Walmart Growth Summit FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

GENERAL FAQ

Q: What is the Walmart Growth Summit?

 

The Walmart Growth Summit is a large sourcing event for Walmart and Sam’s Club. For selected entrepreneurs, it is an exciting opportunity to pitch their products to a Walmart and/or Sam's Club buyer and potentially get a product in the hands of millions of our customers. Products must be made, grown or assembled in India to be considered for the event.

 

For innovators, it is a unique opportunity to pitch solutions for future-looking business challenges, and potentially implement those solutions within Walmart’s value chain. Companies must be based in India to be considered for the event.

 

 All pitches are one-on-one meetings to secure deals ranging from a handful of stores to supplying hundreds of Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs as well as Walmart’s online marketplace.

 

In addition to the pitch meetings, the event includes a series of breakout sessions designed to inform and educate business owners of all sizes on what it’s like to do business with Walmart. 

 

Q: Why are we hosting this event?

 

In 2020, Walmart announced a goal of $10 billion in annual exports from India by 2027. India is a rising global hub in manufacturing, and the event aims to help develop hundreds of new suppliers in categories such as food, consumables, health and wellness, general merchandise, apparel, homewares, and other key Indian export categories.  As an international retailer, Walmart brings value to customers and communities worldwide, and we understand that local entrepreneurs and manufacturers are vital to the success of the global retail sector. We see huge potential for Indian suppliers to grow their businesses by leveraging the unique scale and global distribution opportunity Walmart provides. 

 

We also believe that by significantly accelerating our annual India exports, we are supporting the Make in India initiative and helping more local businesses reach international customers, while creating jobs and strengthening communities in India. 

Q: What is the application and submission process for the Walmart Growth Summit?

Interested companies may apply through one of the two links above. There are two separate applications depending on if one is applying as an export-ready supplier or an innovator. 

 

Suppliers: The application link above will take you to RangeMe.com where you will set up a free account and begin completing the questionnaire. 

 

Innovators: The application link above will take you to a survey, and your responses will be sent directly to our Sourcing Innovation team for consideration. 

 

Q. Are there certain requirements to apply for this event?

 Yes. 

Suppliers: Items must be made, grown or assembled in India.

 

Innovators: Your company must be based in India.

 

 

 

SUPPLIER FAQ

 

Q. Are there certain requirements to be a supplier for Walmart?

 

Yes. You can learn more about Walmart supplier requirements here.

 

Q: How do I check to see what item(s) I have submitted?

 

All items submitted by the supplier can be viewed on the RangeMe platform.

 

Q: Are there any categories that won’t be accepted in the application process?

 

Yes. We do not allow the following categories to apply or pitch their product to a Walmart or Sam’s Club buyers.

• Cigarettes/Tobacco
• Pharmaceutical Drugs
• Smoking Accessories
• 3 Point
• Animal Health
• Barn and Stall Equipment
• Equine
• Farm & Ranch Fencing
• Hemp
• Irrigation & Spraying

• Livestock
• Poultry
• Tractor
• Twine
• Retailer Services
• Books
• Movies
• Music
• Musical instrument & karaoke
• Products with ingredients, USPs, Description, or Name that include CBD or Cannabis

 

 

 

Q: What is RangeMe and why am I directed RangeMe.com to submit my product pitches?

 

RangeMe is the product discovery and sourcing platform where retailers and suppliers discover, connect, and grow their business. Walmart has partnered with this web platform – RangeMe for gathering all item pitches for the event. Subject to space availability, only items submitted on RangeMe during the application period will be considered.

 

 

Q: How do I know what product pitches have been selected for the merchant meetings?

 

All companies that submit by the deadline will receive an email confirming their submission after the application period closes. If your product and company meet our criteria, we will extend a meeting invitation, outlining which category and product was selected, if appropriate.

 

Q. How many people from my company can attend the Walmart Growth Summit? 

 

Invited companies will be offered the opportunity to include a maximum of two (2) attendees if selected to attend in person.

 

Q. What happens after I submit my attendance confirmation?

 

You will receive a confirmation email and be included in the communication stream for event attendees.

 

Q. I submitted more products than those listed in my confirmed meetings. Can I still present those not listed?

 

Your product pitch should focus on items appropriate for the category for which you are meeting. Please limit your product pitch meetings to the items listed in your confirmed meeting invitation (and any color/size/style variants that are appropriate for the category listed in the confirmed meeting information).

 

Q: Why should Walmart Marketplace sellers consider participation?

 

Walmart Marketplace sellers are uniquely positioned to tap into Walmart’s omnichannel capabilities and be among the first candidates considered for a Walmart Growth Summit pitch session. Established Marketplace sellers bring millions of exciting products to Walmart.com already. With the Walmart Growth Summit opportunity, together we can expand these offerings to Walmart and Sam’s Club stores and get popular Marketplace products in the hands of millions of our brick-and-mortar customers.

 

 

Q: If I am asked or recommended to join Marketplace as a seller, are there any product limitations or prohibited item policies?

 

Yes. Please review the Marketplace Prohibited Products Policy here: https://sellerhelp.walmart.com/seller/s/guide?article=000006005

INNOVATION FAQ

Q: What are the areas or applications that Walmart is interested in for innovative solutions and technologies?

Walmart is looking for a variety of innovations that can fundamentally improve/disrupt the way we source and produce goods. The categories (with examples) under consideration are: 

• Manufacturing  - novel machinery or materials, 3D printing, general automation, etc.
• Supply Chain Visibility  - raw material traceability, agricultural yield monitoring, etc.
• Sustainability - food waste reduction, textile recycling, circularity, etc.
• Other – the sky is the limit! If you have a solution that you think can impact the sourcing of products at scale, please consider applying.

 

Ideally, solutions will provide value in one or more of the following ways: 

• Increase visibility into production and sourcing
• Advance sustainability or circularity within a given area
• Lower the cost or improve the quality of products
• Unlock new source of supply
• Improve execution or manufacturing processes
• Make products more accessible for the customer

 

Q: What are examples of innovation that Walmart is currently exploring?

Sustainable Textiles: The ability to capture CO2 from manufacturing emissions and transform it into cellulosic pulp for applications in apparel, packaging, and more. 

Smart Farming: Equipping growers with AI to monitor, cultivate, and forecast their production of crops, seafood, and more accurately. 

Shelf-Life Extension: Applications of modified atmosphere packaging technologies that extend the freshness of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

 

Q: Why should companies apply to participate in the Innovation portion of the event?

Companies that participate in the Innovation portion of the event may be considered for pilot projects, partnerships, or investment opportunities.

 

We see huge potential for Indian companies to grow their businesses by leveraging the unique scale and influence that Walmart can provide.  By working closely with emerging companies and technologies, Walmart aims to bring impactful solutions to scale faster and more effectively. 

 

Q: How do I know if my company has been selected as an Innovator for the event?

If your company meets our evaluation criteria, we will extend a meeting invitation, and provide expectations and details for your pitch meeting. 

 

Invited companies will be offered the opportunity to include a maximum of two (2) attendees if selected to attend in person.