Merchandising Intern - June 2027

Staples Advantage Canada; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Staples is seeking a Merchandising Product Specialist intern for a hands-on 11-week summer program in Framingham, MA. You will assist in managing SKUs, vendor setups, and market research while supporting the Merchandise Buyer and collaborating with cross-functional teams across Staples Brands Group, Strategy, Finance, Marketing, and Store Operations.

The role emphasizes vendor collaboration, data analysis in Excel, and proactive communication.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in business or marketing, enrolled as a full-time student carrying at least 12 credits, rising senior graduating May 2028, GPA 3.0+.
• Demonstrates strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel pivot tables.
• Communicates effectively and works well in team settings.

Responsibilities

• Attend vendor meetings to collaborate on business plans and gain exposure to new products.
• Work with vendors and internal teams to launch new-to-market products and price-change activities.
• Proactively manage SKU and vendor setup and maintenance processes.
• Communicate new information to Planners and Inventory Analysts.
• Conduct market research, track trends, and perform competitive shopping.
• Process RTVs, price changes, price protection, coupons/rebates, and markdowns.
• Retrieve financial data/reports for weekly/seasonal performance reviews with the Buyer.
• Collaborate with Merchandising and other departments in the company.
• Respond to emails and calls from sellers about products and vendors in a timely manner.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office

Pivot tables in Excel

Job description

Staples is business-to-business. You’re what binds us together.

We’re searching for you: fresh talent with new ideas, innovation, passion, and drive to bring to Staples. We have student and graduate opportunities where you’ll help the Staples, Inc. organization be more successful and productive while building a purposeful career. Whether you are looking for a summer internship, co-op, or an entry-level role, we’ll help you develop the technical and soft skills you need to thrive in the future.

Target Start Date: June 7, 2026 - August 20, 2026 (11-week program)

Position Overview:

The Merchandising buy-side department at Staples manages the master product assortment for all channels, concentrating on dotcom and our contract business. Merchandising is in charge of bringing in the most exciting products at the right prices and quantities to ultimately drive sales, and profit, and to deliver the best customer experience. As a member of the Merchandising group, you will work with different departments around Staples including Staples Brands Group, Strategy, Finance, Marketing, and Store Operations. As a Merchandising Product Specialist, your primary responsibility is to manage SKU and vendor set-up, conduct market research, and support the Merchandise Buyer. Training through classes from the Merchant Academy.

Product Specialist Categories you may be considered for

Furniture & Breakroom, Janitorial, Facilities, Ink & Toner, Paper, Shredders, Office Products and Essentials, Technology, Toys, Backpacks, and School Supplies.

Responsibilities:

• Attend vendor meetings to collaborate on business plans and gain exposure to new products.
• Work closely with vendors and internal teams to launch new-to-market products, vendor program agreements, and price change worksheets.
• Proactively manage the SKU and Vendor setup and maintenance process
• Communicate new information to Planners and Inventory Analysts
• Conduct market research, gather industry data, track trends, and competitive shopping
• Process RTV’s, price changes, price protection, coupons/rebates, and markdowns
• Retrieve/source financial data/reports to conduct weekly/seasonal reviews of performance with the Buyer
• Collaborate frequently with other departments in Merchandising and the company
• Answer emails and calls in a timely manner from sellers on products and vendors.

What’s needed -BasicQualifications:

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing, enrolled as a full-time student carrying a minimum of 12 college credits
• Must be a rising senior (graduating in May 2028)
• Requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• Strong Excel skills; ability to use a pivot table

What’s needed-Preferred Qualifications:

• Passionate about retail and merchandising
• Retail Experience
• Enjoy working in teams and being highly communicative
• Able to multitask and be flexible with new initiatives