Overview
Buying and Merchandising Intern Jobs in Indianapolis at Lids
Buying & Merchandising Intern
About Our Company
At Lids Sports Group, we don’t just sell hats — we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan-driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.
Our stores feature officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional teams, alongside top brands like Champion, Nike, New Era, Lululemon Athletica, and Mitchell & Ness. We’re also the industry leader in on-demand customization, offering in-store embroidery that turns everyday gear into one-of-a-kind statements.
From specialty concept stores for the NBA and NHL, to iconic clubhouse destinations for the Yankees and Dodgers, we create immersive retail experiences that celebrate the teams fans love. Through collaborations with brands like Marvel, Peanuts, and The Walt Disney Company, Lids continues to redefine how fans represent their teams — in style.
Position Summary
The Buying & Merchandising Intern will support the Buying and Merchandising teams by gaining hands-on exposure to key aspects of retail merchandising, including buying, planning, allocation, and reporting. Interns will work under the guidance of experienced mentors at the Lids Corporate Office in Indianapolis, IN, participating in real-world business activities designed to complement academic learning and build marketable career experience.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Rotate through key merchandising functions including buying, planning, and allocation.
- Utilize company-wide reporting tools to identify trends and spot business opportunities.
- Develop ad hoc reporting to analyze performance and support recommendations.
- Forecast sales metrics using both analytical and creative merchandising principles.
- Monitor sports trends and events to understand impacts on product performance.
- Attend buying meetings related to product selection, design, and style decisions.
- Participate in meaningful project work that positively impacts the business.
- Complete a summer project and present findings and recommendations to Lids leadership.
- Visit stores to analyze product mix and assess competitor assortments.
Physical Demands & Requirements
- Ability to constantly sit at a desk in a sedentary work environment.
- Ability to frequently communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to view electronic/written materials and adjust focus when needed.
- Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
- Ability to occasionally stand and walk throughout the office.
- Ability to occasionally lift or move items up to 15 pounds.
- Ability to occasionally present information to small and large groups, including team members and leadership.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Work Environment
- Onsite office work environment.
- Standard business hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; flexibility may be provided upon request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Employment Requirements
Candidates must possess the experience, skills, physical abilities, and qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential duties of the role and must be able to meet all applicable employment standards. Being legally authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment for this position. Current or future employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Applicants
In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to, or describes you (“Personal Information”). The categories of Personal Information we collect include your name, email address, mailing address, other contact information, employment history, and educational history. We collect and use this information for human resources and business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating candidates for employment or future contract opportunities, and maintaining recruiting and hiring records. Upon a conditional job offer, we may require additional Personal Information for business purposes and background checks as permitted by law, including but not limited to government-issued identification numbers, work authorization, emergency contact information, criminal record information, and demographic data used for analytics and compliance with applicable legal requirements and Company policies.
Need Accessibility Assistance?
Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application may email [email protected]. A member of our Talent team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. This email address is only for individuals seeking reasonable accommodation when applying for a career at Lids.
Title: Buying and Merchandising Intern
Company: Lids
Location: Indianapolis
