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Merchandise Planning Intern Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Merchandise Planning Intern information

What does a merchandise planning intern do?

A Merchandise Planning Intern assists the merchandise planning team in analyzing sales data, forecasting demand, and developing inventory strategies to maximize sales and minimize excess stock. They often help prepare reports, maintain databases, and support the team in planning product assortments and allocations. This role provides valuable experience in understanding the retail business, inventory management, and data analysis, making it a great entry point for students interested in fashion, retail, or supply chain management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a merchandise planning intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merchandise Planning Intern, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a foundational knowledge of business or retail concepts, often supported by coursework in merchandising or related fields. Familiarity with Excel, inventory management systems, and retail analytics tools is typically required. Effective communication, organizational skills, and a collaborative mindset help interns excel in fast-paced team environments. These skills and qualities are important for accurately forecasting demand, optimizing inventory, and supporting strategic merchandising decisions.

What are some common challenges faced by merchandise planning interns, and how can they be addressed?

Merchandise Planning Interns often encounter challenges such as balancing inventory levels, forecasting demand accurately, and learning to use complex planning software. Navigating large datasets and adapting to fast-paced retail cycles can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by seeking mentorship from experienced planners, actively participating in team meetings to understand business trends, and proactively requesting feedback to improve analytical and communication skills. Embracing these learning opportunities will help interns build a strong foundation for a career in merchandise planning.

What is the difference between Merchandise Planning Intern vs Merchandise Buyer?

AspectMerchandise Planning InternMerchandise Buyer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in business, retail, or related fieldsUsually requires experience in retail, merchandising, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentInternship setting within retail or fashion companies, learning-focusedFull-time role involving vendor negotiations, inventory decisions
Industry UsageCommonly used in retail, fashion, and consumer goods industriesWidely used in retail, apparel, and specialty stores

The main difference is that a Merchandise Planning Intern is an entry-level, learning-focused position aimed at gaining industry knowledge, while a Merchandise Buyer is a more experienced role responsible for selecting and purchasing products. Interns support planning processes, whereas Buyers make strategic purchasing decisions to drive sales and profitability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Merchandise Planning jobs in Kansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Merchandise Planning Intern jobs in Kansas?

For Merchandise Planning Intern jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Merchandise Planning Intern jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Merchandise Planning Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning Intern job openings in Kansas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 86% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Store Executive Intern (Store Leadership Intern) - Kansas City (Starting Summer 2027)

Olathe, KS • On-site


Target
Retail • 10K+ employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 7,002 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Uninterrupted breaks


$25 - $26/hr

Temporary, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

The pay range per hour is $25.00- $26.00.
Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.

ALL ABOUT TARGET

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture.Learn more about Target here.

ALL ABOUT THE STORES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Experience firsthand whatit'slike to lead a retail team within a Target store. This internship is a paid 40hr/week, hands-on training program to develop and prepareyouforstore leadership. As a Stores Executive Intern, you willgeta valuable realistic preview of the Executive Team Leader role(Assistant Store Manager)over a definedperiod of time. Within this store management internship, you will work closely with other managers and team members to develop an understanding of how Target's retail business works and what it takes to excel ina managementrole. You will be introduced to multiple areas of thestore'sbusiness, butthe majority ofyour time will bespent leading amongst the team,identifyingand working towards store priorities,and delivering great guest service.

This program is designed to teach individuals how to lead within a retailstore andyou will:

  • Learnhow to drive guest experienceandimpactyour store's financial, team, and operational performance.

  • Work alongside a mentor and learn how they effectively lead their department within the store.

  • Have the opportunity tostep into leading yourmentor's departments-of course, we will be there to guide you and help you learn along the way!

  • Spend your days learning to lead and motivate a team, drive sales results, merchandise products, and provide an exceptional experience for our guests.

  • Have ongoing development conversations, as your development will be a top priority of ours.

  • Lead and support the execution of daily operations by workingwithyour teammembers tobuildculture and guide your team to grow and achieve goals.

Learnmore from past Interns, Mentors, and Managershere.

At Target, we believe in our leaders having meaningful experiences that help them build and develop skills for a career.The goal of the Stores Executive internship is to provide a realistic job preview of an ETL role.The role ofa StoresExecutive Intern can provide you with theskills and experience of:

  • Guest service fundamentals and experience building and managing a guest-first team culture across the store

  • Guest engagement; problem-solving and resolution

  • Retail business fundamentals

  • Setting and planning department(s) monthly/quarterly workload to support business priorities and managing a team to deliver service and sales goals

  • Managing a team of hourly team membersandteam leaderswhilecreating business strategies and goals

  • Recruiting, selecting and talent management of hourly team members and leaders

As a Stores Executive Intern, no two daysare ever the same, but a typical day willmost likely includethe following responsibilities:

  • Spending time on the storesalesfloorand backroom leadingteam members and aligning the team on daily business priorities

  • Working alongside your Executive Team Lead (ETL) mentor and other leaders in the building to gain an understanding of their roles

  • Leading through daily priorities (stocking shelves, ensuring a safe and welcoming environmentthat'sinviting toguests, helping build displays within the store, etc.)

  • Partnering with leadersregardingteam member performance by teaching, coaching, training, and deliveringtimelyperformance feedback

  • Addressing team member concerns and removing hurdles to ensure smooth operations and goal attainment

  • Leading/presenting at daily huddles with peer/leadership team

  • Planning daily goals and organizingplans within the building

  • Providing summary of results and priorities with peer/leadership team

  • Working withstoreleaders each day to set goals and expectations

  • Reviewingbusiness reporting and guest insights to understand, troubleshoot and follow up on opportunity areas.

  • Delivering an exceptional guest experience by ensuring team members are knowledgeable and empowered to make it right for guests

  • Providingnew ideasandrecommendsolutions to business or team opportunities

  • Taking the initiative to learn how to be a Target leader by seeking out opportunities for growth and development; continuously learningthroughout the internship experience

  • Commit to learning Target's expectations of leaders and use them to personally develop by asking questions and seeking feedback

  • Activelyparticipatein internship program training activities, developmentalopportunitiesand events

  • Demonstrate a willingness to takestrategicrisksand take on new assignments

  • Demonstrate a culture of ethical conduct, safety, and compliance; lead the team to work in the same way and hold others accountable to this commitment

  • Work in a safe mannerat all timestobenefityourself and others;identifyand correct hazards;comply withall safety policies and best practices

  • Foster an inclusive,equitable,safe, and secure culture

  • Carry out principal duties and responsibilities by the department

  • Gain an understanding of all business areas to develop business acumen

  • Create a welcoming experience by greeting guests as you are completing your daily tasks.

  • When guests needassistance, engage with guests in a welcoming way, to help solve their specific needs

  • Thank guests and let them knowwe'rehappy they chose to shop at Target

  • All other duties based on business needs

ALL ABOUT YOU

This maybe the right job for you if:

  • You enjoy interacting and helping others - including guests thatshopour store and fellow team members you work with.

  • You thrive in a fast-moving, highlyactiveand physically demanding role, where teamwork, flexibility, and creative problem solving are key to success.

  • You are open toworkinga flexible work schedule with varying hours,daysor shifts (including nights, weekends,holidaysand other peak shopping times).

The good news is that we have some amazing training that will help teach you how to be an effective leader within our stores. But there are a fewthingsyouneedfrom the get-go:

  • Previousretail experience preferred, but notrequired

  • Strong interest in working in retail, specifically within our storesin management

  • Leadership skills and team-oriented thinking

  • Learn and adapt to currenttechnologyneeds

  • Work independently and as part of a team

  • Manage workload and prioritize tasks independently

  • Welcoming and helpful attitude

  • Effective communication skills

We are an awesome place to work and care about our teams, so we want to make sure we are clear on a few more basicsthatwe expect:

  • Access all areas of the building to respond to guest or team member issues

  • Interpret instructions, reports, and information

  • Accurately handle cash register operationsasneeded

  • Climb up and down laddersasneeded

  • Scan,handleand move merchandise efficiently and safely, includingfrequentlylifting or moving merchandiseup to 44pounds

  • Ability to communicate on multiple frequency devices andoperatehandheld scanners, and othertechnologyequipment as directed

  • Flexible work schedule (e.g., nights,weekendsand holidays) and reliable and prompt attendance necessary

Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond athttps://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_G | Pegue esta URL en su navegador preferido para obtener informacion sobre la elegibilidad de este puesto para recibir beneficios: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_G

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.


Target logo

About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US


What Target employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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