WIT/ Walmart Panel Discussion to kick off at Toy Fair 2013

Diane Creston February 09, 2013

Walmart Panel Discussion
to kick off
The WIT-Walmart Women’s Global Economic Empowerment Initiative at Toy Fair 2013

“Top 5 Tips for Selling to Walmart, by Two Women Who Have Done It!”

When: Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 12:30-1 pm
Where: Room 1C04

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

Presenters:
Carol Fenster, Baby Abuelita
Amy Pennington, President and Founder of Paradise Kids

Moderators:
Patti Becker, Becker Associates LLC
Reisa Schwartzman, Griddly Games

About Women in Toys

A new collaboration between Women in Toys (WIT) and Walmart will help women-owned businesses of all sizes pitch their products to Walmart during the American International Toy Fair in February 2013 in New York.

Through the “Women in Toys – Walmart Women’s Global Economic Empowerment Initiative,” WIT will host its version of “speed-dating” at Toy Fair, offering women-owned businesses a chance to pitch their children’s products, product lines and brands to the multinational retailer

"Walmart is very excited and committed to our Women-Owned Business Initiative," said Laura Phillips, senior vice president of toys, seasonal, and celebrations for Walmart U.S. and a member of the WIT Advisory Board.

"Walmart will lead a major effort in three key areas, with specific goals to empower women across its global supply chain by the end of 2016. We are eager to extend the pipeline … to find and source women-owned companies with products that buyers can come and see during Toy Fair.” corporation. The initiative will help Walmart reach its goal of sourcing $20 billion from women-owned businesses by 2016.

The pitch meetings are by appointment only and will take place throughout the trade show (February 10-13, 2013).

The Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment Booth (#5801) will be used to promote the initiative and serve as registration check-in for Walmart pitches. Private meeting rooms provided by the Toy Industry Association, owner and operator of Toy Fair, will be outfitted for the meetings. Dozens of women-owned businesses have already shown interest in participating; an anonymous private donor has pledged up to $3 million to develop approved products.

More than 20 women are on the initiative’s planning committee. Marketing consultants, manufacturers, packaging designers, PR firms, industry associations, and trade journals have pledged to collaborate with WIT, publish articles and promote the initiative, as well as help suppliers prepare for their Walmart meetings and expand their Walmart business.

"WIT is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with Walmart!" said Patti Becker, chairman of the WIT advisory board and immediate past president of WIT.

"This initiative will provide a vehicle for women-owned toy companies and related children's businesses to access Walmart buyers by potentially becoming a new Walmart supplier or having the opportunity to grow their supplier business if they are already an active Walmart vendor. We are extremely grateful to everyone who is working with us, and we're excited to see this initiative come to fruition in time to launch at Toy Fair 2013."

Visit WOMEN IN TOYS online: www.womenintoys.com

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Media Contact: Diane Creston

Creston Media Consulting www.crestonmedia.com media@crestonmedia.com