Success with America's largest retailers requires more than a compelling product pitch according to retail veteran Mitch Gould, who emphasizes that understanding large-scale retail operations is essential for long-term placement. Gould notes that retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Home Depot continue tightening requirements around pricing discipline, supply chain reliability, and regulatory compliance, resulting in brands being evaluated more rigorously than ever before.
With more than three decades of experience in national retail distribution, Gould has worked directly with Walmart on large-scale product launches across thousands of stores nationwide. "Walmart evaluates performance continuously," Gould said. "Once a product is approved, the real test is whether you can keep it supplied consistently. If execution breaks down, the product doesn't last."
Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton, Walmart has grown into the world's largest retailer, operating more than 10,000 stores globally and generating over $600 billion in annual revenue. Its high-volume, everyday-price model depends on reliable replenishment and steady inventory flow, making operational consistency critical for brands seeking long-term placement. This operational reality means that brands must maintain year-round engagement across inventory planning and performance monitoring rather than relying on initial buyer meetings.
Gould traces his understanding of mass retail back to early guidance from his mentor R.D. Wells, a consumer distribution leader who personally knew Sam Walton and regularly visited the company's Bentonville headquarters. That connection became firsthand when Gould traveled to Bentonville to present a national launch opportunity, bringing actor Steven Seagal and his energy drink brand Lightning Bolt to Walmart headquarters as part of a rollout that expanded into thousands of stores. The experience reinforced that "Walmart isn't looking for short-term demand spikes," Gould explained. "They want products that perform week after week. Staying on the shelf depends on reliability."
Throughout his career, Gould has worked directly with many of the largest U.S. retail chains, including Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Walgreens, and CVS. While early retail relationships were often built through in-person buyer meetings, today's environment requires comprehensive operational readiness. Gould continues to advise brands on how to prepare for and navigate the U.S. retail landscape by focusing on execution, discipline, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term wins. This shift represents a fundamental change in how consumer brands must approach major retail partnerships, with ongoing performance metrics becoming increasingly important for maintaining shelf space in competitive retail environments.
