Supplier fair coming to Sam’s Club auditorium

Sam’s Club next week is set to hold the first of three unique supplier fairs designed to improve sourcing from women and minority owned firms.

The event is scheduled for April 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is designed to provide education on the Sam’s Club merchandising strategy, engage potential suppliers, strengthen relationships with diverse suppliers and identify product offerings relevant to the members that Sam’s Club serves.

“Through our Supplier Diversity Program, we can identify and provide business opportunities to the best suited suppliers who are ready to help us achieve three key objectives: to provide our members with products they want, to create jobs, and to improve the way of life in the communities we serve,” said Brian Graham, Sam’s Club VP merchandise solutions.

Participating suppliers must be U.S. privately held companies that are 51% owned and operated by women, minority individuals, veterans or people with disabilities. Each supplier will need to complete a questionnaire and meet the minimum requirements to determine eligibility to attend. Interested parties should contact ECRM Marketgate at (440) 498-0500 ext. 1143 or [email protected].

The Sam’s initiative is part of a larger effort on the part of Walmart to empower women across its supply chain. By the end of 2016, the company will source $20 billion from women-owned businesses in the United States and double sourcing from women suppliers internationally. Additionally, the company has committed to working with major professional service firms and merchandise suppliers with over $1 billion in sales to increase women and minority representation on Walmart accounts.