Summer 2026 Intern: Merchandise Planning & Analysis

Internship Program Overview:

As a participant in the Belk Internship Program, you will gain real word experience and exposure to various functional areas of Planning. You will focus on analyzing business trends while assisting and shadowing your Planner. Planning Interns will learn key areas of the role including but not limited to developing seasonal merchandise financial plans, by-door plans, pricing optimization and in-depth analysis of product performance. The Internship Program provides exposure to senior leaders, professional development workshops, structured assignments, and social events over the 10 weeks in the Summer. Interns will leave understanding the complexity of big box department stores and the excitement of the retail and ecommerce industry. Interns will be required to relocate to Charlotte, NC for the summer.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities: 

• Learn how to manage a multi-million-dollar business and drive the profitability of your office/department 

• Analyze business trends while comparing location sales to highlight inventory successes and opportunities

• Provide business support through report generation and analysis of business results

• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor product performance.

• Research product trends and provide insights on areas of opportunities

• Extract and analyze data from financial systems to support business insights

• Support and participate in monthly review, assortment planning, seasonal financial planning and store planning

• Assist team with optimizing inventory by store to create the most profitable assortment

• Provide competitive landscape of the market and make recommendations to maximize business opportunities

Requirements/Qualifications: 

• Rising college senior planning to graduate in December 2026 or Spring 2027 majoring in Economics, Statistics, Finance, Fashion Merchandising, Business Analytics or relevant major

• Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by Belk for this position now or in the future 

• Proven strong academic performer (GPA of 3.2 or higher preferred) 

• Leadership skills that include professional business ethics, confidence and self-motivation

• Strong business background with ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and take action

• Previous retail experience preferred

• Proficient in Excel and MS Office applications with strong understanding of formulas, functions, and reporting to analyze business performance.