2026 Fall Retail Management Internship- Mall in Columbia

FashionUnited; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Merchandise discounts

Professional development

Community impact through partnerships

Job summary

LOFT in The Mall in Columbia, MD offers a 2026 Fall Retail Management Internship focused on developing leadership skills in a retail setting. Interns will gain hands-on experience in client experience, store operations, and merchandising while working with top store leaders.

You will act as a Sales Lead-in-training, supporting the Store Manager and learning to motivate hourly associates, drive sales, and uphold brand standards. Schedule is flexible, about 20–25 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• Must be a current college junior, senior or recent college graduate.
• Retail sales experience preferred.
• Management experience preferred.
• Technology proficient and able to operate a POS system.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Enjoys communicating and coaching.
• Ability to organize, delegate, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support the Store Manager and Assistant Store Manager in overseeing store operations.
• Act as Sales Lead and assist with client experience and revenue drive.
• Coach associates in real-time to improve performance and customer interactions.
• Support opening/closing procedures and daily tasks to keep the store running smoothly.
• Utilize reports and SOPs to drive merchandising and operational excellence.
• Participate in recruiting, selection, and training of hourly staff.

Skills

Retail sales experience

Management experience

POS system proficiency

Communication & coaching

Job description

2026 Fall Retail Management Internship- Mall in Columbia

About us

LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them. We empower women to find their authentic self-expression because feeling like yourself is always in style.Here at LOFT, we're busy styling the careers and supporting the lives of everyday optimists just like you. Express your authentic self and experience endless inspiration, all while enjoying the opportunities and benefits that help you get the most from your career, life, and wardrobe.

Intern Job Description

Reports to: STORE MANAGER, MULTI STORE MANAGER, TRAINING STORE MANAGER

The Retail Management Intern Program delivers a best-in-class retail leadership-focused experience for juniors, seniors and recent graduates with an interest and desire to build a career in retail. Over the course of the program, interns will be provided with a challenging hands-on experience in retail leadership through functional area touch points, developmental classes and executive exposure. Interns can expect to learn from the best in the business about communication, client experience, human resources, store operations, loss prevention, merchandising and more!

Interns are expected to work approximately 20-25 hours per week with a flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays) and regular work attendance is necessary. Interested applicants must possess a client-first mentality, be a collaborative team player and results-oriented.

This opportunity will allow you to:

• Work in fashion and develop your leadership skills by working alongside our top store leaders as an Acting Sales Lead (key holder)
• Motivate associates to anticipate the clients' needs and exceed her expectations
• Drive results while monitoring key metrics and identify business trends and opportunities
• Utilize available tools and resources to ensure an efficient, client-focused environment: problem solving and resolution
• Gain experience in merchandising through planning, executing, and adjusting visual directives to support business priorities
• Partner with store leaders to create a great place to work and shop
• Develop skills in recruiting, selection, and training of hourly associates

Responsibilities

In addition to Sales Associate role of providing an excellent Customer Experience, as an Acting Sales Lead, the Intern is responsible for supporting the Store Manager and Assistant Store Manager in overseeing the operational functioning of the store including, but not limited to:

• Support the business strategy & adjust to effectively reach goals
• Drive revenue by proactively managing the client experience as Manager On Duty – Assume the MOD role when Store Manager/Assistant Store Manager is not on the floor
• Drive sales volume & anticipate clients’ needs while communicating store metrics & individual performance to motivate associates
• Coach Associates “in the moment” on client interactions & performance to maximize productivity & capture client opportunities
• Possess keys to the store, perform opening and closing procedures in the absence of management (e.g., opening/closing registers, opening checklists, bank deposits, filling in, recovery, cleaning, retrieve/send email, accepts/receives shipment
• Utilize reports to make effective merchandising decisions & style the store in Division standards
• Leverage tools, assess and take action to drive operational excellence through Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
• Complete daily tasks to ensure store runs smoothly and meets all standards and guidelines
• Report to work as scheduled; record time worked accurately by using the Time and Attendance system; remain flexible to the needs of the business
• Embrace fashion, understand current market trends and show ability to articulate them using Ann Taylor/LOFT interpretations in every client interaction. Represent the brand by adhering to the dress code guidelines
• Treat others fairly and with respect. Foster an inclusive, diverse, and safe culture

Position Requirements

• Must be a current college junior, senior or recent college graduate
• Client Service: Ensure that the client remains the top priority while balancing required tasks and overall store operations
• Store Operations and Organization: Ability to organize, delegate, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines
• Merchandising: Knowledge of visual standards and techniques, and ability to implement and maintain guidelines
• Accuracy: Ability to handle cash and provide change without error. Ability to prepare nightly deposit as necessary. Capture accurate information for all transactions including signatures, addresses, and original receipt data
• Communication: Communicate effectively with Clients, Members of Management, Business Partners, and Store Associates
• Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including evening and weekend shifts
• Physical: Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally. Maneuver effectively around sales floor, stock room and office

About the role

As a Sales Lead, you're a key team member who supports and role models excellent customer experiences. Your focus is on delivering personalized customer experiences and providing guidance and support to associates. You have a direct impact on both the customer experience and the associate experience. You'll collaborate with the Store Manager to become an expert on store functions, so you are ready to step in as manager when needed.

The impact you can have

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Be a representative of the brand and model personalized customer experience behaviors.
• Assist store leaders with onboarding and developing an effective, highly engaged team.
• Support an inclusive store environment for associates where everyone feels welcome and engaged.
• Uphold the highest visual and operational standards while keeping the focus on the customer.
• Use tools to drive a customer-focused team environment and profitable business.
• Provide in-the-moment feedback and coaching so each associate can bring their best to customer interactions.
• Build productive relationships by sharing ideas and supporting the team.
• Use technology to stay informed on company priorities and promotions and provide customers with a seamless omnichannel shopping experience by utilizing available tools.
• Seamlessly step into the role of manager when needed.

You'll bring to the role

• 6-months of retail sales experience (preferred)
• Management experience (preferred)
• Technology proficient and ability to operate a point-of-sale system
• Enjoys communicating and coaching
• Flexible availability – including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Takes initiative in making thoughtful decisions
• Ability to organize, delegate, and prioritize assignments to stay on top of deadlines

Benefits

Availability of these benefits is based on employment type, role, and certain eligibility requirements. Job offers will consider factors such as your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills.

• 401(k) plan
• Merchandise discounts plus eligibility for discounts at our sister brands
• Professional development and opportunities for advancement across our brands
• Community impact through our philanthropic partnerships

Location

Store 1570-The Mall in Columbia-ANN-Columbia, MD 21044

Position Type

Intern/Part time

Pay Range

$17.00 - $21.25 Hourly USD

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [e-mail]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.

Job Title:

2026 Fall Retail Management Internship- Mall in Columbia

Internships, Retail Management & In-store