College Station, Texas, October 22, 2025
News Summary
KLĒNR, a veteran-owned business from College Station, Texas, has received Walmart’s prestigious ‘Golden Ticket’ at the retailer’s Open Call. This achievement allows KLĒNR to feature its organic product line, including soap and deodorant, on Walmart’s online marketplace, with the potential for in-store sales. Owner Chris Thompson, a U.S. Army veteran, expresses deep gratitude for this recognition, which could significantly boost KLĒNR’s annual sales and distribution. The company strives to highlight the importance of veteran-owned businesses in retail, marking a major milestone in its journey.
College Station, Texas – KLĒNR, a veteran-owned business, has achieved a major milestone by receiving Walmart’s “Golden Ticket” at the retailer’s 12th annual Open Call. This recognition allows KLĒNR to have its products featured on Walmart’s online marketplace in the coming months, paving the way for potential in-store sales worldwide.
Only four veteran-owned enterprises in the U.S. were honored with this distinction, and the emotional weight of this acknowledgment was not lost on the owner, Chris Thompson. As a U.S. Army veteran who served nearly ten years and experienced seven deployments, Thompson’s journey inspired him to create naturally scented products made from organic ingredients. His commitment to quality and health is reflected in KLĒNR’s range of offerings, which includes natural soap, deodorant, beard oil, and pomade, all carefully crafted with a high concentration of organic components.
The award from Walmart carries significant weight, particularly for a veteran-owned entity like KLĒNR. The business prides itself on ensuring its products are made in the USA while maintaining a focus on high quality. This recognition is viewed as a potential game-changer for KLĒNR, with Thomas McMillan, the director of the Center for Retailing Innovation at Texas A&M University, likening the opportunity of securing a deal with Walmart to “winning the retail lottery.” A successful partnership could lead to a trial rollout of KLĒNR products in select stores, allowing for greater distribution if initial sales prove robust.
The local community has played a pivotal role in supporting KLĒNR since its inception over three years ago. Chris Thompson and his wife Becca founded the company with a mission to promote personal health by distributing high-quality, naturally sourced products. The couple’s dedication has garnered a loyal customer base, and they express gratitude for the community’s continuous support throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
A successful national rollout could result in annual retail sales exceeding $10 million for KLĒNR, presenting a transformative opportunity for this small business. The potential collaboration with Walmart not only promises to elevate their products on a national platform but also highlights the growing emphasis on veteran-owned businesses in the retail sector.
As KLĒNR prepares for its next steps, the company remains focused on its core mission: to share quality, health-oriented products that resonate with consumers looking for natural alternatives. The future looks bright for KLĒNR as it embarks on this new chapter with Walmart, marking a significant achievement in its journey as a veteran-owned business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KLĒNR?
KLĒNR is a veteran-owned business based in College Station, Texas, specializing in naturally scented products made from organic ingredients.
What did KLĒNR achieve at Walmart’s Open Call?
KLĒNR received a “Golden Ticket,” allowing its products to be featured on Walmart’s online marketplace.
What types of products does KLĒNR offer?
KLĒNR’s product range includes natural soap, deodorant, beard oil, and pomade, all made with a high concentration of organic ingredients.
What impact could partnering with Walmart have on KLĒNR?
A successful partnership could lead to annual retail sales exceeding $10 million and greater distribution of KLĒNR products.
Key Features of KLĒNR and Walmart Partnership
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Veteran-Owned | KLĒNR is owned by U.S. Army veteran Chris Thompson. |
| Product Range | Natural soap, deodorant, beard oil, pomade using organic ingredients. |
| Walmart Partnership | Golden Ticket awarded at Walmart’s Open Call allows products on Walmart’s online marketplace. |
| Potential Sales Growth | Potential annual retail sales exceeding $10 million. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: KLĒNR
- KCEN TV
- Google Search: KLĒNR
- WAFB News
- Google Scholar: KLĒNR
- WJLA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: KLĒNR
- US Chamber of Commerce
- Google News: KLĒNR
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
