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Assistant Merchant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dollartree

Merchandising assistant manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a dynamic team of associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandising assistant manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a dynamic team of associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role ...

Dollartree

Merchandise Assistant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a dynamic team of associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role ...

Dollar Tree

Merchandise Assistant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Merchandise Assistant Manager at Dollar Tree, you'll join our Store Manager in leading a dynamic team of associates and creating positive experiences for the communities we serve. In this role ...

PPRO

Senior Sales Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Define integration requirements, test payloads, and assist merchant developers using tools like Postman to ensure a seamless build out. * Go-Live Support: Oversee technical testing and initial ...

PPRO

Senior Sales Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Define integration requirements, test payloads, and assist merchant developers using tools like Postman to ensure a seamless build out. * Go-Live Support: Oversee technical testing and initial ...

PPRO

Senior Sales Engineer

Chicago, IL

Define integration requirements, test payloads, and assist merchant developers using tools like Postman to ensure a seamless build out. * Go-Live Support: Oversee technical testing and initial ...

Randa Corp

Sr Merchandiser

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role supports one to two brands and may manage and develop Assistant Merchandisers. The Senior Merchandiser partners cross-functionally with Design, Sales, Sourcing, and Operations to deliver ...

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Assistant Merchant information

What is an assistant merchant?

Assistant Merchants are entry-level professionals who support the merchandising team in retail or wholesale companies. They assist with product selection, inventory management, sales analysis, and communication with vendors. Their role is crucial in ensuring the right products are available in stores at the right time and price. Assistant Merchants often collaborate with buyers, planners, and vendors to drive sales and optimize product assortments.

How does an assistant merchant typically collaborate with buyers and planners in the merchandising process?

As an Assistant Merchant, you will frequently work alongside buyers and planners to execute product assortments, track sales performance, and ensure inventory levels align with demand. You'll help gather and analyze sales data to support buying decisions, prepare reports, and coordinate with planners to monitor stock levels and replenishments. Effective communication and teamwork are essential since much of your day involves cross-functional collaboration to achieve sales and margin targets while responding to market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant merchant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Merchant, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with retail management systems, inventory tracking software, and Excel is commonly required. Excellent communication, organization, and adaptability are vital soft skills for collaborating with vendors and cross-functional teams. These abilities help ensure effective product selection, inventory management, and overall support of merchandising strategies for retail success.

What is the difference between Assistant Merchant vs Buyer?

AspectAssistant MerchantBuyer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees; experience in purchasing or retail is common
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborating with merchants and suppliersOffice or retail environment, focusing on procurement and inventory decisions
Industry UsageUsed across retail, e-commerce, and wholesale sectorsPrimarily in retail and wholesale industries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles assisting in merchandisingCompared for roles responsible for buying and inventory management

The Assistant Merchant supports the buying process by assisting senior merchants with product research, vendor communication, and inventory coordination. A Buyer, on the other hand, makes purchasing decisions, negotiates with suppliers, and manages stock levels. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, the Assistant Merchant typically works under supervision, whereas the Buyer has more decision-making authority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Merchant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Merchant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Assistant Merchant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Merchant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Merchant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant Merchant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant Merchant job openings:

Assistant Merchant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Merchant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Merchant

Ace Hardware Corporation

Oak Brook, IL

$76K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Ace Hardware Corporation rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 51 rated home improvement retailers

Job description

The Job

As an Assistant Merchant, you are responsible for all aspects of support for a product category, including but not limited to category review support, promotional planning, show prep, retailer communication, SKU on-boarding, and maintenance and special projects as assigned. 

The position is designed as a support role, as well as development step in all aspects of the buying department to prepare a candidate for full category responsibility as a Merchant I.

The Assistant Merchant:

  • Executes the current year plan that has been laid out by the Merchant

  • Is responsible for all aspects of support for a product category

  • Assists with teams’ responsibilities and projects, including category reviews, promotional planning processes, show preparation, retailer communication, SKU onboarding and maintenance, and special projects as assigned.

  • Is expected to consider enterprise (retail, EJD, international) impact with all decisions.

What you’ll do:

Category Review Support

  • Support merchant in all phases of category review process

  • Request and prepare all category analytics

  • Participate in all aspects of vendor meeting prep, meetings, item selection, plan-o-gram build, marketing and execution to retailers

Promotional Planning Support

  • Support in organizing and securing all vendor marketing assessments

  • Assist in solicitation of monthly promotional items from vendors

  • Assist with promotional item submission forms, target pricing, correction notices and AD proofing

Retailer Communication

  • Support with daily retailer customer service

  • Assist with communication via ACENET to relay new programs, changes or issues

  • Assist with Merch CARE to prep Ace Care Center for calls and e-mails related to respective category

Convention Planning Support

  • Assist in selecting and inviting vendors to attend semi-annual convention

  • Lead prep of show materials including drop ship forms, as well as submission for Power Buys, Saving Showcase and New Arrivals

  • Assist in planning merchant area theme and execution for respective category

Inventory/Supply Chain Support

  • Assist in diagnosing and resolving vendor service issues

  • Assist in inventory planning for promotional items

Systems Support

  • Lead SKU on-boarding for department with respective merchandising SYSTEMS coordinator

  • Lead processing of department SAP price changes with respective merchandising SYSTEMS coordinator

  • Lead all item master data changes with article content team

Special Projects

  • Lead department and cross-functional projects as assigned by DMM and merchant

What you will need:

Knowledge, Experience, and Competencies:

Ace Assistant Merchant Competencies

  • Product passion – Natural and fanatical curiosity around product and retail marketplace, demonstrated and put into action. 

  • Strategic thinking – has advanced business acumen to draw insights from gathered data.

  • Relationship Builder – Builds and leverages internal / external network (vendors, retailers, cross functional team members, etc.) to drive results and improve processes.

  • Results-oriented – Ability to drive results to and above plan with full accountability, proactively shifting efforts as trends and business variables change

  • Presentation skills – Ability to plan, assemble and present with excellence strategy, execution and updates to leadership, across the organization, vendors and retailers

Experience and Technical Requirements:

  • 2+ years of business experience

  • Retail experience preferred

  • Strong problem-solving skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills

  • Understand financial measures that impacts corporation

  • Demonstrate strong decision-making skills

  • Highly creative, flexible and adaptable with good follow-through

  • Proven ability to multi-task projects and meet deadlines

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 

  • Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Power Point,

  • Knowledge of PCM, SAP and guided Ad-hoc reporting tools

  • Ability to travel 15%

#LI-JW1

What Ace Hardware Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Ace Hardware

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ace Hardware is a renowned company in the retail sector, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, US. Dating back to its foundation in 1924 by a group of businessmen, the company has grown from a single store in Chicago to a global hardware cooperative consisting of more than 5,000 stores in over 60 countries. It operates in the home improvement sector and specializes in hardware, home goods, local niche services, and select specialty retailers. As prevalent in its motto "The Helpful Place", Ace Hardware's mission is to provide customers with high-quality hardware products while delivering exemplary customer service.

Industry

Retail, hardware, plumbing and hvac wholesalers and construction materials wholesalers

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Oak Brook, IL, US

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