Retail management courses are available at various levels, including associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as diploma or certificate programs. The courses cover topics such as business, marketing, and visual merchandising, and are tailored to different career aspirations, such as store management or merchandise planning. Some schools offer specialized programs in fashion and retail management. Graduation requirements vary depending on the desired career path. Online and distance learning options are available.
There are a variety of retail management courses ranging from a business focus to visual merchandising to technology and information systems. Those pursuing retail management education often aspire to become some sort of leader at a store location or a behind-the-scenes buyer or analyst at the corporate level. Degree programs that offer retail management courses include associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In addition, there are also diploma or certificate programs and online distance learning options.
Retail management courses can be taken as part of a business administration degree. Choosing the best courses depends on the future career aspirations of the individual. If a management position in a store is desired, taking general retail distribution, management and marketing courses in conjunction with major business classes may be the best route. Store leaders and managers often need to be familiar with general business and finance concepts and may gain industry-specific knowledge on the job.
Those whose aspirations include being involved in the merchandise planning process can benefit from taking retail management courses in purchasing. These courses focus on identifying the right product mix, locating suppliers, establishing relationships, and managing adequate inventory levels. Schematic and lawn plan design can be included in these courses, which introduce students to organizing products into sets that best appeal to the retailer’s demographics and encourage impulse sales.
The different types of retail management courses can vary by school. Some creative or arts schools offer programs in fashion and retail management. This type of degree program can suit those who want to get involved in the high end or specialty fashion retail segment. Some of the courses expose students to design concepts such as color theory, visual merchandising and textiles.
Most retail management courses take an administrative or managerial approach. They assume the student is interested in a future leadership role of some sort. Even more creative retail management degree programs teach students about classic business concepts such as sales, marketing, product development, and accounting.
Various graduation levels are available. Choosing the best range again depends on the individual’s aspirations. A bachelor’s degree may be required for corporate positions such as merchandise planner, buyer or retail analyst. Store-level leadership positions may only require an associate’s degree or several years of experience.
More competitive and specialized retailers may prefer specialized master’s degrees in business administration in addition to merchandise management courses. Certificate and continuing education programs are available for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and wish to obtain specialized education in retail management. Many of these degree and certificate programs can be completed online, through a traditional university, online school, or retail management trade school.
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