GIMA announces first Buyer Connect retail partner for 2026
Following the GIMA webinar held on Tuesday 2nd December 2025, GIMA is pleased to confirm Walmart Marketplace as its next retail partner for the GIMA Buyer Connect programme – and host of the first ‘Meet the Buyer’ event of 2026.
Taking place on Wednesday 21st January 2026 at Walmart’s newly established London offices, the event will be exclusive to GIMA members and offers suppliers the chance to explore listing opportunities on the U.S. Walmart Marketplace - the online platform of the world’s number one retailer, with access to millions of shoppers every week.
Supporting international seller growth
Walmart Marketplace continues to deliver strong year-on-year growth as the retailer builds a best-in-class eCommerce platform. Alongside expansion across key categories and investment in omnichannel experiences, Walmart is creating new pathways for international brands to scale digitally.
Although the Buyer Connect sessions arranged through GIMA focus specifically on the U.S. Walmart Marketplace, successful sellers may also have the potential to extend into other Walmart markets, including Canada, Mexico and Chile.
The newly formed Walmart Marketplace team in London has been established specifically to support EMEA sellers, guiding them through onboarding, compliance, operations and long-term growth within the Walmart ecosystem.
Opportunity for GIMA members
Held on site at Walmart’s London offices, the event is designed to create direct, high-value conversations between marketplace buyers and brands that are ready to scale.
Event format (GIMA members only):
- One-to-one meetings – each approved supplier will receive a 25-minute appointment with the Walmart buying team
- Attendance – up to two representatives per company per session
- Cost – free of charge for GIMA members
GIMA Membership Ambassador, Tony Kersey, commented: “This is a unique ‘Meet the Buyer’ event that reflects the rapid evolution of global retail and the influence of international marketplace platforms. Walmart is one of the world’s largest and most respected retail organisations, and this event represents a fantastic opportunity for our members to open fresh discussions, present their ranges and explore a completely new route to global consumers.
As the platform is U.S.-based, there are specific requirements involved in launching products on Walmart Marketplace, but for members ready to meet those criteria, the potential rewards are significant.”
Seller eligibility – at a glance
To qualify for a meeting, applicants must be registered businesses that can demonstrate proven eCommerce experience and product readiness for the U.S. marketplace. Full criteria and guidance will be provided during the application process.
How to take part
- Eligibility - exclusive to GIMA members
- Application deadline - Friday 19th December 2025
- How to apply - request and submit the application form via info@gima.org.uk
- Approval - meetings are subject to review and approval by Walmart, with confirmed appointments issued by the GIMA team in due course
Find out more
For further details and to register your interest, visit: www.gima.org.uk/calendar-of-events
Or contact the GIMA team directly via info@gima.org.uk.