Buyer/Merchandising Internship – Summer 2027, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks

ACE Hardware • Oak Brook, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Buyer/Merchandising Intern will own key projects in Ace Hardware’s Merchandising department and gain experience working as an Associate Merchant. The internship focuses on category management and financial acumen, including managing a P&L and using forecasting, pricing, promotions, and shelving strategies to grow categories and meet consumer demand. The intern will analyze competitive performance, marketing strategy, and forecasts; synthesize data and insights into actionable recommendations; and work with cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategy. The position is an in-office, full-time, paid, 12-week summer internship in the greater Chicago area during summer 2027. Interns contribute to buying-department projects and national programs, present recommendations to senior leadership, and participate in program activities including a final pitch, leadership Q&A, resume workshop, volunteering, and team building.

Requirements

• Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree from an accredited program in Business or a related field, with a graduation year of 2028.
• Previous internship or work experience.
• Able to work in the greater Chicago area for the duration of the internship; relocation assistance is not available.
• Able to work in the office five days a week.
• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams, including Supply Chain, Marketing Operations, Insights, Finance, and Legal.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.
• Self-starter who takes initiative to identify opportunities and act on them.
• Ability to evaluate tactical methods for achieving objectives, identify deviations from plans, and facilitate resolution.

Nice To Haves

• Concentration in Business, Retail Management, or Merchandising.
• Coursework in marketing, consumer behavior, visual merchandising, e-retailing, retail supply chain management, business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, negotiation, sourcing, or customer relations.
• Interest in the retail or wholesale industry and desire to begin a career with Ace Hardware after graduation (strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage a category P&L and develop financial acumen to help drive portfolio results.
• Explore category growth opportunities through forecasting, pricing, promotions, and shelving strategies.
• Develop and track key performance indicators.
• Analyze competitive performance, marketing strategy, and forecasts.
• Synthesize data and insights from varied sources into clear, actionable recommendations for category strategies and business planning.
• Work with cross-functional team members to build strategy and ensure execution.
• Identify and validate business risks and opportunities, then drive action.
• Present plan recommendations to senior leadership.
• Work closely with buying teams on product selection, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Contribute to day-to-day buying department projects and national programs.

Benefits

• Hourly compensation of $22.00 per hour.
• Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation.
• Internship program activities include a resume workshop and teambuilding activities.
• Corporate facility amenities include a workout facility, underground parking, and an upscale cafeteria.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern