Buying Intern Spring 2027

The Paper Store•Acton, MA

5d•$18 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Buying Intern supports the Buying team with product selection, vendor partnerships, and business performance. The role provides hands-on exposure to merchandising, product and trend decisions, assortment planning, and how those decisions affect customer experience and sales. The intern reports directly to the VP of Merchandising. This internship is based at the Corporate Office in Acton, Massachusetts, and requires working on-site throughout the program. The position is offered by TPS Group Holdings, a family of brands that includes The Paper Store, Uncharted, and Gifts & More.

Requirements

Be a rising junior or senior pursuing a degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Retail, or a related field, or a recent graduate with a strong interest in buying and product-driven retail.
Show curiosity about retail trends, products, and consumer behavior.
Be comfortable working with numbers, data, and Excel.
Be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Be able to work in a fast-paced retail environment and pivot as business needs change.
Be a proactive problem solver who can identify issues, ask thoughtful questions, and help move work forward.
Have strong communication skills and be comfortable working cross-functionally with teams and vendors.
Be excited to learn how product decisions are made and how they affect the business.
Be motivated to build a career in buying, merchandising, and product-driven retail.

Responsibilities

Represent the TPS brands as an ambassador.
Support purchase order and SKU management, ensuring accuracy across systems.
Partner with vendors to confirm shipments, verify costs and availability, and follow up on orders.
Assist with assortments, reorders, and product lists for promotional and seasonal initiatives.
Prepare and maintain pricing and product information to support buying decisions.
Build and organize materials for promotions, markdowns, and key business moments.
Collaborate with stores and the distribution center to support product flow and resolve issues.
Support buying execution, including product placement direction and seasonal planning.
Partner with e-commerce and marketing teams to prepare products for online launches.
Analyze sales performance, including sell-through, turn, and gross margin, and identify opportunities to improve results.
Track promotional performance and contribute insights about product and customer trends.
Assist in creating product presentations, collages, and materials for assortment reviews.