Retail-First Startup Wins Walmart’s Golden Ticket; Will Launch in September

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Re: Retail-first startup wins Walmart’s Golden Ticket; Will Launch in September Walmart recently awarded retail-focused Clean Age, a woman-founded CPG company that makes personal care products for GenZ, including deodorant and toothpaste tabs, with the company’s Golden Ticket–the highest award in their startup pitch competition. As the winner, Clean Age will launch in more than 1800 stores in September. This launch will take Clean Age nationwide and will increase the total store list to 5,000 stores. Rachel Peters, the CEO and Founder of Clean Age says, "We are thrilled to have won Walmart's Open Call Golden Ticket. This is a major milestone for our brand, and we are excited to share our products with teens across the country. We believe that everyone deserves to have better-for-you products at an affordable price, and our retail partners make that possible." Clean Age products are gender-inclusive, cruelty-free, vegan, and sold in responsibly sourced paper packaging – all things major retailers and future generations of shoppers value. Clean Age has garnered immense success and recognition in the personal care sector, primarily catering to an often-overlooked consumer base—teens and pre-teens. Our commitment to providing effective and safe products that resonate with the needs and values of this dynamic demographic has propelled us forward, making us the fastest-growing natural deodorant in the aisle. Peters attributes the rapid growth to listening to both families and retailers, “We help parents and teens at a highly emotional time in the household. And, we help retailers provide a sustainable, clean product that stands out on the shelf.” “We’ve met so many amazing small business owners through Open Call over the years, and this year is no exception,” said Scott Gutche, senior director, of U.S. Manufacturing for Walmart. More than 4,500 entrepreneurs applied, and over 13,000 products were registered to compete. This year, finalists representing all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, pitched their products for consideration through 30-minute one-on-one virtual and in-person meetings at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. Some highlights: - In 2022 Clean Age won Walmart's Golden Ticket during their Open Call competition. Out of 13,000 products pitched, we were selected to get space on Walmart shelves and that launch happens in September of this year (1865 stores across the country). - Our first retail partnership was with Kroger, launching in 128 Fred Meyer stores in the Pacific Northwest. Other national launches include Rite Aid and Fresh Thyme. - We have a growing team and include local college and high school students in our daily operations. - Clean Age ditched the DTC model to go retail-first, leading them to secure the spot as the fastest-growing natural deodorant in the aisle. For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: Jessica Bruce, Marketing Manager jessica@clean-age.com