Walmart today announced a commitment to increase US sourcing of its products by $50 billion over the next ten years.
Speaking at the National Retail Federation's annual BIG Show, Walmart US President and CEO Bill Simon also announced plans to employ more US veterans and to help part-time associates who want to make the transition to full time work.
The company said it will grow US manufacturing on two fronts—by increasing what it already buys in categories like sporting goods, apparel basics, storage products, games and paper products, and by helping to onshore US production in high potential areas like textiles, furniture and higher-end appliances.
"At the heart of our national political conversation today is one issue: creating jobs to grow the economy," said Simon. "We are meeting with our suppliers on domestic manufacturing and are making a strong commitment to move this forward."
Beginning on Memorial Day, Walmart will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran in his or her first 12 months off active duty. Most of these jobs will be in Walmart stores and clubs, and some will be in distribution centers and the Home Office.
