ACE Hardware · 3 months ago
Buyer/Merchandising Internship – Summer 2026, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks
IL - Oak Brook
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$22/hr - $22/hr
Start in 2026 SummerAce Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, known for its commitment to community and customer service. The Buyer/Merchandising Internship offers hands-on experience in the Merchandising department, focusing on category management, financial acumen, and strategic recommendations to support business planning processes.
Retail
Responsibilities
Expand category management skillsets by developing a strong financial acumen: manage your P&L and learn how to drive your portfolio forward to achieve business results. Explore ways to grow categories through forecasting, pricing, promotions and shelving strategies to meet consumer demands. Develop and track key performance indicators to understand success
Immersion in competitive performance analysis, marketing strategy and forecasting
Synthesize insights and data from a wide variety of sources to develop clear and actionable recommendations that will further category management strategies and support business planning processes
Work closely with cross-functional team members to build and drive overall strategy and ensure executional excellence
Identify and validate business risks and opportunities and drive action
Present plan recommendations to senior leadership
Qualification
Required
Candidates must be pursuing an MBA or undergrad degree from an accredited program in Business (or related field) with graduation year in 2026
Concentration in Business, Retail Management, Merchandising, a plus
Coursework in any of the following areas: marketing, consumer behavior, visual merchandising, e-retailing, retail supply chain management, business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, negotiation, sourcing and customer relations is ideal
Previous internship or work experience is paramount
Ability to work in the greater Chicago area for the duration of the internship (Relocation assistance is not available)
Proven leadership, problem-solving and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Marketing Operations, Insights, Finance, Legal)
Ability to work closely with buying teams to contribute to product selection, procurement, and vendor relationships
Strong communication and analytical skills
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes initiative to identify areas of opportunity and take action
Ability to identify and evaluate tactical methods to achieve objectives, identify deviations from the plan, and facilitate resolution
Preferred
Interest in the retail/wholesale industry with the desire to start a career with Ace Hardware after graduation (strongly preferred)
Benefits
Hourly competitive compensation
Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation
Teambuilding activities
Company
ACE Hardware
Now in Afghanistan, Since 1924, Ace Hardware has been known as the place with the helpful hardware folks in thousands of neighborhoods across America, providing customers with a more personal kind of helpful.
Founded in 1924
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Shak Hishmeh
Co-Owner/ Chief Operating Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase