TITLE: Merchandising Full-Time Training Program 2026 (New York, NY)

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 Merchandising Full Time 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 TEAMMATE:

When you join AEO as an Assistant Merchant Teammate, 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:

Teammates 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 AEO runs two cadences of the Merchandising Full Time Training Program each year - February 2026 and July 2026

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

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:

Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location. Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits. Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.  For additional information, please click here. AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.