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Trainee Merchandising Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

Summary The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission ... Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires

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Trainee Merchandising information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee merchandising jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee merchandising in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Merchandiser, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Merchandiser, you need a strong grasp of analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a relevant degree such as business, retail, or fashion. Familiarity with inventory management systems, Excel, and sales analysis tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills help you collaborate effectively with buyers, suppliers, and internal teams. These abilities are essential for optimizing stock levels, driving sales, and supporting the smooth execution of merchandising strategies.

What is the difference between Trainee Merchandising vs Merchandising Assistant?

AspectTrainee MerchandisingMerchandising Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically a diploma or degree in business, marketing, or retailSimilar educational background, often with some experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, often in retail or corporate officesSupportive role in retail stores or corporate teams, assisting with daily merchandising tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in retail chains, fashion, and consumer goods companiesWidely used in retail and merchandising departments across industries

Both roles involve understanding retail and product presentation, but Trainee Merchandising is an entry-level, training-focused position, while a Merchandising Assistant typically requires some experience and supports ongoing merchandising operations.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee merchandisers, and how can they overcome them?

As a trainee merchandiser, one common challenge is adapting to the fast-paced nature of the retail environment, where priorities can shift quickly based on sales trends and stock availability. Additionally, learning to interpret sales data and forecasting demand accurately can be complex for newcomers. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to stay organized, communicate proactively with your team and buyers, and seek feedback from more experienced colleagues. Leveraging training resources and staying curious about market trends will also help you build confidence and expertise in the role.

What does a Trainee Merchandiser do?

A Trainee Merchandiser assists in planning, sourcing, and delivering products to ensure they are available at the right time and place to maximize sales. They support senior merchandisers by analyzing sales data, monitoring stock levels, and communicating with suppliers and buyers. The role provides hands-on experience in understanding market trends, managing inventory, and developing organizational skills needed for a successful career in merchandising.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Merchandising jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Merchandising job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchandising jobs? The most popular types of Merchandising jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Merchandising jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Merchandising jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Merchandising job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 71% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Retail Store Management Trainee - 2974

Retail Store Management Trainee - 2974

Cash America Pawn

Tacoma, WA

$18.47 - $26.97/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Cash America rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 7 rated pawnbroker


Job description

We are currently looking for the right

Retail Store Management Trainee

to join our Team!

$18.47 to $26.97 per hour

This role is designed for external retail assistant managers and store managers interested in "fast-tracking" into a Store Management position. This role requires a minimum of 1 year retail management experience.

Our retail sales associates can earn UP TO 8% on transactions, which could average an additional $7.27 per hour ON TOP OF YOUR HOURLY RATE.

Reports to: District Manager / Designated Store Manager
Supervisory Responsibility *in partnership with DM/SM through training period*: Assistant Store Manager(s), Pawnbrokers/ Sales and Loan Associates, Warehouse Associate

Position Summary:
The Management Trainee role is designed as a developmental position intended to prepare the trainee for future management responsibilities, while working alongside another Store Manager under the oversight of the District Manager. The role supports the day-to-day operations of the store and promotes a positive, productive, and customer-focused environment. Responsibilities including leading, coaching and developing store employees; recruiting and retaining talent; and supporting the achievement of
financial goals. By leading by example and promoting our company values, the Management Trainee helps set the tone for a customer-centric environment. The role also involves reviewing store financial statements to monitor performance and make adjustments as necessary, protecting company assets through inventory control, following policies and procedures, and securing customer loans. Using internal and external marketing tools, the Management Trainee assists in promoting the store and
supporting new customer acquisition.

Management Trainee
At the onset of employment, the Management Trainee will be exposed to a combination of on-the-job experience, formal training, and leadership development, designed to get the trainee up to speed in the most efficient way possible. In addition to the trainee's direct manager, the company will pair the trainee with a mentor to develop pawnbroking skills and knowledge.
At the end of the training period, which lasts for approximately 90 days, operational leadership team will evaluate training progress and results for placement. The Management Trainee must demonstrate satisfactory performance through the trainee program in order to remain eligible for and be considered for a Store Manager or Assistant Store Manager position. Upon successful completion of the training period, the trainee must be willing to be placed in any store location within the designated District.

General Duties and Responsibilities:
Works under the direction of, and in collaboration with, the District Manager, Store Manager, or other management personnel to:
1. Facilitates a customer-centric environment by engaging customers in a friendly and professional manner and rapidly addressing customer issues.
2. Provides exceptional Leadership by directing daily operations, talent management, training, team building and oversight of employee development.
3. Recruits top talent, sourcing candidates through company-prescribed channels.
4. Opens and closes store, including but not limited to, counting cash drawers, merchandise and ensuring all procedures are followed to ensure protection of assets.
5. Ensures asset protection through inventory control, property safety procedures, documentation and securing customer loans.
6. Administers processes and procedures within the store, which include inventory, managing loans, merchandising, store presentation, store systems, bank deposits and FSC reporting.
7. Independently receive, evaluate, lift, carry, move, and secure customer merchandise as part of pawn, buy, and retail transactions
8. Evaluates store financial statements and drives profitability through communication and goal setting.
9. Ensures that operating standards meet or exceed FirstCash standards.
10. Monitors loan qualification and buy processes to ensure value and integrity of all loans issued.
11. Completes assigned tasks and training for self-development as requested.
12. Communicates clearly and precisely to employees to ensure that they understand store mission and profit objectives.
13. Remains up to date on product knowledge.
14. Partners with Human Resources to administer progressive discipline within company-prescribed guidelines.
15. Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Given the critical nature of this role to our business operations, regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this role.
High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience)
Minimum 18 years of age (*WA ONLY: Minimum 21 years of age)
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise others.
Previous people management experience - minimum 1 year
Entrepreneurial spirit
Strong desire to work, serve customers and work with people; team oriented
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Cash handling experience required
High energy sales personality with knowledge of jewelry and general merchandise
Detailed oriented with strong organizational skills
Solid written and verbal communication skills
Analytical skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Excellent work ethic and strong business sense
Computer literate and able to use common office machines
Ability to become certified to work with firearms, as well as become a listed Responsible Person for a Federal Firearms License with the ATF, as needed.

Work Location:
Primarily indoors. Employees may be asked to assist a customer on the exterior of the building (within our parking lots) or to retrieve products stored in exterior storage buildings or other areas.
Work Postures/Requirements:
Standing/Walking - Frequently throughout work shifts while assisting customers at the sales counter or on the sales floor, and while performing inventory, maintenance, and operational tasks in customer and non-customer areas.
Sitting - Occasionally during the work shift to complete sales documentation, reporting and other administrative tasks.
Bending - Frequently bending in various directions using to proper bending and body mechanics while receiving, storing, or selling merchandise.
Reaching - Frequently to retrieve merchandise from shelves, storage areas, carts, and customers.
Walking - Frequently within the store as customers are assisted and stock retrieved.
Climbing - Frequently to access elevated storage locations, in accordance with safety procedures.
Kneeling - Occasionally.

Physical Demands/Requirements: Due to the nature of pawn transactions and customer interactions, this position requires the ability to safely lift, carry, and move customer merchandise during the normal course of business. These physical functions, including the above Work Postures/Requirements, are considered essential to the role. Performing these functions during customer transactions that occur at unpredictable times and often require immediate assistance. Team assistance may not always be immediately available, and employees in this role are expected to perform essential physical functions as part of their regular duties.
Lifting/Carrying - This position requires the ability to independently lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 70 pounds, as part of customer transactions, inventory handling, and store operations. Lifting requirements are continuous as they occur at unpredictable times and may require immediate assistance to customers. While carts or dollies may be used when available, employees must be able to safely perform required lifting tasks with or without reasonable accommodation.
Tool Usage - No tools are used on a regular or routine basis during a normal workday. Jeweler's tools and other
power tools are used occasionally.
Chemicals Usage - Occasional.
Work Hours - Managers will work 40+ hours a week. Hours worked based on the needs of business.


Definitions:
Occasional = 20% of time or less
Frequent = 20-50% of the time
Continuous = 50% of the time or more

Note: The information contained in this description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of this job or the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management has the discretion to assign/reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Any changes made by management will not affect the at-will nature of employment.


FirstCash Holdings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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