Merchandising Full Time Training Program - 2027 (Pittsburgh, PA)

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous associate discount

Hybrid schedule

Casual dress code

In-person interviews at Pittsburgh/NYC

Job summary

American Eagle Outfitters Inc. is launching the Merchandising Full‑Time Training Program in Pittsburgh, PA. The role leads to an Assistant Merchant position within a brand/category after on-the-job training and classroom modules, guided by a Coach & Mentor.

Participants will learn retail math, trend analysis, reports, systems, and product development, while engaging in rounds with senior leaders and performance evaluations throughout the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, Business or equivalent.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Passion for retail and knowledge of the AEO, Inc. brands.
• Understanding of trends and how they relate to the AE/aerie customer.
• Strong business acumen from coursework, internships, or prior work experience.
• Strategic thinking paired with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational, prioritizing, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to relocate to Pittsburgh, PA.

Responsibilities

• Work within a Merchandising department of one brand/product category.
• On-the-Job training with a Coach & Mentor.
• Classroom learning including retail math, reports, systems training, imports, department overviews, career path, presentation skills, trend/competitive shopping and product development.
• Complete individual and group projects involving product and financials.
• Roundtables with top executives.
• Monthly self-evaluations to track progress.
• Opportunity to move into an open Assistant Merchant role after program completion.
• Programs run February 2027 and July 2027.

Skills

Retail merchandising

Trend forecasting

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Relocation willingness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, Business or equivalent

Minimum 3.0 GPA

Tools

MS Office Suite

Excel

Outlook

Internet applications

Job description

Job Description

Merchandising Full‑Time Training Program 2027 (Pittsburgh, PA)

Reports To

Location: Pittsburgh

Get To Know The Role

When you join AEO as an Assistant Merchant Teammate, you will immediately begin influencing a three billion dollar business. By collaborating with your cross‑functional partners in Pittsburgh, PA and New York, NY, you will help to move product development and create an assortment that affects millions of customers. You will also assist in trend forecasting, competitive shopping, and sales analysis. In this position, it’s not only important to have a creative understanding of trends and how to analyze them for the AEO, Inc. customer, but you must also have the ability to make sound, informed decisions in order to support those trends and the business at large.

What You’ll Do

• Teammates will have the opportunity to work within a Merchandising department of one specific brand/product category
• “On-the-Job” training with assignments guided by an individual Coach & Mentor
• Classroom learning that includes: retail math, reports, systems training, imports, department overviews, career path, presentation skills, trend/competitive shopping and product development
• Individual and group projects incorporating both product and financials
• Roundtables with top executives
• Monthly self evaluations to understand progress throughout program
• Opportunity of being placed into an open Assistant Merchant role within any Merchandising team upon completion of the program
• AEO runs two cadences of the Merchandising Full Time Training Program each year - February 2027 and July 2027

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing, Business or equivalent
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Passion for retail and knowledge of the AEO, Inc. family of brands
• Understanding of trends and how they relate to the AE/aerie customer
• Contemporary sense of fashion exhibited through personal taste
• Strong business acumen through classes, internships or prior work experience
• Ability to think strategically coupled with strong analytical skills
• Strong organizational, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem‑solving, and presentation skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and deadline‑oriented environment
• Self‑motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting
• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, specifically Excel, Outlook & Internet applications
• New hires must be willing to relocate to AEO Office in Pittsburgh, PA.

Perks: Why You’ll Love it Here

• Generous Associate Discount: Treat yourself to the best our brands offer!
• Summer Fridays (For Pittsburgh, NYC and Remote Corporate Associates): More time for the sun and the weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• Casual Dress Code: Come as you are (and stay comfy).
• Hybrid Schedule: Enjoy a blend of home‑office focus and in‑office collaboration.
• In‑Person Connection: While we love our digital tools, we love our people even more! To keep our culture thriving, in‑person presence is required at one of our Pittsburgh or NYC headquarters, distribution centers or field locations for interviews, orientation and periodic quarterly meetups.
• In‑Office Events: Exciting company‑wide events you won’t want to miss!

Pay/Benefits Information

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part‑time or full‑time / exempt or non‑exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

About Us

Get to Know AEO

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.

Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high‑quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e‑commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.

At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO

We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives here .

AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.

Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.

JOB INFO

Job Identification 30034

Job Category : Full Time Training Program

Posting Date : 2026-08-31T15:17:58+00:00

Job Schedule : Full time

Locations : Pittsburgh, PA, United States