Merchandising Intern (Summer 2025) - Harbor Freight Tools

Job Summary

Merchandising is the lifeblood of all great retail companies – and Harbor Freight is no exception. The Merchandising department determines what products are sold, how they are priced and how they are promoted in-store, in print and in digital. We’re looking for the next generation of great leaders to join our Merchant team and gain hands on experience to learn the retail business.

During a 10-week period - starting in June 2025 - interns will be assigned to functional teams such as promotional planning, merchandising operations / execution or store environment to learn day-to-day operations, merchandising skills and overall comprehension of the retail business at Harbor Freight’s Headquarters.

Overview of Merchandising at Harbor Freight Tools

Duties and Responsibilities

• You will be assigned to a team within our Merchandising department where you will work side-by-side with our Merchants to learn what it likes to be a full-time Harbor Freight Associate
• You will take ownership over projects where you tackle some of the most critical questions facing our team from how to accelerate new product development to determining the way to optimize our space in the store to refining how we promote our product as well as launch key new brands
• You will partner with our category owners to help expand your business analysis and market knowledge abilities by deep diving some of our most critical product lines
• You will receive continuous coaching & mentorship – we are passionate about our work and we will make sure you receive both formal guidance as well as regular mentorship from your manager and others.
• You will experience a fast paced, dynamic work environment. We live our core principles daily and value an organization of diverse individuals and backgrounds.
• You will have the opportunity to present your recommendations to upper management as well as provide a comprehensive report to our Merchandising team leadership

Scope

• Staff supervision and development: No
• Decision making: Limited
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Onsite/Remote Flex Designation: Based in Southern California. Onsite responsibilities 3-4 days during the 10-week internship in Calabasas, CA and Camarillo, CA. Remote flexibility the other days during the 10 weeks.
• Internship Duration: 10-weeks, from June 2025 to August 2025, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

Education, Experience, & Skills Requirements

• Junior in college obtaining a 4-year undergraduate degree.
• Possess excellent visionary, strategic and motivational leadership skills
• Display strong teamwork, analytical skills, problem solving and solutions oriented mindset to drive business and category growth
• Have a passion to lead complex, game-changing work, embrace new experiences, and operate with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Able to effectively manage multiple priorities under pressure by taking initiative and showing flexibility
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to communicate with all levels of management and company personnel
• Ability to be a collaborative, team player
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems under pressure
• Microsoft Office knowledge intermediate required
• Additional Qualifications Preferred (behavioral traits, certifications, etc.)

Physical Requirements

General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time .
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety

• Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

The anticipated rate for this position is $46.00 per hour depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. Associates can accrue paid sick time up to 64 hours per year unless otherwise required by law. The Company observes 100 hours of paid holiday time.

About Harbor Freight Tools

We’re a 45 year-old, $8 billion national tool retailer with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth potential of a start-up. We have over 1,500 stores in 48 states across the country and are opening several new locations every week. We offer our customers more than 7,000 tools and accessories, from hand tools and generators to air and power tools, from shop equipment to automotive tools. We provide our customers with the right tool for the right job at the right price, always delivering quality and value.