Markdown Optimization Intern

maurices•Duluth, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a part-time, temporary (non-exempt) internship position for a Markdown Optimization Intern. The role involves turning sales results and product lifecycle plans into clear markdown recommendations to protect margin and keep inventory moving. The intern will work with a Markdown Optimization tool and collaborate with Merchandising, Planning, Promotions, Visual, and Marketing Teams. A key focus of the role is using AI and process improvement to enhance markdown operations. This position offers hands-on retail analytics experience on a flexible schedule.

Requirements

Strong Excel skills and comfort with retail math (margin, sell-through, inventory).
An analytical, detail-oriented mindset.
Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to make data easy to understand.
Real interest in AI and process improvement, with the initiative to try new ideas.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in retail, merchandising, pricing or planning.
Familiarity with MicroStrategy.
Hands-on experience with AI tools, automation or workflow improvement.

Responsibilities

Drive AI and process improvement by finding, testing, and rolling out ways to use AI and automation to speed up, simplify, and improve markdown work.
Support markdown strategy by using lifecycle plans and in-season results to help build clearance recommendations that maximize sales, margin, and inventory health.
Turn data into insight by building and reviewing weekly clearance reports, markdown recaps, calendars, and planner files, and sharing the meaning of the numbers.
Maintain pricing and lifecycle information for styles across systems.
Support price adjustments and store pricing requests.
Manage the markdown tool by updating business rules and settings, and troubleshooting issues.
Support promotions by maintaining promotional inputs in the markdown tool and partnering with Pricing & Promotions, Visual, and Marketing on clearance events.