Urban Outfitters Made to Measure: Merchant Leadership Program

Program Overview

The URBN Made to Measure (M2M) Program is a collection of highly-tailored early career programs designed to provide hands-on training, skill development, and mentorship to highly-qualified young professionals.

As an M2M: Merchant participant, you will embark on a 12-week immersive journey surrounding URBN’s product lifecycle. This is not just a job; it is a structured acceleration into the world of buying. You will spend dedicated time learning across critical business functions to build a true URBN "merchant" mindset.

Upon completion of the program you will be placed into a full time entry level buying position.  This program is based at our corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. 

The Experience:

Unlike a standard entry-level role, this program is designed as a phased learning experience to "future-proof" your career:

• Phase 1: Immersive Education (9 Weeks): You will explore the full buying and merchandising cycle through classroom education, cross-functional exposure, and real-world immersions. This includes deep dives into Foundations & Strategy, Assortment Building, and Execution & Market Response.
• Phase 2: Tactical Onboarding (3 Weeks): You will shift into day-to-day responsibilities within your specific brand team (Anthro, Free People, UO, or Nuuly) with structured support.
• Phase 3: Entry Level Buying: After your 12 week immersive development you will begin your journey working as an entry level buyer within your designated team.

Application Process (Required)

To be considered, you must complete the following steps:

1. Apply Online: Select the one M2M Merchant posting to apply for based on the URBN brand (Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, or Nuuly) that best suits your interest and aesthetic.
2. Submit Your Trend Concept Board (REQUIRED):
• The Task: Create an imagery driven concept board (3–5 pages, PDF preferred) of fashion trends you see emerging for the Urban Outfitters customer in Fall 2027.
• Content: Pull imagery and inspiration from blogs, Pinterest, Instagram, runway, etc. Include elements of apparel, accessories, home and lifestyle that relate to our key Urban Outfitters categories.
• The Goal: Show us your point of view and your understanding of the customer! We are looking for future inspirational trends and white spaces in the market that move beyond where we are currently.
• Note: This must be uploaded to the "Additional Documents" section at the time of your application submission.
3. Video Interview: Selected candidates will receive an email link to complete a video interview. You will have 3 days to complete this once received.

Timeline:

• Application Deadline: March 13th, 2026 at 5:00pm EST.
• Final Interviews: Scheduled in April at our Navy Yard Campus in Philadelphia.
• Program Start: August 3rd, 2026

Order Management and Product Flow

• Learn how to manage the end-to-end purchase order process, including entry and tracking to ensure 100% data accuracy and timely delivery.
• Catalog and organize physical samples for all seasonal sets, ensuring the "merchant floor" and trend boards reflect the current business strategy.
• Identify and communicate delivery delays to cross-functional teams with a high sense of urgency to mitigate impacts on sales.

Strategic Analytics & Financial Acumen

• Utilize foundational retail math (markups, margins, sell-through, and turn) to assist the Buyer in meeting or exceeding departmental profit goals.
• Aid in preparation of weekly sales "recap" reports and other ad-hoc reporting to present to senior leadership, highlighting best-sellers and slow-moving inventory.
• Leverage AI-driven insights and historical data to forecast demand and identify growth opportunities within a specific product categories

Trend Research and Collaboration 

• Assist in selecting and developing a cohesive product line that balances the brand’s "aesthetic soul" with commercial viability.
• Stay up to date with trends across runway, streetwear, social media and competitors 
• Partner with Design, Production, and Planning teams to move products through the lifecycle from initial concept to the customer’s hands.
• Monitor market trends and competitor pricing to provide data-backed recommendations for assortment pivots.

Leadership & Culture

• Learn how to proactively identify "what’s next" and anticipate business needs
• Actively participate in meetings by sharing informed opinions on product performance, trends and customer behavior.
• Build strong cross functional relationships with key business partners and external vendors

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree (completed by Summer 2026), in Fashion Merchandising or Retail driven major
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets (formatting, navigation).
• A deep, authentic connection to the URBN portfolio and an understanding of our unique customer lifestyles.
• A "no task too small" attitude and the confidence to run your business like it's your own.
• An aptitude to calculate data, basic percentages, understand profit vs. revenue, and have a natural eye for trends for our URBN customer
• Demonstrating a high coachability by absorbing feedback to immediately improve performance while being proactive and resourceful
• An excitement to build a career in the buying pathway

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit https://www.urbn.com/work-with-us/stores 

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.