitation to U.S. manufacturing innovators.
Walmart will hold its Open Call event from October 7-8, the company announced. Since 2014, Open Call has helped thousands of small and medium businesses grow their operations, expand their manufacturing footprint and create jobs in their local communities, Walmart asserted. To build on that foundation, Walmart is expanding Open Call beyond products this year, to include companies developing technologies that enable or enhance manufacturing in the United States.
Walmart reported its Open Call teams are looking for top manufacturing innovation in categories, such as yield insights, shelf-life extension, alternative materials and advanced manufacturing, to reduce complexity, cost or environmental impact for U.S. manufacturing. An example of a partnership that is making waves, Walmart noted, is one with San Francisco-based Unspun, a pioneer in 3D weaving technologies that is streamlining the supply chain and helping to recast the textile industry.
Walmart is accepting applications online from U.S.-based manufacturers and other businesses with a shelf-ready product as well as those pitching manufacturing innovations. The company will invite a select group of companies to participate in this year’s Open Call event.
Walmart said Open Call is part of its broader $350 billion commitment to products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. More than two-thirds of Walmart’s annual product spend already goes toward U.S.-made, -grown or -assembled goods as part of the company’s emphasis on economic opportunity, hometown pride and continuing a legacy that began with founder Sam Walton’s Buy American initiative launched in 1985. From the consumer perspective, 86% of Walmart shoppers think it’s important that the products they buy are made in the U.S.A., the company pointed out.
Open Call seeks applicants for products and manufacturing partners who can work with both Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club operations. Applications close July 25. Walmart will hold the Open Call event at its home office in Bentonville, AR.
“America has no shortage of ideas,” said Jason Fremstad, senior vice president, supplier development for Walmart sourcing. “It’s the infrastructure and tools that are often the biggest roadblocks. We want to find innovations that can help close that gap and unlock new possibilities for U.S. manufacturing.”
