Local creator of SKRIBS wins Wal-Mart competition

The creator of a customizable wristbands has won marketing support from the retail goliath.

November 8, 2013; 9:37 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Update #2 — November 8, 2013; 9:37 AM

Olugbenga “Tumi” Oredein Jr. hasn’t gradated from his Master of Production Innovation program at VCU, but he can already add Wal-Mart to his client list. The creator of customizable writs bands SKRIBS (see below) will receive marketing assistance from Wal-Mart for winning the retail chain’s Get On the Shelf competition. SKRIBS won by receiving the largest number of preorders, co-winning the competition with Elvis Presley Home Bedding Collection.

In addition to Wal-Mart’s marketing assistance, SKRIBS are also for sale on the retail giant’s website. A three-pack of SKRIBS and a dry erase marker sells for $8.95.

Here’s the SKRIBS product video from the Wal-Mart competition:

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Update #1 — November 1, 2013; 5:44 PM

Wal-Mart has extended its Get On The Shelf competition, allowing local product SKRIBS a better chance of winning the annual contest by earning the most pre-orders among fellow competing products. If SKRIBS does, the product will win marketing assistance from Wal-Mart (see below).

The Get On The Shelf competition will now run through Monday, November 4th. You can pre-order SKRIBS here.

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Original — October 29, 2013

SKRIBS, a product created by VCU student Olugbenga “Tumi” Oredein Jr., is a finalist in Wal-Mart’s Get On The Shelf competition, becoming one of select products that will be sold on Wal-Mart’s website. SKRIBS were named a finalist from among thousands of applications, many from existing companies with more money and experience than the local creator. Beginning today Oredein’s product will compete with other finalists to win marketing support from the retailer.

“It’s been really amazing,” Oredein said about the success of his first product.

Currently working in VCU’s Master of Product Innovation program, Oredein developed SKRIBS, wristbands children can draw and write on using most pens and dry-erase markers.

“I loved wearing wristbands when I was in high school and college,” Oredein said about the inspiration for his product. Unfortunately, many of them had “generic sayings” that he found unappealing. In contrast, SKRIBS are a constantly evolving accessory. “I felt like it would be a great way to customize your own message or customize your own style,” he said.

Here’s the SKRIBS product video and commercial:

And product commercial filmed at the Science Museum of Virginia:

But his product may win additional help. Beginning today, SKRIBS and the other product finalists will take product preorders for the next 72 hours. The product that receives the most orders will earn marketing support from Wal-Mart. A three-pack of SKRIBS with a dry-erase marker will sell for $8.95.

Oredein’s grateful for the start his career has taken, no matter how SKRIBS ultimately performs in the next 72 hours, because Oredein has done what few others have: list Wal-Mart as a client on his resume even before graduating from school. “This is my first client, and that’s a pretty great first client,” he said. “It’s just been amazing.”