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Retail Merchandising Intern Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

SpartanNash

Retail Marketing Intern

Madison, WI · On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Collaborate with internal teams (store operations, merchandising, marketing, and HR/recruiting ... Interest in retail marketing, brand marketing,eventsand community engagement * Previousinternship ...

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Retail Merchandising Intern information

See Madison, WI salary details

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$19

How much do retail merchandising intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail merchandising intern in Madison, WI is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a retail merchandising intern do?

A Retail Merchandising Intern assists with the planning, organization, and execution of merchandising strategies in retail environments. They may help set up product displays, analyze sales trends, track inventory, and support promotional activities. Interns often collaborate with merchandisers and store managers to ensure products are presented effectively to attract customers and drive sales. This role provides hands-on experience in understanding consumer behavior and the business side of retail operations.

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

To thrive as a Retail Merchandising Intern, you generally need a background in business, marketing, or a related field, along with strong analytical and organizational skills. Familiarity with inventory management systems, planogram software, and basic Microsoft Excel is highly valuable. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this position. These competencies enable interns to support merchandising strategies, ensure product displays attract customers, and contribute to overall retail success.

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

Retail Merchandising Interns often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced environments, balancing multiple projects, and learning to interpret sales data effectively. To overcome these, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, seek feedback from mentors, and proactively communicate with team members. Embracing these challenges as learning opportunities will not only help you succeed in your internship but also prepare you for future roles in retail merchandising.

What is the difference between Retail Merchandising Intern vs Retail Buyer?

AspectRetail Merchandising InternRetail Buyer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in business, marketing, or related fieldExperience in retail, marketing, or supply chain; often requires prior experience or specialized training
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in retail stores or corporate officesFull-time role in retail or corporate offices, involved in decision-making
Industry UsageEntry-level position for students or recent grads gaining industry exposureProfessional role responsible for selecting and purchasing products

The Retail Merchandising Intern typically gains foundational experience in retail merchandising, focusing on supporting teams and learning industry basics. In contrast, the Retail Buyer holds a more advanced, decision-making role involving selecting products and managing vendor relationships. Both roles are essential in retail operations but differ significantly in responsibility and experience level.

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Retail Merchandising Intern jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Retail Merchandising Intern job openings:

Retail Merchandising Intern jobs near you

Retail Marketing Intern

SpartanNash

Madison, WI • On-site

$15 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

SpartanNash rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 332 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 738 rated retailers

Job description

As a member of the C&S Wholesale Grocers family of companies, SpartanNash is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. A distributor, wholesaler and retailer with a global supply chain network, SpartanNash distributes grocery and household goods, including fresh produce and the Our Family portfolio of products, to locations in all 50 states.

Our braggingly happy team members - ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists - create braggingly happy customers spanning national accounts, independent and chain grocers, e-commerce retailers, U.S. military commissaries and exchanges, and the Company's own brick-and-mortar grocery stores, pharmacies and fuel centers.

Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company? Apply now!

Location:

703 University Ave - Madison, Wisconsin 53715

Position Overview:

The Marketing Intern plays a key role in connecting our brand with local shoppers by supporting marketing initiatives that drive engagement, store traffic, and community presence. This role sits at the center of execution, by partnering closely with store teams and cross-functionalpartnersto bring marketing strategies to life in the Madison, Wisconsin market.

Thisis ahands-on opportunity to gain experience in retail marketing, event execution, digital content creation, andtalent attraction efforts while contributing directly to business outcomes.

KeyResponsibilities:

Local Marketing Execution

  • Support and execute local marketing activations designed to increase store traffic and shopper engagement within the Madison market

  • Ensure marketing initiatives are properly implemented in stores, including signage, displays, and promotional setups

  • Partner with store leadership tomaintainbrand standards and execution consistency

Event Planning & Community Engagement

  • Assistin the planning and on-the-ground execution of in-store and community events

  • Identifyand support opportunities to engage with local organizations, community groups, and shoppers

  • Represent the brand professionally at events and activations

Digital, Social & Recruitment Marketing

  • Assistin creating and publishing digital and social media content aligned with brand guidelines

  • Monitor trends and contribute ideas focused on increasing engagement, reach, and potential virality

  • Capture in-store and event content (photos/videos) to support storytelling and marketing campaigns

  • Support marketing efforts for open store positions, including:

  • Promoting job opportunities through social media and local channels
  • Assistingwith in-store hiring signage and recruitment materials
  • Supporting hiring events or community-based recruiting efforts

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate with internal teams (store operations, merchandising, marketing, and HR/recruiting partners) to support project execution

  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure alignment on timelines, expectations, and deliverables

Insight & Opportunity Identification

  • Observe shopper behavior and local market trends toidentifyopportunities for improved engagement

  • Identifyopportunities to attract both customers and potential candidates through creative marketing touchpoints

  • Provide feedback and ideas to enhance marketing effectiveness and community connection

Qualifications:

Required

  • Currently pursuing abachelor's degree in:

  • Marketing
  • Business Administration
  • Communications
  • Food Marketing
  • or other related majors

  • Mustbe located inMadison, Wisconsin

  • Proficient inMicrosoft Office

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities

  • Highly collaborative and resilient to overcome obstacles

Preferred

  • Interest in retail marketing, brand marketing,eventsand community engagement

  • Previousinternship, or campus leadership experience related to marketing, events, or communications

  • Experience with social media platforms and content creation

As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package.

SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans.

We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.

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