Want to sell your products at Walmart?

HONOLULU (KHON2) - Businesses interested in getting their products into Walmart can apply for an opportunity to secure a seat at a table with one of the Walmart buyers at Walmart's Open Call scheduled for June 13, 2018 in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The deadline to apply is May 4 by logging onto walmart-jump.com.

Kona-based Hualalai Estate Coffee has been a Walmart vendor for 20 years after owner Joel Cooperson negotiated a deal to sell his coffee in the souvenir section of the Kailua-Kona store. Today, Hualalai Estate Coffee is sold in all 10 Walmart stores in Hawaii and is thriving. "I'm so grateful to Walmart and their buying team in Mililani," said Cooperson. "After I retired from a teaching career of 31 and a half years, they gave me a new lease on life. Walmart's Hawaii buying office took me on board as a vendor and have kept working with me over the years. In fact, they were the ones who motivated me to go with pre-printed bags to stimulate sales and reduce costs. It's been a great relationship."

"Walmart's investment in U.S.-manufactured products goes beyond the shelf. The investment is also in the entrepreneurs' dream, and that can be an emotional experience for everyone involved," said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart's vice president of Merchandise Services and U.S. Manufacturing. "By investing in products that support American jobs, we're able to bring new products to our shelves and new jobs to our communities."

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.

"This could be the big break Hawaii entrepreneurs could be waiting for," said Sherry Menor-McNamara, President and CEO of Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. "Walmart is creating an opportunity for businesses to grow right here in Hawaii."

In January 2013, Walmart announced it intends to help boost job creation and U.S. manufacturing through buying an additional $250 billion in products that support American jobs over 10 years. 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 $219 million with Hawaii suppliers, supporting 9,509 jobs in the islands.

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