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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Hundreds of prospective suppliers are descending upon Walmart’s headquarters Tuesday to pitch their U.S.-made products to some of the company’s top executives.
Hundreds of prospective suppliers are descending upon Walmart’s headquarters Tuesday to pitch their U.S.-made products to some of the company’s top executives.
Walmart said it expects more than 500 manufacturers will participate in the company’s first "Made in America" open call.
The nation’s largest retailer said it expects to spend an additional $250 billion through 2023 to purchase U.S.-made merchandise. Already, the company said, items that are made, sourced, assembled or grown in America now account for about two-thirds of what Walmart U.S. spends to buy products sold through its stores, clubs and website.
"Increasing Walmart’s purchases that support American jobs makes sense for our customers, our communities and our company," said Michelle Gloeckler, Walmart’s executive vice president of consumables and U.S. manufacturing. "Our customers have told us they want to buy products that support their communities, and with changes in energy and automation processes overseas, it is increasingly cost-effective and efficient to manufacture closest to the point of consumption. We can better respond to trends and customer demand while providing great products at affordable prices."
Walmart is holding informational sessions throughout the day on topics such as product labeling, the Walmart customer and supplier diversity.
"When we buy new products, suppliers hire people to make those products. These American jobs build families and communities, and they help our country thrive. That’s really what our domestic manufacturing commitment is all about," said Walmart U.S. president and chief executive officer Bill Simon.
