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Merchandise Planning Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... dynamic city office at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago. We are proud to offer ... planning and analysis (FP&A), corporate development, business intelligence, strategic finance ...

A&F Co. Corporate Sophomore Summit

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Explore the variety of roles within the A&F LDPs including Merchandising, Merchandise Planning, Finance, Digital and Technology, and Supply Chain * Network with former interns to learn about their ...

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Merchandise Planning Intern information

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$11

$17

$19

How much do merchandise planning intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,285 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

2025-2026 Leadership Development Program - Full Time and Internship

Abercrombie

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

$9.0K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

The A&F Leadership Development Programs are highly competitive initiatives, unique for their entrepreneurial structure, and provide immediate exposure to senior level leaders. With a "promote from within" mentality, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. We want students who are motivated, creative, and strategic - natural leaders seeking to drive results in a team-based environment.


The comprehensive programs will include:

  • Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training
  • Relationship with a mentor to guide learning in the new role
  • Interactive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the company
  • An open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associates
  • Integrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&F
  • Preparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office

What Could You Be Doing?

  • MERCHANDISING (Full-Time and Internship):Managing the strategy for millions of dollars of product each day. Entrepreneurial in nature, Merchants lead a cross-functional team to maximize the financial success of their product line and must possess the unique ability to be both analytical and creative daily. Merchants are the experts on our customer, understanding their lifestyle, behaviors, and preferences to predict and capitalize on market trends. From working with our designers to identify the next styles and trends for our stores to analyzing sales and identifying growth strategies for the business, our Merchants are involved with every aspect of the product.
  • MERCHANDISE PLANNING (Full-Time and Internship):Shaping the financial strategy behind every product. Interpreting and balancing current sales, inventory analysis, financial goals, and emerging trends. Our Merchandise Planners build the plans that maximize our success. They forecast future product performance, establish strategies across domestic, international, and e-commerce channels, and strategically distribute our products around the world.
  • FINANCE & ACCOUNTING (Full-Time and Internship):Financial Analysts gain a unique and multi-faceted skill set through our Leadership Development Program, gaining exposure to multiple disciplines within our corporate finance and accounting teams. Highly analytical and results-oriented, our Financial Analysts make an immediate impact on corporate strategy and direction. Opportunities within Finance include Financial Planning and Analysis, Accounting, Internal Audit, Treasury, Capital Projects, and Financial Reporting.
  • DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY (Full-Time and Internship):Generating and implementing new strategic or systematic approaches and creating dynamic technology solutions for our rapidly growing business. Committed to applying technology to solve business problems, our Analysts and Engineers partner with teams across the company, hone software development skills using cutting-edge tools, and create and uphold technology standards and processes.
  • SUPPLY CHAIN (Full-Time and Internship):Supporting our global logistics network to efficiently deliver products for our brands. Our Supply Chain Analysts build a diverse skill set during rotations through multiple facets of the organization. Our Supply Chain team synchronizes supply and demand, while measuring global business performance.
  • VISUAL MERCHANDISING (Full-Time ONLY): Driving the creative process behind our in-store experience, crafting what customers see and feel, to create unique environments that maximize sales and profitability. Coordinating customer-centric product placement strategies, Visual team members must think creatively and aesthetically while considering key analytical data daily. Our Visual team cultivates the vision, excitement, and emotion of our Brands.

What Do You Need To Bring?

  • Bachelor's Degree or junior status working towards a bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Passion for the A&F brands and the role
  • Proven leadership experience
  • Ability to thrive in team-based settings and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners
  • A desire to take on the responsibility of running a portion of our multi-billion-dollar business
  • A strong desire for adventure & curiosity
  • Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment
  • A desire to learn & hunger for more!

The A&F Full Time Leadership Development Programs offer competitive compensation packages for trainees. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.

Our interns are compensated $9,000 for the 9-week summerprogram. Other benefits of the program have historically included housing provided by A&F for the duration of the program, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, and organized social events throughout the summer. Our interns end the summer with a thorough understanding of the Full Time Leadership Development Program and have early access to full-time job opportunities.
To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA.

Our Company

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sitesabercrombie.com,abercrombiekids.com, andhollisterco.com.

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We're proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.

Additional Information

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

**For Remote Roles ONLY: Digital & Technology Full-Time**

This role allows for remote work across the U.S. Therefore, in states and cities that require the hourly or salary compensation or pay range to be included in a job posting, the recruiting pay range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, your relevant experience levels, your work location, comparison to other employees in similar or related roles, or market demands. The range may be modified in the future.

#LI-DNI

Company Description

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie brands and Hollister brands, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com and hollisterco.com.

Learn more about A&F Co. by visiting our corporate website here.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.