Merchandise Intern (In-Season)

Position Summary

The Merchandise Intern (In-Season) supports the day-to-day operations of the Trenton Ironhawks retail and merchandise program. This internship provides hands-on experience in sports retail, inventory management, e-commerce, game day operations, event merchandising, and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Retail Operations
• Aid in daily operation of the team store and portable merchandise locations.
• Organize and restock merchandise displays to maintain an attractive retail environment.
• Ensure merchandise is properly tagged, folded, hung, and presented according to team standards.
• Help maintain cleanliness and organization of all retail areas.
• Inventory Management
• Assist with receiving, counting, and processing incoming merchandise shipments.
• Organize inventory storage areas and maintain accurate stock levels.
• Conduct periodic inventory counts and assist with reconciliation.
• Report low inventory levels and damaged merchandise to supervisors.
• E-Commerce Support
• Assist with maintaining the online merchandise store.
• Help upload new products, descriptions, pricing, and product photography.
• Prepare and ship online merchandise orders.
• Track shipping supplies and packaging inventory.
• Game Day Operations
• Assist with setup and breakdown of merchandise stands before and after games.
• Operate point-of-sale systems and process customer transactions.
• Provide outstanding customer service to fans.
• Restock merchandise throughout games to maximize sales opportunities.
• Assist with post-game inventory counts and cash reconciliation procedures.
• Special Events & Community Outreach
• Represent the team at community appearances, festivals, and promotional events.
• Assist with merchandise sales at off-site events.
• Help prepare merchandise for promotional giveaways and special campaigns.
• Marketing Collaboration
• Aid in merchandise promotions and product launches.
• Create engaging product displays and promotional signage.
• Capture photos and short videos of new merchandise for social media when requested.
• Provide feedback on fan purchasing trends and popular merchandise.
• Administrative Duties
• Aid in filing, data entry, inventory records, and order tracking.
• Support special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in Sports Management, Business, Marketing, Retail Management, Communications, Hospitality, or related field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Shopify, Square, Lightspeed, or other retail POS systems is a plus.
• Potential photography, social media, or graphic design experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during games and events.
• Ability to move merchandise, displays, and inventory.
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays as required during the hockey season.

Preferred Qualities

• Enthusiastic about sports and fan engagement.
• Friendly and outgoing with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly dependable and punctual.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable interacting with fans of all ages.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interested in building a career in professional sports.

Internship Benefits

• Hands-on experience with a professional hockey organization.
• Exposure to retail operations, inventory management, and sports business.
• Networking opportunities with sports industry professionals.
• Resume-building experience across game day operations, e-commerce, and event management.
• College credit may be available if approved by the student's academic institution.
• Team apparel and other internship benefits as determined by the organization.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 25-35 hours per week during the season.
• Availability for all Trenton Ironhawks home games is mandatory.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability required throughout the hockey season.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.