Retail Buying Intern

Program Summary

The Corporate Internship Program at Great Wolf is a 10-week program that provides college students with paid, meaningful experience that compliments their current coursework. Through an experiential and structured approach to learning, interns will gain hands-on experience with real-life work that is tied to the success of the team and Great Wolf's purpose of Bringing Joy to Families. In addition to meaningful assignments and working in a supportive business environment, students will be invited to participate in professional development opportunities, and social activities to get to know fellow Pack Members, build relationships across other departments, and more. Students can expect regular mentorship and feedback to help develop the skills and experience that will position them to grow in their career area of choice.

Position Summary

The Retail Buying Intern, based at Great Wolf Lodge's Chicago headquarters, will be an integral part of a dynamic team responsible for developing and executing retail strategies across Great Wolf's 22 lodge locations nationwide. Throughout your internship, you will gain hands-on experience in the retail industry, working closely with experienced buyers to support daily operations. You'll learn the intricacies of product selection, vendor relationships, and sales performance. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with and learn from a diverse team with expertise in buying, planning, and product development.

Experiences You Will Gain:

• Assist with Product Selection: Work alongside senior buyers to evaluate product assortments, identify emerging trends, and assess customer demands. Contribute to style-outs and the selection process, ensuring alignment with our brand's strategy and customer preferences.
• Market Research: Conduct in-depth research on market trends, competitor offerings, and consumer behavior to support purchasing decisions. Analyze sales data to identify popular products and spot seasonal trends.
• Data Entry & Reporting: Prepare reports to track product performance and buying trends, as well as assist with hindsight analysis and product assortment presentations.
• Attend Buying Meetings: Actively participate in meetings with the buying team, vendors, and suppliers to gain valuable insights into product strategy and purchasing negotiations.

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program focusing on business, marketing, fashion merchandising/design, or a related field.
• Relevant coursework, volunteer work, or internship experience and/or demonstrated ability to proactively learn and contribute to relevant projects
• Willingness to work in a hybrid environment out of the downtown Chicago corporate office (housing, relocation, and transportation not provided)
• Unrestricted work authorization in the United States (sponsorship not provided)
• All employment offers are contingent upon a successful background check

Desired Qualifications & Traits

• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to influence others and lead a project
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Adaptability and proactive problem solver
• Curious and willing to learn and seek feedback to contribute to the goals and work of the team
• Enthusiastic and positive approach to challenges

Highlights of Great Wolf's Corporate Internship Program:

• Meaningful assignments/projects
• Professional development opportunities
• Social and networking events designed to build relationships within your team and across Great Wolf 1:1 mentorship
• Cohort-based learning and activities
• Kitchen stocked with free snacks and refreshments with catered lunches once a week

Estimated Salary Range

$21/hr (undergraduate) - $23/hr (graduate)

An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of Great Wolf's total compensation package. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and other perks.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.