Three years ago, Maninder Marba stepped into her role as the Furniture Merchant at Walmart Canada, bringing with her 15 years of retail experience and a clear vision for what the furniture category could become.
This March, recognizing her work to elevate the assortment, add more style and make great design affordable and accessible for Walmart customers, Maninder was named Walmart Canada’s 2025 Merchant of The Year.
"Style, quality and design shouldn’t be price led," she says. "They should be deliverable in every Canadian home.”
Together with her team, Maninder brought in new vendors, redesigned floor plans and added new displays so customers could see what they were buying. She also leaned on learnings from Walmart U.S., adapting successful strategies to meet the needs of the Canadian market.
A significant moment in Maninder’s transformation of the furniture was the Canadian launch of Better Homes & Gardens, a well-known Walmart Brand from the U.S. Within the first three months of launch, several items, such as the Juliet Rounded Arch Cabinet, Juliet Arc TV Stand, and Mira Swivel Chair saw strong interest on social media.
"The moment customers said they couldn't believe it was Walmart's product, that was everything," she says. "That's when we knew we had truly changed something." The product was resonating with our customers.”
None of it happened alone. She’s quick to credit her cross-functional partners, particularly in sourcing, planning and replenishment, for helping turn vision into reality.
"The only way through was together with genuine collaboration, not just coordination."
"When you see a product on the shelf, you're seeing the end of a very long journey and the hard work of many players," she says.
Maninder also points to the support of her coaches Courtney Fernandes, Director of Merchandising and Krista Thomas, Vice President of Home and Hardlines, for creating an environment that allowed her to think differently and challenge the status quo.
"For me, the gold star has always been loving the work," she says. "I have a passion for product. I’m a problem solver at heart and I'm always looking for the missing piece. That curiosity is what keeps me going."
Looking ahead, Maninder remains focused on what matters most—selling the products our customers want at great prices, staying curious, staying close to her team and continuing to serve our customers well.
"It’s about helping Canadians create homes they’re proud of. As long as I stay within that framework," I think I can do anything."
