Merchandising Intern - June 2027

Staples, Inc.; Framingham (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Staples, Inc. is seeking a Merchandising Product Specialist for an 11-week internship program (June 7, 2026 to August 20, 2026).

The role supports SKU/vendor setup, market research, and collaboration with the Buyer and internal Staples teams across multiple departments. You'll gain exposure to product categories such as Furniture, Ink & Toner, Paper, Tech, and Office Supplies while developing skills in merchandising operations and vendor communications.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's in business or marketing, full-time, minimum 12 credits.
• Rising senior, graduating May 2028.
• GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Strong Excel skills; ability to use a pivot table.

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 worksheets.
• Proactively manage the SKU and Vendor setup and maintenance process.
• 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 across Staples.
• Answer emails and calls from sellers on products and vendors in a timely manner.

Skills

Microsoft Office skills

Pivot tables in Excel

Team-oriented communication

Education

Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in business or marketing

Tools

MS Office

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