NEW ORLEANS — A chance to reach millions of Walmart customers awaits six Louisiana businesses next week as they head to Bentonville, Arkansas, to meet one-on-one with buyers for a chance to get their products on store shelves.
Mandeville, Louisiana-based company, Geaux Creole is one of the more than 450 companies that will compete on Wednesday, June 13 at this year’s fifth annual Open Call event, pitching their authentic, Cajun seasonings to Walmart buyers in hopes of earning a spot in a Walmart near you.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to sell Geaux Creole products in Walmart stores across the country! Our authentic, Cajun products would be great additions to Walmart shelves and we are thankful for the opportunity to share our bold flavors,” said Chris Freret of Geaux Creole.
Attendees of Open Call 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.
“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 Walmart Vice President for Merchandising Services and U.S. Manufacturing Cindi Marsiglio. “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 $521 million with Louisiana suppliers, supporting 25,015 local jobs.
For more information on Walmart’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, visit https://corporate.walmart.com/americaatwork.
