In our 2022 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.
ABBY STUART
Senior Merchant – General Sports, Walmart
Abby is originally from Austin, Texas, and moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas in 2013. She left for a year to work in the NFL and found her way back via a marketing company in Bentonville. She then eventually landed an Associate Merchant job with the Walmart toy team. She recently married her wonderful husband, Todd, who she met through friends at Walmart. Her parents still live in Austin, and she visits as often as she can! Her younger sister also works in sports and is the Digital Director for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in North Carolina.
Education:
B.A. Political Science and Journalism, University of Arkansas
M.A. Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, University of Arkansas
Did you always know what you wanted to do?
No way! I graduated college thinking I would be a lawyer one day and have somehow found my way into business. I’ve always had many interests and still do. I think that when I was younger trying to figure out my career, I said yes to many opportunities, which led me to different experiences. At this point, I know more of what I don’t want to do more than what I want to do! I am so thankful that I stayed flexible with myself and open to change.
Best part of your job:
The scale of impact my decisions have. It is a huge responsibility to be a merchant for such a large company, and I do not take it lightly. For example, we switched the fabric in our baseball pants to 85 percent recycled yarns. With this change, we are estimated to divert 4.8M water bottles next year from landfills. That is an impact that I am so proud of and love that I get to be a part of positive change like that!
I love that I work with passionate people every day who are focused on providing quality products to our customers at good value, sustainable solutions and are working to grow diverse and American-made companies.
One thing you’d love to master in business?
I hope one day to lead my own large team with complex and diverse initiatives.
Quality you admire most in women:
Women are gritty. I work with and for amazing women that just get the job done, and lead with compassion along the way. I am amazed at how my peers balance their health, family, relationships AND are still able to drive business results.
What changes have you seen within your workplace in regard to empowering women?
I can see that the concept of “enough room for all of us to succeed” is growing. The workplace can be competitive, but the women I work with are extremely intelligent, supportive and collaborative. We push each other, we compete, and at the end of the day — cheer for each other. I am also seeing more women in leadership roles around me, and I love that!
Best advice you’ve ever received:
“Sit at the table. If there’s not a chair, pull one up!” I think the opportunities and education one can earn by being present and interested in the conversation are endless. Never apologize for being at the table!
Best part of your day:
The morning! My husband and I really work to have intentional time in the morning together. Whether it is walking the neighborhood or having coffee before work starts, it’s a great time for us to connect, and I love being able to start my day with family versus emails!
How are practicing self-care?
I try to listen to my body – sometimes that manifests into a workout, sometimes it manifests into a nap. I really work to stay flexible with what I need in the moment versus putting too much pressure on myself to be a certain way. Over the last year, I have gotten better at cutting off my working hours at night so that I can have a mental break, be present with family and friends, and be refreshed for the next day.
Do you still seek out mentors or mentees?
Yes! I have some fantastic men and women who have taken time over the years to mentor me and grow me as a merchant and person. I am always looking for new people to connect with and learn from.
I think it is the coolest thing in the world when someone reaches out to me to be their mentor because it means they think I have something to teach!! I love sharing my experiences with others, and I hope people I meet with get as much out of it as I do.
Thing you’re most proud of:
Recently my team launched the first ever WNBA basketball hoop. I am so proud of the partnership with the WNBA, but mostly I am proud that we are seeing the female athlete and providing options for her!
You can view Abby’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2022 3W Magazine here.