Wal-Mart launches ‘Get on the shelf’ 2.0
by July 1, 2013 10:17 am 81 views
Getting products on the shelf at the world’s largest retailer is no easy feat. But Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will give one lucky winner that opportunity through another “Get on the shelf” crowdsourcing campaign.
This viral contest developed by WalmartLabs last year has returned for a second installment, the retailer announced Monday (July 1). Get on the Shelf, is an online competition that gives entrepreneurs a chance to get noticed and sell their products on Walmart.com and potentially in select Walmart stores.
Entrants can submit products in any category Wal-Mart carries — from toys and electronics to clothing and household goods.
Entries, which must include a video pitch of the product, must be submitted by July 31 at Getontheshelf.walmart.com. Businesses with American-made products are especially encouraged to enter this year, Wal-Mart said.
A top 20 will be chosen by an online vote. The finalists will be featured in a web series on the contest website.
From that group, viewers will select five winners, and their products will be sold on Walmart.com. Products that generate the most pre-orders online might also be named grand prize winners and sold in select Wal-Mart stores.
"We're calling on entrepreneurs and inventors from across the country to help us discover the next big thing. In return, Wal-Mart is giving them exposure to millions of potential customers," said Joel Anderson, president and CEO of Walmart.com. "Get on the Shelf taps into the spirit of American innovation and gives our customers a voice in selecting the products that will help them live better."
Last year the contest attracted more than 5,000 entries and collecting more than one million votes. Humankind Water was the grand prize winner, getting it’s product in 200 stores across the country.
The two runners-up, Plate Topper and the Snapit Eyeglasses Repair Kit. were invited to sell products on Walmart.com and are doing so.