How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to sell an idea to Walmart
Holds open calls
Walmart hears product pitches once a year at its Open Call, in one-on-one meetings that can put an item in Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and Walmart.com. Items go in through RangeMe during the application period.
“These product pitches are 30-minute one-on-one meetings to potentially secure deals ranging from a handful of local stores to supplying hundreds of stores and Sam’s Clubs as well as Walmart.com and Walmart Marketplace.”
“Walmart has engaged RangeMe to gather all item pitches for Open Call.”
“Subject to space availability, only items submitted on RangeMe during the application period will be considered.”
What it says it looks for
“Products must be made, grown or assembled in the U.S. to be considered for the event.”
“At this year's Open Call, more than 180 pitches resulted in “golden tickets” representing deals for suppliers to sell their products on Walmart or Sam’s Club shelves or online at Walmart.com.”
What it has bought from outside
2017
Bonobos from Andy Dunn and Brian Spaly $310 million
“In June 2017, Walmart announced it was purchasing the brand for $310 million, making it a subsidiary within its fashion department. [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] The brand would not be sold in the Walmart stores; instead it would be sold on Walmart's recently purchased Jet.com.” en.wikipedia.org
2016
Jet.com from Marc Lore $3.3 billion
“In August 2016, The Wall Street Journal reported that Walmart was in talks with Jet.com to acquire the company.…” en.wikipedia.org
Other companies that take an invention or product idea
