Supplier Innovation, Local Manufacturing Take Center Stage in Bentonville
Walmart welcomed more than 500 entrepreneurs from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to Bentonville this October for its annual Open Call event. The 2025 edition emphasized Walmart’s ongoing commitment to source more products that are made, grown, or assembled in the U.S., aligning with its $350 billion pledge to strengthen American manufacturing.
Over 100 businesses received “Golden Tickets” — an invitation to fast-track their products into Walmart or Sam’s Club stores or e-commerce platforms. The products ranged from household essentials and food to pet supplies and innovative consumer goods, all pitched during in-person and virtual meetings with Walmart buyers.
Boosting Domestic Supply Chain Resilience
The Open Call reflects Walmart’s strategy to diversify its supply chain amid ongoing global disruptions. By investing in local manufacturers and small businesses, Walmart reduces dependencies on international suppliers and enhances agility across its omnichannel fulfillment network.
This focus resonates strongly in the post-pandemic era, where consumer demand for availability, sustainability, and transparency in sourcing continues to grow. Open Call finalists often find national retail exposure and long-term supplier relationships as a result.
Economic Impact for Northwest Arkansas and Beyond
For the Bentonville business community and broader Northwest Arkansas region, Open Call is more than an annual event — it's a catalyst for economic development. As new suppliers onboard with Walmart, local vendors, logistics providers, packaging partners, and consultants often benefit from the expanded activity and supply chain demands.
Startups and entrepreneurs also gain access to Walmart’s scale, insights, and category expertise, often transforming regional makers into national players. For agencies and support firms in NWA, this represents a growing client base tied directly to Walmart’s omnichannel ecosystem.
Open Call 2025 reaffirmed Walmart’s role as both a retail giant and an economic accelerator for American-made goods. The initiative blends entrepreneurship, innovation, and retail readiness — further embedding Bentonville as a hub of omnichannel retail development.
