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

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?