Rebecca Lupfer, Chief Merchant at The GIANT Company
Behind every well-stocked shelf is a leader driving strategy, data, and execution—and at The GIANT Company, that leader is Rebecca Lupfer.
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn welcomes Rebecca Lupfer, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant at The GIANT Company, to discuss what the role truly entails beyond traditional perceptions. Overseeing the buying, pricing, and promotional strategy across 194 stores, Rebecca shares how merchandising is not just about products—it’s about leading people, shaping consumer experiences, and aligning business operations with long-term strategic goals.
Rebecca discusses how her background in finance, operations, and HR has uniquely positioned her to lead with a cross-functional lens, and why today’s merchant leaders must operate at both tactical and strategic levels. She also highlights how she builds strong leadership teams, balances short-term category decisions with long-term planning, and maintains organizational alignment through clear communication and vision.
Whether you’re an aspiring merchant, a cross-functional leader, or exploring what it takes to step into an executive role in retail, this episode offers a detailed and thoughtful perspective on the evolving expectations of merchandising leadership.
Episode Highlights
(00:53) What a Chief Merchant actually does—and why it’s central to retail success
(03:21) Balancing short-term performance with long-term strategic growth
(06:15) Why technical skills are table stakes, but leadership skills get you promoted
(09:39) Rebecca’s journey: from audit to merchandising to the C-suite
(13:31) The challenge and growth of stepping into a completely new function
(17:41) Evolving as a leader: managing through influence, not control
(23:17) Redefining executive presence across different settings
(26:49) How self-awareness and support systems help leaders maintain perspective
(32:16) Candid advice for candidates preparing for executive-level interviews
“If you have the wrong leader in the wrong seat, it pulls everyone down a level. Getting the right people in place is critical to staying strategic.”
“I’m not chasing titles—I’m targeting where my skills can bring the most value to the business.”
What You’ll Learn from This Episode
How to lead strategically by empowering others and focusing on long-term vision
The importance of cross-functional experience in preparing for executive roles
How to build leadership confidence through action—not perfection
What executive presence looks like in the boardroom, the store, and across teams
Why self-advocacy and transparency are key to career advancement
How to manage competing demands without losing focus or burnout
Connect with Pat
Rebecca Lupfer on LinkedIn
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Candid with Candidates shares real stories from inside major organizations—stories that don’t make it into the slide decks or LinkedIn highlight reels. Follow along for conversations that inform, encourage, and help you navigate your own path to leadership.
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