Merchant Trainee: Trend Forecast & Product Strategy

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

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.