**Mississauga**: Walmart Canada’s first Growth Summit on July 9, 2025, aims to connect local suppliers with merchandising teams, offering opportunities to pitch products and expand market reach, reinforcing the retailer’s commitment to Canadian sourcing and support for local entrepreneurs.
Walmart Canada is set to host its inaugural Canada Growth Summit on July 9, 2025, a significant event aimed at connecting Canadian suppliers and entrepreneurs with the retailer’s merchandising team. This initiative allows local businesses from across the country to pitch their products directly to Walmart Canada’s merchants, with the potential of securing listings within the retailer’s extensive portfolio.
The summit, which follows similar events conducted in various international markets such as the United States, Chile, India, Mexico, and Africa, is designed to support local suppliers and increase the availability of Canadian-sourced products in Walmart’s offerings. According to the retailer, this in-person event aims to reinforce their longstanding commitment to local suppliers.
Venessa Yates, President and CEO of Walmart Canada, highlighted the company’s long-term collaboration with Canadian suppliers since 1994, stating that Walmart has invested billions into purchasing Canadian-made goods. “Our first Canada Growth Summit comes on the heels of announcing our historic $6.5 billion investment and will help to set the stage for our continued growth in Canada,” she said. Yates emphasized that the summit is intended to forge deep connections with Canadian suppliers as they work together to enhance customer service experience.
The event will take place at Walmart Canada’s Store Support Centre, located in Mississauga, Ontario. Applications for participation are currently open and will close on May 9. Selected suppliers will have the opportunity to present their products to Walmart’s merchants, marking a platform for businesses to potentially scale and expand their market reach.
In addition to pitching opportunities, the Canada Growth Summit will feature keynote presentations from Walmart Canada leadership, supplier development sessions, and networking opportunities. There will also be targeted support for suppliers looking to list their products on Walmart Canada’s online Marketplace, which has been a growing segment of the retailer’s business strategy.
Sam Wankowski, Chief Merchandising Officer at Walmart Canada, described being listed with Walmart as “transformational for businesses and entrepreneurs.” He expressed enthusiasm for discovering new local talent and bringing these products to Walmart’s shelves for customers to access at everyday low prices.
Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada, echoed this sentiment, noting that the summit is a testament to Walmart’s ongoing support for local businesses and its commitment to delivering products that meet the needs of Canadian consumers.
With over 400 stores nationwide, Walmart Canada serves approximately 1.5 million customers each day, making the expansion and inclusion of local products a pivotal aspect of its operational strategy. The Canada Growth Summit represents a significant opportunity for local suppliers to engage with one of the country’s largest retailers and contribute to the ongoing economic growth within Canada.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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