Walmart looking to sell products made by Ohio entrepreneurs

Walmart is looking for Ohio entrepreneurs to pitch their products to the company’s buyers during a day-long event next month.

The company is hosting an event at its global headquarters in Arkansas on June 28, where buyers will look for new U.S.-made products to sell in stores. The deadline to register for the event online is May 18.

“We are excited to once again invite businesses from all 50 states to meet with Walmart buyers who have one goal in mind: to buy more American products for our stores, clubs and Walmart.com,” said Cindi Marsiglio, Walmart’s vice president of U.S. Manufacturing.

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Buyers will look to make deals of varying sizes — from supplying a product to a handful of stores in a local market to supplying stores nationwide including other brand stores like Sam’s Club.

Ohio entrepreneurs have already benefited from the program. 50 strong, a water bottle manufacturer in Lima, Ohio, has grown its company through Walmart. The manufacturer initially sold one style of water bottle in 250 Walmart stores back in 2013. Now, the company sells 13 different items in more than 4,000 Walmart locations and online.

Walmart serves customers at 173 retail units in Ohio, and employs more than 50,481 associates in the state. The retail giant supports local businesses, spending $5.6 billion with Ohio suppliers.

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