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

Your Responsibilities

As Buyer/Merchandising Intern you will own several key projects in the Merchandising department, allowing interns to experience work as an Associate Merchant. 

Focus points will be as follows:

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
 

Qualifications

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.

Interest in the retail/wholesale industry with the desire to start a career with Ace Hardware after graduation (strongly preferred)

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

Why Ace?

Ace Hardware (headquartered in Oak Brook, IL) is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated stores in approximately 60 countries.  Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the Helpful Hardware Folks.

Ace Hardware was ranked No. 5 globally in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list in 2024. It was also No. 1 in its category (“Miscellaneous Retail Business”) for the third year running.  Ace Hardware and its subsidiary Ace Handyman Services were named among 2024’s Best of the Best franchises by Entrepreneur magazine. In 2024, Ace was ranked #1 in the home improvement category on Forbes’ Best Customer Service list. Unmatched customer service is a cornerstone of the Ace Hardware brand. We are a 100-year-old retailer that supports its owners with programs that leverage their local expertise, giving them a distinct advantage over their big box competitors and has resulted in Ace retailers being named by JD Powers #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retailers, 16 out of 18 years.  The Helpful Spirit transcends the enterprise with Ace Hardware Corporation consistently ranking amongst the top workplaces in Chicagoland.

Location Description
Ace Hardware corporate headquarters is about 20 miles west of Chicago and you’ll get the very best of city and suburban life – prestigious shopping, dining, recreation, performing arts and historical neighborhoods. Our brand new corporate facility opened in September 2023 and has state of the amenities such as a work-out facility, underground parking and upscale cafeteria.  We work in the office the majority of the week and enjoy everything our new facility has to offer together as a team.

2026 Summer Internship Program Overview

The Ace Internship program allows you to apply skills and knowledge you're learning in College today, while contributing in a hands-on environment to fit your career objectives, complement your academic work and enhance your learning. Here’s what you will take away from your experience:

Real hands-on experience in your assigned department/function with day-to-day projects, responsibilities, accountabilities and deadlines within our buying department.  You will be a part of creating national programs for all of our 5000+ stores.

Opportunity to display your skills during your “Final Pitch” presentation

Q & A with Ace’s CEO and Senior Leadership team

Resume Workshop to help you prepare for future opportunities

Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation

Teambuilding activities

Hourly competitive compensation

12-week full time program

Your internship experience at Ace will give you the knowledge and skills future employers will look for! Want to hear more? Please review our Glassdoor comments from former interns!