Merchandising Internship Program - Summer 2027 (New York, NY)

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Associate Discount

Summer Fridays

Relocation Assistance

Volunteer Opportunities

Learning & Development

Career Exploration + Networking Events

Job summary

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. seeks a Merchandising Intern for Summer 2027 in New York, NY. The role partners with AE or Aerie merchants to learn end-to-end assortment development from concept to production and sales.

The program includes on-the-job mentoring, classroom learning, cross-functional projects, and potential full-time opportunities after completion. AEO emphasizes strong analytics, trend storytelling, and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Must be rising senior pursuing a business-related degree and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Demonstrates passion for retail and knowledge of AE/Aerie brands.
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing daily sales recaps and analyze performance trends to inform strategies.
• Conduct competitor analysis and comp shopping to identify product and market trends.
• Learn the business recap process and craft data-driven trend stories.
• Support sample trafficking and coordinate with relevant teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to gain a holistic view of the business.
• Present milestone projects and intern project insights to Merchandising leadership.
• Attend classes and team meetings linking learnings to practice.

Skills

Advanced Retail Math Test

Retail analytics

Data-driven storytelling

Education

Business-related degree

Tools

Excel

MS Office

Job description

Merchandising Intern - Summer 2027 (New York, NY)

As a Merchandising Intern at AEO, Inc. you will be partnered with a Merchant in either AE or Aerie and spend 10 weeks learning what it takes to create, edit and produce the assortment that ends up in stores. Merchants act as the hub of the wheel and project manage an assortment from initial concept, through design, onto production and ultimately into our customers’ shopping bags. This role requires not only a passion for retail and trend, but also a very strong analytical and business acumen. If you love trends, but have a passion for business, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in preparing daily sales recaps and analyze performance trends to inform business strategies
• Conduct competitor analysis and comp shopping to identify product and market trends
• Gain exposure to the business recap process and learn how to craft clear, data-driven trend stories
• Support sample trafficking using internal systems, check-ins, and coordination with relevant teams
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to gather a holistic view of the business
• Present milestone projects and final intern project with insights to Merchandising leadership
• Attend and contribute to classes, team meetings, connecting learnings to real-world applications

Internship Program Overview

• On-the-Job training with assignments guided by an individual Mentor
• Classroom learning
• Individual and group projects incorporating both product and financials
• Roundtables with top level executives
• Bi-weekly self-evaluations to understand progress throughout program
• Pre-planned events in New York to explore the city that AEO loves to call home!
• Opportunity for full-time offer in Assistant Merchant Training Program upon successful completion

What You Bring

• Applicants must complete a project and pass an Advanced Retail Math Test during the interview process.
• Rising Senior at a 4 year college or university, pursuing a Business Related Degree
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Passion for retail and knowledge of the AEO Inc. family of brands
• Understanding of fashion trends and how they relate to the AE/aerie customer
• Strong business acumen gained through classes, internships or prior work experience
• Excellent written & verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and problem solve in a fast-paced work environment
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and team-oriented mindset
• Self-starter with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting
• Highly Proficient in MS Office Suite, specifically Excel
• Must be local to the AEO Home Office in New York, NY for the duration of the 10 week internship

Perks & Benefits: Why You’ll Love it Here

• Generous Associate Discount!
• Summer Fridays!
• Relocation Assistance
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Learning & Development
• Career Exploration + Networking Events

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

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.

New York, NY, United States