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Associate Merchant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Claire's

Associate, Buyer (Hybrid)

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

Description The Associate Buyer will support Merchants to curate commercial, global, trend-right assortments - with a constant consideration for our customer. Having independent ownership for a ...

Li & Fung

Associate Merchandiser - Hard Goods

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The Associate Merchandiser for the Miles Hard Goods Division plays a key role in supporting customer relationships and driving the product lifecycle from order placement through delivery. This role ...

Room & Board

Outlet Associate (Part Time)

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Our part-time Retail Sales Associate / Merchandiser in our Outlet plays an essential role in creating an exceptional experience for our customers shopping our 8,000 sq. ft. outlet by providing ...

TJX Companies

Merchandising Associate

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Algonquin, IL

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60 - $17.10/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Willowbrook, IL

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Freeport, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Skokie, IL · On-site

$15.40 - $15.90/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Evanston, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Tjx

Merchandise Associate

Evanston, IL

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Algonquin, IL · On-site

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Rockford, IL

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

HomeGoods

Merchandise Associate

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Schaumburg, IL

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

Tjx

Merchandise Associate

Moline, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

HomeGoods

Merchandise Associate

Algonquin, IL · On-site

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

TJX Companies

Merchandise Associate

Bourbonnais, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.50/hr

Adheres to all operational, merchandise, and loss prevention standards. May be cross-trained to ... Associate discount; EAP; smoking cessation; bereavement; 401(k) Associate contributions; child care ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Merchant JobsAssociate Merchant Jobs in Illinois

Associate Merchant information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$24

$41

How much do associate merchant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate merchant in Illinois is $24.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $34.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an associate merchant?

To thrive as an Associate Merchant, you need a solid understanding of retail math, merchandising strategies, and inventory management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field. Familiarity with merchandising software, POS systems, and data analytics tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with vendors and cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for optimizing product assortments, driving sales performance, and ensuring smooth product flow in a competitive retail environment.

What is an associate merchant?

Associate Merchants are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist in the planning, selection, and purchasing of products for retail stores or online platforms. They work closely with buyers, vendors, and other teams to analyze sales trends, manage inventory, and help develop merchandising strategies. Their responsibilities often include monitoring product performance, preparing sales reports, and supporting the overall merchandising process to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.

How does an associate merchant collaborate with buyers and vendors?

As an Associate Merchant, you will work closely with buyers to analyze sales data, identify market trends, and recommend product assortments that align with customer preferences. Collaboration with vendors is frequent, often involving negotiations on pricing, product specifications, and delivery schedules to secure the best terms. This role requires strong communication and analytical skills to balance the needs of customers, the goals of the business, and the capabilities of suppliers. Regular meetings and cross-functional teamwork are essential to ensure product selections are competitive and profitable.

What is the difference between Associate Merchant vs Buyer?

AspectAssociate MerchantBuyer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; some experience in retail or e-commerceSimilar educational background; often requires experience in procurement or retail
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborating with marketing, product teams, and suppliersOffice or retail environment, focusing on vendor negotiations and inventory management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail, e-commerce, and consumer goods companiesWidely used in retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors

The main difference is that an Associate Merchant typically supports product selection, marketing, and sales strategies, while a Buyer focuses on purchasing, vendor negotiations, and inventory management. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ within the procurement and merchandising process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Merchant jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Merchant jobs in Illinois? For Associate Merchant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Merchant jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Merchant jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate Merchant jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Associate Merchant job openings:
Associate Merchant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Merchant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,424 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Associate, Buyer (Hybrid)

Claire's

Rosemont, IL • On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Claire's rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

Description
The Associate Buyer will support Merchants to curate commercial, global, trend-right assortments - with a constant consideration for our customer. Having independent ownership for a product area - responsible for supporting in the delivery of key financial metrics, merchandising strategy, business analysis, line building, building cross-functional relationships. The Associate Merchant will play a key role in overseeing Assistant Merchant tasks and execution.
Main Responsibilities
  • Support Merchant or Merchandise Manager and merchandising team on all day-to-day functions for assigned category, in addition to learning and taking ownership for assigned area
  • In partnership with Merchant/Merchandise Manager, compile seasonal hindsight, develop seasonal merchandise strategy and roadmap for assigned area of responsibility that ties to financial plans and seasonal goals
  • Analyze business and key KPIs weekly and seasonally, and present recommendations & findings to leads; take ownership for area of responsibility
  • Own seasonal buys and style ranking for area of ownership; In partnership with Merchant, create pre-season promotional strategies and support lead on balance of category where required
  • Manage and oversee product tracking for assigned category to ensure on time delivery. Elevate any potential risk to upper management
  • Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships with Design, Product Development, Marketing, Planning, ISP and other merchandising partners to collaborate on seasonal buying process
  • Expert in customer and global competition for assigned department, understanding other retailers' assortments, pricing and promotional strategies in comparison to Claire's. Reports back findings, white space opportunities, and any relevant actions
  • Oversee execution and completion of assistant-level tasks which include sample tracking and management, creation, preparation and maintenance of reports and recaps, purchase order creation and maintenance
  • Manage all e-mail correspondence effectively and efficiently, escalating concerns where necessary to the merchandising team
  • Create and facilitate an effective work environment by coaching, developing and mentoring team, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modelling teamwork, recognizing and maintaining open communication
  • Maintain all seasonal selling reports & records (recaps, style boards, line sheets) and distribute to cross-functional partners as needed to maintain clear communication across the organization

Education and/or Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, business, or related field
  • 2-3 years merchandising or retail buying experience

Essential Criteria, Competencies and Skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and solution-oriented decision-making
  • Strong organizational, planning, administrative, and written and verbal communication skills
  • Innovative & open minded individual
  • Consumer led
  • Understanding of retail math
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Excel)

What Claire's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Claire's logo

About Claire's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Claire's is a globally recognized name in the fashion accessories and jewelry industry for young women, teens, tweens, and kids. The company is based in Schaumburg, IL, US with its official website named claires.com. Founded in 1961, Claire's boasts a rich history of accessorizing the world through fun, stylish, and affordable products. Recognized mainly for its ear piercing services, it has pierced over 100 million ears worldwide, demonstrating its prominence in the industry. The company operates under the mission of offering its customers an engaging, fun, and unique experience each time, further emphasizing its customer-first approach.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hoffman Estates, IL, US

Year founded

1960

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