Wal-Mart Launches ‘Arkansas’ Own’ Program To Promote In-state Vendors

Wal-Mart launched a new state initiative called “Arkansas’ Own” to promote Arkansas vendors doing business with the retail giant and to encourage more shoppers to buy local products made in the Natural State.

The move is part of a ten-year, $50 billion commitment by Wal-Mart to onshore manufacturing in the U.S.

“There are 1,700 unique products made in Arkansas that are sold in Wal-Mart stores,” said Arkansas Economic Development Commission director Grant Tennille at a Little Rock Wal-Mart store appearance to promote the new endeavor. “Probably more than 85% of those are sold in Wal-Mart stores nationwide. We are highlighting this to encourage other Arkansas manufacturers to seek vendor relationships with Wal-Mart.”

Wal-Mart has about 100 supercenters, discount stores, neighborhood markets and express stores in Arkansas.

The new branding campaign will feature in-store signage that features the logo “Arkansas’ Own” around product displays and throughout store aisles.

Wal-Mart Vice-president for Home, Michelle Gloeckler, said the “Arkansas’ Own” marketing initiative originated from an idea at a local store in state.

“Our local leadership team – Ashley Taylor, who is our regional vice-president for all the stores in Arkansas – had a great vision for ‘Made in the U.S.’ and decided to take it one level down and said let’s do it right here in our stores because we have fantastic products in Arkansas,” said Gloeckler.

She added that while Arkansas was first to market local products in this manner, other states may adopt the concept.

“We’re pretty competitive so you never know,” Gloeckler said.