Trend Research and Forecasting Assistant

Be part of an amazing story.

Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about the excitement of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ve been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.  

Job Overview

The Trend Research Assistant supports macro and micro trend research, annual, seasonal, and quarterly trend vision, and enterprise storytelling needs for Macy’s private and market brands. This role involves identifying and analyzing macro trends, shifts in consumer behavior, cultural influences, and emerging style trends, with a focus on apparel, accessories, and home.

The Trend Research Assistant demonstrates natural curiosity and skill in gathering and synthesizing information from various sources into actionable insights. They support the trend strategy by aligning ideas with Macy’s overall direction and customer base. Key responsibilities include preparing for and participating in research strategies and collaborative ideations, producing ideas that can be applied to brand and category-level design work. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to collaborate effectively, and the capability to tell compelling stories and push new ideas into implementation.

What You Will Do

• Support trend strategy, vision, and fashion application for Macy’s, collaborating with the Sr. Director of Trend on specific focus areas.
• Synthesize information from various resources into actionable commercial ideas.
• Gather and organize trend research using tools and methods such as observation, trend services, street style, runway shows, art, and music.
• Contribute to the development of annual, seasonal, and quarterly trend forecast presentations, covering macro influences, color, fabric, artwork, silhouette, and styling cues across apparel, accessories, and home.
• Assist in creating enterprise-wide storytelling and impactful creative collateral that enhances Macy’s presence as a modern department store.
• Foster active engagement with the fashion and design community, both internally and externally, in partnership with trend colleagues.
• Manage time effectively, collaborate with the team, and prepare materials to support the trend strategy and targeted business categories.
• Support the trend team in influencing design, merchant, and vendor partners through clear communication, presentation materials, and expertise in research and future trends.
• Apply Trend Curve philosophies to ensure commercial relevance, customer-segment alignment, and fashion pyramid balance.
• Advise associate and senior trend researchers on brand-specific trend direction and support product design to align with trend strategy.
• Collaborate with Associate/Senior Trend Researchers on special projects and in-depth analyses.
• Exhibit a collaborative and engaging culture within the trend team and with all cross-functional partners.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities. 

Skills You Will Need

Trend Analysis: Ability to identify and analyze macro and micro trends, shifts in consumer behavior, cultural influences, and emerging styles across apparel, accessories, and home.

Information Synthesis: Skill in gathering and synthesizing information from various sources into actionable insights and commercial ideas.

Research Tools Proficiency: Competence in using research tools and methods such as observation, trend services, street style, runway shows, art, and music.

Presentation Skills: Ability to contribute to and create trend forecast presentations, covering macro influences, color, fabric, artwork, silhouette, and styling cues.

Storytelling and Communication: Strong communication skills to develop compelling storytelling and creative collateral, and effectively engage with the fashion and design community.

Project Management: Capability to manage time effectively, collaborate with team members, and prepare materials to support trend strategies and business categories.

Collaboration and Influence: Ability to work independently, build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships, and influence design, merchant, and vendor partners.

Adaptability and Learning: