1

Merchandise Planning Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... merchandising, and brand storytelling efforts. The Creative Intern will report to the Creative ... Support planned product and lifestyle photo shoots, assist with studio setup, and help deliver ...

... merchandising, and brand storytelling efforts. The Creative Intern will report to the Creative ... Support planned product and lifestyle photo shoots, assist with studio setup, and help deliver ...

Event Sales Intern

Honor, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

With multiple planned venue buyouts and increased corporate activity in the region, this internship ... We bring a 360-degree, data-driven approach across Global Partnerships, Hospitality, Merchandise ...

Marketing Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Searching for Marketing Intern with a strong interest in lifecycle marketing, campaign planning ... Support cross-functional planning between Marketing, Creative, and Merchandising teams. * Drawing ...

Data Analytics Intern

Concord, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... merchants the ability to easily manage their orders, inventory, customers, and other related tasks ... a SaaS/ERP/API company • Ideally worked in a start-up environment • Highly organized ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Merchandise Planning Intern information

See salary details

$11

$17

$19

How much do merchandise planning intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchandise planning intern in the United States is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Merchandise Planning Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Merchandise Planning Intern jobs? Cities with the most Merchandise Planning Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandise Planning jobs? The most popular types of Merchandise Planning jobs are:
What states have the most Merchandise Planning Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchandise Planning Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Merchandise Planning Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Full Time, 90% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,285 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Intern-University of Florida Bkstr

Intern-University of Florida Bkstr

Follett Corporation

Gainesville, FL • On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Follett rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

602nd of 722 rated retailers


Job description

Who We Are
Follett Higher Education is a leading educational service provider and omnichannel retailer that provides students, faculty and staff, parents, and fans with the course materials, learning tools, and retail services needed to successfully support the collegiate journey. Follett Higher Education supports over 6 million students through its 1,100 physical and 1,750 eCommerce campus stores across North America.
Inside Follett's Internship Experience
Follett's Summer Internship Program offers an exciting opportunity for college students to gain hands-on, real-world experience in a dynamic retail and education company. Over eight weeks, interns will work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop skills that prepare them for future leadership roles.
Our program is designed to provide exposure to the inner workings of a corporate environment through mentorship, project ownership, and collaboration across teams. Each intern will complete a capstone presentation summarizing key outcomes, learnings, and recommendations to company leaders.
What You'll Do
  • Contribute to assigned department projects and daily business operations
  • Participate in professional development sessions and leadership talks
  • Collaborate with team members and mentors to analyze data, improve processes, or develop creative solutions
  • Present findings, project results, and recommendations to leadership at the conclusion of the program
  • Engage in networking opportunities with interns and company professionals

What You'll Gain
  • Real-world experience in a fast-paced corporate setting
  • Exposure to senior leaders and cross-functional collaboration
  • Professional development through workshops, mentoring, and feedback
  • Hands-on project ownership with measurable business impact
  • A strong addition to your professional resume and network

Internship Areas of Focus: Pick One
  • Marketing: Get hands-on with marketing strategy in a student-focused retail environment. As a Marketing intern, you'll have a focus on Lifecycle Marketing & Analytics for consumer marketing. You'll learn how we connect with customers through compelling narratives and targeted outreach - while contributing to projects that make a measurable impact.
  • GM (General Merchandise): Explore the business of merchandising in a dynamic, student-focused retail environment. As a General Merchandise intern, you'll work alongside experienced buyers and planners to understand how we select, price, and present products across our stores. You'll contribute to projects that enhance product appeal and operational efficiency - while building skills that translate across the retail industry.
  • IT (Information Technology): Get under the hood of our tech ecosystem with an Information Technology internship focused on application development, operations, and support. You'll collaborate on system maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to projects that add new functionality, improve performance, and reliability. This is your launchpad into the world of enterprise IT.
  • HR (Human Resources): Step into the dynamic world of Human Resources and gain hands-on experience and exposure to strategy across key HR disciplines, including HR business partnership, talent & development, employee relations, talent acquisition, benefits, compensation, and operations (HRIS and payroll). Throughout the program, you'll lead a capstone project that ties together your learnings and delivers real impact. This is your chance to explore the full spectrum of HR while building skills that matter.
  • Finance: Join our Finance team and explore how data drives decisions in a dynamic retail environment. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience with financial planning, reporting, and operational analysis. You'll contribute to projects that shape strategy and improve performance - while building skills that matter in any business setting.
  • Product Development: Explore the operational side of Product Development in a fast-moving, impact-driven internship. Your focus will be on product operations, including Learning Management System (LMS) and Student Information System (SIS) interfaces, integrations, and scaling support (learning how we scale support for thousands of learners). This is your chance to build technical and strategic skills while contributing to real-world solutions.

What You'll Bring
  • Current college student pursuing a degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Product Development, IT, Merchandising, or Retail Management
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong computer skills (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Slack)
  • Self-motivated, curious, and eager to learn in a team environment

What Follett employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom