rt Format Arrange View Share Window Help Article Pitching Products to WalMart-12 125 T Bonge didn't have a number but noted that they are popular in the South among men over 25. Wesley Hitt for The Wall Street Journal Karen Posada of the Good Promise, a maker of smoothies and pasta sauces, makes Body her pitch to Paul Renn, produce director at Wal-Mart, Wesley Hit for The Wall Street Journal In her presentation to Wa-Mart, Karen Posada of the Good Promise, said her veggie smoothies and juice pouches are priced around $1.80. "Anything under $2, you are gold," said Paul Renn, Wal-Mart produce director, nodding approval on the taste. Wesley Hitt for The Wall Street Journal Font Small-product manufacturers mill in the hallway outside presentation rooms before and after their sales pitches at WalMart headquarters in Bentonville. Wesley Times New R for The Wall Street Journal Hoping to have their products chosen by the world's largest retailer, entrepreneurs prepare to make their case during Wal-Mart's Made in USA open Call' in Bentonville, Ark. Wesley Hitt for The Wall Street Journal "I've been in the category for four years and I've never heard ofyour brand," Mr. Kloster said. "Your biggest challenge is awareness. Mr. Kloster suggested selling the device on Walmart.com to test demand before offering it in stores. Alignment The daylong event provides a window into the relationship between Wal-Mart and its suppliers as well as the influence retailers have both on selecting the products for their shelves and how those products appear. These meetings serve a clear purpose for prospective suppliers a shot at vaulting into retail's leagues. For Wal-Mart, the purpose more subtle. New suppliers bring risks of inexperience and untested products. But the retail giant is on a mission improve its 4.600 US stores and part of that is g a stocking cheap imported goods. Pursuing new suppliers, whose products at least Bullets & Lists partially are made in the U.S., could help it attract new shoppers and add momentum to a recent run of slightly better U.S. sales Since taking the helm in early 2014, Chief Executive Doug McMillon has been orking make Wal Mart's stores better. The company which has annual sales fresh billion, 60% of which are generated in the trying to fix its grocery experience and has raised the minimum wage to motivate store employees to keep its shelves stocked and stores neat. watMart's Us sales have increased slightly the last three quarters and traffic has the last two. Mart billed the event-Made in USA "Open Call" as a way to boost its Wal fog products made or assembled in the US For Wal-Mart shoppers where MacBook Air