Buyer/Merchandising Internship Summer 2026, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks

Ace Hardware • Oak Brook, IL

102d • $22

About The Position

As Buyer/Merchandising Intern you will own several key projects in the Merchandising department, allowing interns to experience work as an Associate Merchant. Focus points will be as follows: Expand category management skillsets by developing a strong financial acumen: manage your P&L and learn how to drive your portfolio forward to achieve business results. Explore ways to grow categories through forecasting, pricing, promotions and shelving strategies to meet consumer demands. Develop and track key performance indicators to understand success. Immersion in competitive performance analysis, marketing strategy and forecasting. Synthesize insights and data from a wide variety of sources to develop clear and actionable recommendations that will further category management strategies and support business planning processes. Work closely with cross-functional team members to build and drive overall strategy and ensure executional excellence. Identify and validate business risks and opportunities and drive action. Present plan recommendations to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Pursuing an MBA or undergrad degree from an accredited program in Business or related field with graduation year in 2026.
• Concentration in Business, Retail Management, Merchandising is a plus.
• Coursework in marketing, consumer behavior, visual merchandising, e-retailing, retail supply chain management, business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, negotiation, sourcing, and customer relations is ideal.
• Previous internship or work experience is paramount.
• Interest in the retail/wholesale industry with the desire to start a career with Ace Hardware after graduation.
• Ability to work in the greater Chicago area for the duration of the internship.
• Proven leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in product selection, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Self-starter who takes initiative to identify areas of opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Own several key projects in the Merchandising department.
• Expand category management skillsets by developing financial acumen.
• Manage P&L and drive portfolio forward to achieve business results.
• Explore ways to grow categories through forecasting, pricing, promotions, and shelving strategies.
• Develop and track key performance indicators.
• Conduct competitive performance analysis and marketing strategy.
• Synthesize insights and data to develop actionable recommendations.
• Work closely with cross-functional team members.
• Identify and validate business risks and opportunities.
• Present plan recommendations to senior leadership.

Benefits

• $22.00 per hour compensation.
• Real hands-on experience in the assigned department.
• Opportunity to display skills during the 'Final Pitch' presentation.
• Q & A with Ace's CEO and Senior Leadership team.
• Resume Workshop to help prepare for future opportunities.
• Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation.
• Teambuilding activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree