2023 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Evelyn Chau (Q&A)
Evelyn Chau
Omni Merchant, Produce
Walmart Canada
How did you get your start in the grocery industry?
I began my journey in the grocery industry when I joined the leadership development program at Walmart Canada after graduating from McMaster University. This program provided me with invaluable exposure to different roles, including store operations, supply chain, Walmart brands and merchandising. It was during this time I discovered my passion for product and became determined to pursue a career in merchandising. I am immensely grateful for the mentors who guided and supported me along the way, shaping me into the merchant I am today.
What keeps you motivated at work?
What keeps me motivated at work is the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a supportive team environment. I am driven by the chance to continuously develop my skills, learn the industry and see progress in professional growth. Working with a supportive and cohesive team fuels my motivation as we inspire and learn from one another, creating a positive and productive work environment.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to bring products to life in stores. It fuels my creativity and allows me to develop new merchandising strategies. Collaborating with store associates to successfully launch programs is incredibly rewarding. The satisfaction I get from seeing strategies come to life and witnessing stakeholders unite around a shared objective is truly fulfilling.
Biggest challenge faced in your career?
The biggest challenge I faced in my career was adapting to new customer shopping patterns at the beginning of the pandemic. As a manager in a highly perishable department, one of my main challenges was effectively managing inventory, while balancing availability for customers and also minimizing food waste. I constantly faced issues with fluctuating availability and shifts in shopping patterns. To address this, I prioritized communication with replenishment partners and vendor partners, ensuring quick adjustments and optimizing inventory to balance priorities.
What is your best quality?
One of my best qualities is being a team player. I genuinely enjoy working with others and believe in the power of collaboration. I actively listen to my teammates, value their opinions, and contribute my ideas. I'm reliable, accountable, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Creating a positive and inclusive team environment is important to me. Together, we can achieve great things!
What is a fun fact about you?
I have had the incredible opportunity to explore 30 countries, and I am currently working on adding another 30 to my travel list. Traveling is my passion, and I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the diverse cultures of each destination I visit.
Click here for the full list of 2023 Star Women in Grocery award winners.