Retail Development Program Overview
Belk offers talented and ambitious recent graduates the opportunity to work in multiple areas of our business. The Retail Development Program (RDP) is a fast-paced three-month program designed to prepare recent college graduates for a full-time role at Belk. We offer opportunities in several of our business functions including Merchandising, Planning, Supply Chain and more! The program focuses on key components to support your development: Education, Experience, Exposure, Innovation and Results.
The Retail Development Program – Assistant Buyer will hire a class of program participants in our Charlotte, NC headquarters. RDPs are required to move and live in the Charlotte, NC Metro area with work-from-home flexibility.
Merchandise Buying - Position Summary
The Retail Development Program – Assistant Buyer prepares you for your first position as an Assistant Buyer. The Assistant Buyer drives sales and profit through analysis of business for all channels in the organization, inclusive of brick & mortar as well as eCommerce business. Assistant Buyers work closely with all cross-functional partners to ensure their department’s success.Through our hands-on learning approach, participants assume job responsibilities quickly while completing a robust learning curriculum. In addition to on-the-job learning, participants will engage with a variety of senior leaders across the company, attend networking events and learn from top talent in the business. They will be placed within a Buying office to experience the job first-hand. Participants are also matched with mentors to help acclimate to Belk and develop on the job.
On the Job
Work in a fast paced, dynamic, test and learn environment
Support and drive the profitability of your buying office/department
Shop retail market to identify assortment, incoming trends, and pricing opportunities
Prepare materials for merchant line review. Assist in recapping, finalizing, and communicating style placement to cross functional development teams, agents and vendors
Assist in executing advertising strategies
Provide business support through report generation and analysis of business results
Set up styles, write orders for buying office and maintain items in database, including special orders
Communicate with vendors to manage purchase orders (POs) as needed using APX, S5, and SPO systems
Maintain and organize vendor samples
Enter promotional price changes into RPM program in order to alter pricing for stores and eCommerce
Position Requirements
Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by Belk for this position now or in the future
Must have graduated within 6 months of May 2026 and able to start full time June 2026
Bachelor's degree required; Strong academic performance in Apparel Merchandising, Fashion Merchandising & Design, Retailing, Apparel & Textile, and Retail Merchandising & Management, or another related field, strong preferred. Prior internship in field strongly preferred.
Must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher
Team oriented; can collaborate to achieve results
Open to learning, able to adapt to changing circumstances and reprioritize tasks as needed
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, customers and all levels of the organization
Committed to meeting goals within a dynamic, fast-paced and results oriented environment