Retail Buying Intern

Summary

The International Spy Museum is a private nonprofit museum dedicated to educating the public about the world of espionage and intelligence through exhibits, educational programs, special events, and public outreach. Our Retail department seeks a motivated and detail-oriented college student interested in merchandising experience to work alongside our Retail Buying team and gain first-hand experience in building assortments and developing retail strategy.

The Retail Buying Intern will support the buying team in product development, inventory management, and trend analysis while gaining exposure to the full product lifecycle. This contracted position works closely with the Retail Buyers to analyze assortments and learn administrative and operational functions supporting the retail business.

Responsibilities

Working closely with the Senior Retail Buyer, this work will focus on the following projects and deliverables:

Inventory Management

• Run and analyze sales reports to support necessary reorder and/or markdown decisions
• Learn order entry process and send purchase orders to vendor partners
• Track purchase orders and ensure timely delivery of merchandise

Product Development

• Attend vendor appointments and competitive shopping trips
• Help prepare for seasonal line reviews. Analyze trends to identify product opportunities
• Collaborate with Buyers on developing new item(s) for Fall season

Merchandising

• Participate in Spy Store walkthroughs with Buying team and Store Management
• Assist in floor merchandising and product placement updates
• Maintain product listings on store website to ensure polished online presentation

Education Requirement

• This internship is open to anyone currently pursuing their post-secondary degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Retail Management, or a related field.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Identify as:

• Organized and attentive to detail, with strong analytical skills.
• Creative, passionate for product, and results-driven.
• Dependable, responsible, and self-motivated.
• Professional and approaches challenges with a positive attitude.
• An effective communicator who enjoys working in a team environment but can also easily tackle independent projects.

Hours and Compensation*

• Summer Internship

o Up to 240 hours over 10-12 weeks, beginning approximately June 1, 2026.

o Weekly hours and schedule to be determined based on department needs and student’s academic/work schedule.

o No internship hours June 8 thru June 12.

• This is a paid internship with DC hourly minimum wage. The internship does not entitle, nor guarantee, the intern employment at the conclusion of the internship.
• The International Spy Museum offers academic credit for this internship. The Museum will work with the intern to complete all necessary forms to receive credit, but the intern is responsible for making all appropriate arrangements with their school.

How to apply: For consideration, please submit application materials online at spymuseum.org/about/careers/. This internship requires a resume, cover letter, and a letter of recommendation to be submitted by Feb 17, 2026