Walmart looking at sourcing toys, shoes, bicycles from India

New Delhi: US-based retail giant Walmart is looking to source toys, shoes and bicycles from Indian suppliers as the company is targeting to increase its exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027. The company also wants to develop new suppliers in categories such as food, pharmaceuticals, consumables, health and wellness, and apparel and home textiles, a company spokesperson said.

Officials from the Bentonville-headquartered firm recently held a virtual meeting with several domestic toy manufacturers here. The company informed toy makers about their requirements and expected quality standards as it is directly engaging with the domestic toy makers for sourcing. Global retailers such as IKEA are already sourcing toys from India for their international operations. The move is significant and highlights India's growing strength in the toy industry, especially since India was a net importer of toys until a few years ago. It was the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) which conceptualised and made it happen as it was the department officers who brought Walmart and toy association together.