Walmart seeks Hawaii entrepreneurs
Walmart’s fifth annual Open Call event is looking for the best ideas right in its own back yard, scheduled for June 13 in Bentonville, Arkansas. Apply now for a chance to secure a seat at a table with one of the company’s buyers by visiting walmart-jump.com by May 4.
Kona-based Hualalai Estate Coffee has been a Walmart vendor for 20 years after owner Joel Cooperson negotiated a deal to sell his coffee in the souvenir section of the Kailua-Kona store. Today, Hualalai Estate Coffee is sold in all 10 Walmart stores in Hawaii and is thriving.
“I’m so grateful to Walmart and their buying team in Mililani,” said Cooperson. “After I retired from a teaching career of 31 and a half years, they gave me a new lease on life. Walmart’s Hawaii buying office took me on board as a vendor and have kept working with me over the years. In fact, they were the ones who motivated me to go with pre-printed bags to stimulate sales and reduce costs. It’s been a great relationship.”
Attendees at this year’s Open Call could secure deals ranging from a handful of stores in a local market, to supplying hundreds or even thousands of stores, Sam’s Club locations and Walmart.com. The daylong event informs, empowers and encourages all who attend while providing a great networking opportunity for local entrepreneurs.