Retail Buying Intern

Position Overview

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 tied to the success of the team and Great Wolf's purpose of Bringing Joy to Families. In addition to challenging assignments, students will participate in professional development opportunities and social activities that foster relationship building and career growth.

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. You will work closely with experienced buyers and support daily operations through product selection, vendor relationship management, and sales performance analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with Product Selection – work alongside senior buyers to evaluate assortments, identify emerging trends, and assess customer demands while contributing to style-outs and selection processes.
• Market Research – conduct in-depth research on market trends, competitor offerings, and consumer behavior, and analyze sales data to identify seasonal trends.
• Data Entry & Reporting – prepare reports to track product performance and buying trends, and 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 with a demonstrated ability to proactively learn and contribute.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• GPA of 3.0 or greater.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence others and lead a project.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Adaptability and a proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Curious, willing to learn, and receptive to feedback.
• Enthusiastic and positive approach to challenges.

Benefits & Perks

• Meaningful assignments and projects that enhance career growth.
• Professional development opportunities and cohort-based learning activities.
• Social and networking events that build relationships within your team and across Great Wolf, including1:1 mentorship.
• A kitchen stocked with free snacks and refreshments, plus catered lunches once a week.
• Compensation:$21/hr (undergraduate) – $23/hr (graduate), with additional rewards that may include annual bonuses and a Paid Time Off policy.