Posted in: Business

Get On the Shelf: Wal-Mart Starts Contest for Inventors [Video]

wal-mart

Wal-Mart is looking for the next hot product and they’re hoping that you have it. The super-retailer just launched “Get On The Shelf,” an “American Idol”-like contest for inventors.

CNN reports that Wal-Mart is typically very strict about its product selection. Venky Harinarayan, senior vice president of Wal-Mart’s global e-commerce unit, said:

“For a long time, the ability to get a product into a retail store was at the sole discretion of the store buyer. Today we are removing these barriers by giving anyone the chance to launch their product at Wal-Mart and reach millions of shoppers nationwide.”

People will get to vote for their favorite products on GetOnTheShelf.com. The three top items will earn a place on Wal-Mart shelves around the country. Wal-Mart announced the contest today but they have been gathering entries for months. Currently, an iPad pillow, boots for dogs, an auto pet dish, pills that promise to get rid of grey hair, beach crutches, a soda bottle lock, and a holiday card display stand are fighting for shelf space.

Entrepreneurial hopefuls can pitch their products with a video until February 22nd. The first round of voting will happen between March 7th and April 4th. 10 finalist will be chosen and those products will be voted on from April 11th to April 24th. The top three products will be produced, shipped, and stocked at Wal-Marts around the country.

Here’s a promo for “Get On The Shelf.”

Do you have a product that Wal-Mart should sell?

From Around The Web

Comments

8 Responses to “Get On the Shelf: Wal-Mart Starts Contest for Inventors [Video]”

  2. Paul Lieb

    I have submitted my fishing invention that makes fishing more fun called the DualFin and BulletBobber. They are fishing floats that kind of work like a stunt kite but sit on the water. It moves to the left or right and flips direction and color when given a little tug by flicking your rod tip. If you are fishing in a river or stream you can get it to go wherever you want downstream without recasting. If you are fishing in a lake or pond you can reel and make it go left or right to reach places you can't cast. They can explore and discover new territory that others cannot reach. http://www.bulletbobber.com

    Please vote for DualFin and BulletBobbers starting March 7.

  7. Margaret Palmer

    I entered my "embroidered cake tops". Imagine keepinig a part of every special occasion cake. Make them into quilts, family trees etc. From your engagement party, to your childs baby shower to their graduation, or to their retirement. Make a quilt to hand down from generation to generation with part of your special occasion cake tops. Life is full of memeories. Keep a part of everyone.