Retail Management Internship- Summer

About us

LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them. We empower women to find their authentic self-expression because feeling like yourself is always in style.

Here at LOFT, we're busy styling the careers and supporting the lives of everyday optimists just like you. Express your authentic self and experience endless inspiration, all while enjoying the opportunities and benefits that help you get the most from your career, life, and wardrobe.

Brand Overview:

LOFT launched in 1998 and today has 500+ full-price and outlet stores. LOFT creates modern, feminine and versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident, wherever the day takes them. Our collections reflect our belief that there's no one way to dress, just like there's no right or wrong way to look or be. LOFT's mission is to combine inspiring modern casual fashion, ingenious ease of dressing solutions and impactful community actions to fuel self-confidence and be an uplifting, trusted resource so that she can live out loud.

We believe what you do is just as important as how you do it. We're committed to fostering a community where all Associates lead with their strengths, feel connected to what we stand for, are accountable to growing our culture together, and are supported in their individual development. You're invited to discover the unparalleled opportunities that await you.

Position Overview:

The Retail Leadership Intern Program delivers a best-in-class retail leadership-focused experience for juniors, seniors and recent graduates with an interest and desire to build a career in retail. Over the course of the program, interns will be provided with a challenging hands-on experience in retail leadership through functional area touch points, developmental classes and executive exposure. Interns can expect to learn from the best in the business about communication, client experience, human resources, store operations, loss prevention, merchandising and more!

Program Details

This is a part time, paid program that runs for 10-12 weeks. Interns are expected to work approximately 20-25 hours per week with a flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays) and regular work attendance is necessary. Interested applicants must possess a client-first mentality, be a collaborative team player and results- oriented.

This opportunity will allow you to...

• Work in fashion and develop your leadership skills by working alongside our top store leaders as an Acting Sales Lead (key holder)

• Motivate associates to anticipate the clients' needs and exceed her expectations

• Drive results while monitoring key metrics and identify business trends and opportunities

• Utilize available tools and resources to ensure an efficient, client-focused environment: problem solving and resolution

• Gain experience in merchandising through planning, executing, and adjusting visual directives to support business priorities

• Partner with store leaders to create a great place to work and shop

• Develop skills in recruiting, selection, and training of hourly associates

Intern Responsibilities

In addition to Sales Associate role of providing an excellent Client Experience, as an Acting Sales Lead, the Intern is responsible for supporting the Store Manager and CO-Manager in overseeing the operational functioning of the store including, but not limited to:

• Support the business strategy & adjust to effectively reach goals

• Drive revenue by proactively managing the client experience as Manager On Duty - Assume the MOD role when Store Manager/Co-Manager is not on the floor

• Drive sales volume & anticipate clients' needs while communicating store metrics & individual performance to motivate associates

• Coach Associates "in the moment" on client interactions & performance to maximize productivity & capture client opportunities

• Possess keys to the store, perform opening and closing procedures in the absence of management (e.g., opening/closing registers, opening checklists, bank deposits, filling in, recovery, cleaning, retrieve/send email, accepts/receives shipment

• Utilize reports to make effective merchandising decisions & style the store in Division standards

• Leverage tools, assess and take action to drive operational excellence through Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)

• Complete daily tasks to ensure store runs smoothly and meets all ANN INC. standards and guidelines

• Report to work as scheduled; record time worked accurately by using ANN INC.'s Time and Attendance system; remain flexible to the needs of the business

• Embrace fashion, understand current market trends and show ability to articulate them using ANN INC. interpretations in every client interaction. Represent the brand by adhering to ANN INC.'s dress code guidelines

• Treat others fairly and with respect. Foster an inclusive, diverse, and safe culture

Position Requirements:

• Client Service: Ensure that the client remains the top priority while balancing required tasks and overall store operations

• Store Operations and Organization: Ability to organize, delegate, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines

• Merchandising: Knowledge of visual standards and techniques, and ability to implement and maintain with ANN INC.'s guidelines

• Accuracy: Ability to handle cash and provide change without error. Ability to prepare nightly deposit as necessary. Capture accurate information for all transactions including signatures, addresses, and original receipt data

• Communication: Communicate effectively with Clients, Members of Management, Business Partners, and Store Associates

• Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including evening and weekend shifts

• Physical: Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally. Maneuver effectively around sales floor, stock room and office

To Apply:

• Must be a current college junior, senior or recent college graduate

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Professional and/or academic recommendations

Minimum 20 hours per week.

Location:

Store 0663-West County Mall-ANN-Des Peres, MO 63131

Position Type:

Regular/Part time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all employment decisions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under applicable law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.

The Company welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the application process.