AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC.
Position Summary
The intense 16-week rotational training program prepares you to become a contributing member of the Merchandising department. From day one you’ll have an immediate impact on our assortment that reaches 1,200+ stores nationwide. The Assistant Merchant Training Program is a combination of classroom training, field experience, cross functional and executive exposure, and working on the job.
Role Of An Assistant Merchant In The Training Program
When you join AEO in the Assistant Merchant Training Program, 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.
Training Overview
Trainees 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
Bi Weekly 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
Qualifications
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