EJD Merchandising Internship- Summer 2026, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks

Compensation Details:

$22.00 per hour

Why should you join our team?

We live our values - W.E.L.I.G.H.T (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork). Gratitude. Humility. Love. You don’t often see values like these in most corporate statements, but Ace is different. These things are important to us. They represent our commitment to the company, our employees, to Ace retailers and to the Ace brand.

Job Description:

EJD Merchandising Internship- Summer 2026, Full Time/Paid/12 Weeks

About This Role
 

Emery Jensen Distribution (EJD) is a subsidiary of Ace Hardware Corporation that sells and distributes hardline products to independent Pro/Lumber, Paint, Hardware, and E-retailer customer segments.

As the EJD Merchandising Intern you will be responsible for the following:

• Build and design retailer and consumer facing marketing and sales material to support key brands and vendors
• Cross functional collaboration with Marketing, Sales, Inventory, Pricing, and Ace Merchandising for successful program launch and implementation
• Support Merchandise Program Managers with item selection, program execution, and promotional strategy
• Coordinate retailer communication for the department
• Assist with prep for semi-annual Edge tradeshow

The ideal intern will possess the following:

• Working towards a bachelor’s degree in the following area(s): Business, Marketing, Retail Merchandising, Management, and/or any related majors

• Entering senior year of college or graduating seniors

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite

• Adaptability and ability to learn quickly in high-pressure environments
• Ambitious self-starter who has demonstrated the ability to contribute as an effective team member
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated motivation and initiative to succeed
• Retail experience a plus
• Knowledge and interest in Ace Hardware Corporation and Emery Jensen Distribution
• Ability to work 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday for 12 weeks in the summer
• Willingness and ability to give presentations to colleagues, managers and directors

Why Ace?

Ace Hardware (headquartered in Oak Brook, IL) is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,800 locally owned and operated stores in approximately 60 countries.  Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the Helpful Hardware Folks.

Ace has retained its #5 position in the annual Franchise Times Top 400 List in 2023.  Unmatched customer service is a cornerstone of the Ace Hardware brand. We are a 100-year-old retailer that supports its owners with programs that leverage their local expertise, giving them a distinct advantage over their big box competitors and has resulted in Ace retailers being named by JD Powers #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retailers, 16 out of 18 years.  The Helpful Spirit transcends the enterprise with Ace Hardware Corporation consistently ranking amongst the top workplaces in Chicagoland.

Location Description
Ace Hardware corporate headquarters is about 20 miles west of Chicago and you’ll get the very best of city and suburban life – prestigious shopping, dining, recreation, performing arts and historical neighborhoods. Our brand new corporate facility opened in September 2023 and has state of the art amenities such as a work-out facility, underground parking and upscale cafeteria.  We work in the office the majority of the week and enjoy everything our new facility has to offer together as a team.

2026 Summer Internship Program Overview

The Ace Internship program allows you to apply skills and knowledge you're learning in college today, while contributing in a hands-on environment to fit your career objectives, complement your academic work and enhance your learning. Here’s what you will take away from your experience:

• Real hands-on experience in your assigned department/function with day-to-day projects, responsibilities, accountabilities and deadlines.
• Opportunity to display your skills during your “Final Pitch” presentation
• Q & A with Ace’s CEO and Senior Leadership team
• Resume Workshop to help you prepare for future opportunities
• Opportunity to volunteer through the Ace Hardware Foundation
• Teambuilding activities
• Hourly competitive compensation
• 12-week full time program