1

Retail Operations Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Retail Operations Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$18

$24

How much do retail operations intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for retail operations intern in Chicago, IL is $18.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a retail operations intern do?

A Retail Operations Intern supports the daily functions of retail stores or chains, working alongside management and staff to ensure smooth store operations. Their responsibilities can include inventory management, assisting with merchandising, analyzing sales data, and helping improve customer service processes. Interns may also participate in special projects, such as store audits or new product launches, to gain hands-on experience in retail management. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates looking to learn about the business side of retail and develop practical skills for a career in retail management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retail operations intern?

To excel as a Retail Operations Intern, you typically need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a background in business, retail management, or a related field. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and Microsoft Office applications is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive attitude help interns collaborate effectively with teams and respond to customer needs. These competencies are crucial for supporting smooth store operations, enhancing customer experiences, and learning core retail processes.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as a retail operations intern?

As a Retail Operations Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that support the daily functioning and efficiency of retail stores. Typical responsibilities may include assisting with inventory management, analyzing sales data to identify trends, supporting visual merchandising efforts, and helping to implement new operational processes. Interns often collaborate closely with store managers, sales associates, and the corporate retail operations team, gaining firsthand experience in problem-solving and process improvement. This role offers valuable exposure to the fast-paced retail environment and provides opportunities to develop both analytical and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Retail Operations Intern vs Retail Sales Associate?

AspectRetail Operations InternRetail Sales Associate
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with store operations, inventory management, data analysis, and process improvementsEngaging with customers, selling products, and providing customer service
Required SkillsOrganizational skills, basic business knowledge, communication skillsCustomer service, sales skills, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentOffice and store settings, often part-time or internship basisFront-line retail store environment, customer-facing
Typical DurationUsually a few months as part of an internship programOngoing, based on employment or seasonal needs

The Retail Operations Intern focuses on supporting store processes, data, and operational tasks, often as part of an internship program. In contrast, a Retail Sales Associate primarily interacts with customers to drive sales and provide service. Both roles are essential in retail but differ in responsibilities, skills, and work environment.

What do you do as a retail operations intern?

A retail operations intern supports daily store functions by assisting with inventory management, sales tracking, and customer service. They often help with administrative tasks, learn about retail systems and processes, and gain experience in store operations under supervision.

What are the most commonly searched types of Retail Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Retail Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Retail Operations Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,799 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Consumer & Retail Group Summer Consultant (Undergrad Intern, CRG Campus Recruiting)

Alvarez and Marsal

Chicago, IL • On-site

$8.3K/mo

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Posted yesterday

New


Alvarez & Marsal rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Description

Alvarez & Marsal | Consumer and Retail Group (CRG)

Position: Associate Summer Consultant

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm with over 10,000 entrepreneurial, action and results-oriented professionals in over 40 countries. We take a hands-on approach to solving our clients' problems and assisting them in reaching their potential. Our culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M's core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are why our people love working at A&M.

Established over six years ago, A&M’s Consumer & Retail Group is a vertically focused management consulting practice that continues to experience high growth.  

CRG was formed to disrupt the consulting industry – we are faster, more experienced, and generate more impact than traditional firms. We are a mix of top-tier consultants and operational experts that help us bring the right combination of analytical rigor overlayed with business judgement to help build practical and real solutions.
 

The work we do:

  • Growth Strategy & Implementation
  • Large Scale Transformation
  • M&A, Carve-out and Post-Merger Integration
  • Operations
  • Merchandising & Assortment Optimization
  • Interim Leadership
  • Digital & Analytics / IT Strategy
  • Program Management Office
  • Channel Optimization

Associate Summer Consultant Internships are available for students pursuing undergraduate and Non-MBA master’s degrees with graduation dates between December 2027 through July of 2028.

The Internship Experience:

In just 10 weeks, our interns dive into the CRG Consultant experience - building real-world skills and a powerful consulting toolkit for long-term career success.

CRG Interns:

  • Receive Training: 1 Week of onboarding bootcamp and training to develop quantitative and qualitative skills

  • Make an Impact: Spend 8 weeks embedded on real client projects - working alongside CRG consultants, engaging with clients, and gaining visibility with senior leadership.

  • Gain Mentorship: Learn the ropes through CRG’s hands-on apprenticeship model - plus 1-on-1 coaching from a dedicated mentor all summer long

  • Build Your Network: Connect with CRG and A&M professionals through curated events that spark meaningful relationships and lasting career connections

What We Look for in an Undergraduate Intern:

We’re looking for driven, intellectually curious undergrads with an attention to detail who thrive in fast-paced, problem-solving environments.

Our ideal intern is:

  • Analytically Rigorous: Thinks in structured, hypothesis-driven ways and backs ideas with data. Case interviews test your ability to break down complex problems and drive toward practical solutions
  • Self-Starter: Takes ownership, shows resilience, and brings curiosity to every challenge
  • Collaborative & Persuasive: Works well in teams, listens actively, and can influence through logic and presence - not just volume
  • Clear & Composed Communicator: Explains ideas with clarity, adapts to the audience, and stays cool under pressure

Candidate Qualifications:

  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree or Non-MBA master’s degree from a top university
  • Internship experience in consumer/retail, consulting, or finance-focused corporate roles preferred
  • Advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access
  • Strong analytical mindset and data fluency
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to distill complex insights
  • Creative thinker with a knack for building tools and solving problems
  • Commercially savvy with exposure to proposal development
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
  • Willing to travel up to 50% (Monday–Friday)


The Intern Salary is a monthly base of $8,333.33. Interns are not eligible to participate in Alvarez & Marsal’s fringe benefits programs. Click here for more information regarding A&M’s benefits programs.

Application Deadline:

TBD

Who will you be working with?

We are not a typical consulting firm. We are a group of entrepreneurial professionals who embody the A&M Core Values –inclusive diversity, integrity, quality, objectivity, fun and personal reward while delivering a tailored and scalable approach to working with private equity, hedge fund, and corporate clients. We present you with opportunities, not a playbook, and we reward you based on performance, not your tenure.

How will you grow and be supported?

As a demonstration of A&M’s strong commitment to its people, we offer benefits to support your career, personal and professional developments. This includes performance-based career progression and promotion process, high quality practice-wide training programs, a global mobility program, rotation opportunities in other practice areas, employee resource groups, and a health and wellness program. Click here to learn about our commitment to your well-being.

A&M recognizes that our people fuel our growth, and you and your team will be provided with the best available training and development resources, as well as networking opportunities. Click here to learn more about why A&M is a great place to work.


What Alvarez & Marsal employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom