Summer 2027 Intern - Assistant Buyer (Merchandise Buying)

Job description

Application Timeline:

In order to be considered, an online application is required. Internship postings will remain open based on applicant volume.

Internship Program Overview

As a participant in the Belk Summer Internship Program, you will gain real word experience and exposure to various functional areas of merchandising. You will focus on analyzing business trends while assisting and shadowing a buyer and assistant buyer. Buying interns will learn key areas of the role including but not limited to advertising, purchase offers, analyzing reports, maintaining merchandise information, vendor relations and understanding the customer.

The Internship Program provides exposure to senior leaders, professional development workshops, structured assignments and social events over the 10 weeks in the summer. Interns will leave understanding the complexity of big box department stores and the excitement of the retail and ecommerce industry.

Interns will be required to relocate to Charlotte, NC for the summer,

What you will do

• Learn how to manage a multi-million-dollar business and drive the profitability of your buying office/department
• Shop retail market to identify assortment, incoming trends and pricing opportunities based on competitive landscape 
• Prepare materials for merchant line review 
• Assist in recapping, finalizing, and communicating style placement to cross functional development teams, agents, and vendors 
• Provide business support through report generation and analysis of business results 
• Support cross functional teams as necessary which may include acquiring samples, developing item descriptions, and providing additional information 
• Present selling recaps to managers on best and worst sellers 

Required Qualifications

• Rising college senior planning to graduate in December 2027 or Spring 2028
• Desired majors:
  • Apparel Merchandising, Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, Marketing Analytics
• Proven strong academic performer (GPA of 3.2 or higher preferred) 
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by Belk for this position now or in the future 
• Skills and Abilities: career direction and motivation, professionalism, adaptability, driven for results, critical thinking, ability to leverage data insights to influence decisions, initiative
• Ability to balance creativity with data-driven decision-making
• Proficient in Excel and MS Office applications with strong understanding of formulas, functions, and reporting to analyze business performance.

Preferred Qualfiications

• Previous retail experience
• Familiarity with retail systems a plus; JDA, ERAM, S5, etc.
• Strong understanding of Retail Math and Terminology
• Relevant coureswork: Merchandise Buying & Planning, Assortment Analysis, Trend Forecasting, Data Analysis & Reporting, Consumer Behavior Analytics, Retail Merchandising, Fashion/Product Fundamentals, Product Analysis, Business Analytics, Supply Chain, and Marketing Fundamentals