2025-2026 Leadership Development Program – Merchandise Planning Summer Internship

Job Description 

The A&F Leadership Development Programs are highly competitive initiatives, unique for their entrepreneurial structure, and provide immediate exposure to senior level leaders. With a “promote from within” mentality, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. We want students who are motivated, creative, and strategic – natural leaders seeking to drive results in a team-based environment. 

 
The comprehensive programs will include: 

Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training 

Relationship with a mentor to guide learning in the new role 

Interactive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the company 

An open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associates 

Integrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&F 

Preparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office 

Planners are the strategic drivers of our product teams, shaping the inventory and financial strategy behind every product. Interpreting and balancing current sales, inventory analysis, financial goals, and emerging trends, our Merchandise Planners build the strategies that maximize our product success and profitability. Planners forecast future product performance, establish sales strategies across domestic, international, and e-commerce channels, and strategically manage our inventory around the world. 

What Will You Be Doing? 

Driving sales and margin for your department/s by crafting your assortment architecture and strategizing department and mid-level plans by region and channel. 

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop business strategies, managing profitability, and reacting to change while making strategic decisions based on current sales and inventory information 

Researching the global market and leveraging that information to build the most compelling and profitable financial plan 

Forecasting and implementing product distribution strategies by analyzing sales data and store inventory levels, incorporating variations by channel 

Clearly presenting selling and inventory analysis and performance-to-plan results and strategies to senior leadership, providing insight on selling analysis, customer insights, and trend ideas 

Managing inventory and pricing strategy at the key item and sku level 

What Do You Need To Bring? 

Junior status working towards a bachelor’s degree 

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA 

Passion for the A&F brands and the role 

Proven leadership experience 

Ability to thrive in team-based settings and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners 

Desire to take on the responsibility of running a portion of a multi-billion-dollar business 

Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently with senior-level leaders 

Ability to balance between robust analytical capability and an interest in the creative process 

Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced environment 

Desire & curiosity to learn more 

Our interns are compensated $9,000 for the 9-week summer program. Other benefits of the program have historically included housing provided by A&F for the duration of the program, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, and organized social events throughout the summer. Our interns end the summer with a thorough understanding of the Full Time Leadership Development Program and have early access to full time job opportunities. 
 
To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA. 

Our Company  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. 

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com. 

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

Additional Information 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER