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Ace Hardware Corporation · 1 day ago

Buyer/Merchandising Internship – Summer 2026, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks

Oak Brook, IL

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$22/hr - $22/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

Ace Hardware Corporation is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, known for its commitment to values such as teamwork and integrity. As a Buyer/Merchandising Intern, you will manage key projects in the Merchandising department, develop financial acumen, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business results.

HardwareRetailService Industry

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

Financial acumenCategory managementCompetitive analysisMarketing strategyData synthesisCommunication skillsAnalytical skillsLeadership skillsProblem-solving skillsInterpersonal skillsTeamworkInitiative

Required

Candidates must be pursuing an MBA or undergrad degree from an accredited program in Business (or related field) with graduation year in Dec 2026 or May 2027. 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). This is an in office position 5 days a week

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

Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation

Teambuilding activities

Hourly competitive compensation

Company

Ace Hardware Corporation

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Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 70 countries.

Founded in 1924