FCS 430 Merchandising Seminar

3 Credit Hours 

Merchandising Seminar explores the principles and practices of retail firms, with an emphasis on companies that sell fashion products. Included in course content is the study of the role of strategic planning and decision making with respect to customers, competition, channel environment, merchandising control, store site selection, store design, promotion and retail operations.

Course Objectives

This is a capstone course for the Merchandising major. Its purpose is to provide you with an overview of the environment in which retail firms operate, using skills and knowledge that you have gained throughout your course of study.

1. Retailing is a changing, challenging and diverse industry. You should be able to show through class discussion, assignments, and on tests, that you have gained an understanding of the environment in which modern retailers operate, and how consumers, competitors, channel members and the legal environment affect retailing strategies and practices.

2. Retail firms must carefully evaluate external factors when making decisions about how to operate their businesses. You should be able to explain factors important in decisions that retailers make regarding price, product, promotion and location, and how these decisions are inter-related.

3. Because of the unique nature of retailing, firms in this industry share many common administrative and operational practices. At the end of this course, you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of these activities.

4. This course emphasizes building research, analytical and problem-solving skills. You will be asked to demonstrate your ability to locate and apply information to contemporary retail issues through a series of assignments and reports.

5. One of the most valued skills in the job market is the ability to clearly communicate ideas, both in written and verbal forms. You will demonstrate your ability to speak and write on retailing topics through completion of the Retailer Case Study and Group Presentation Project.

Course Benefits

Retailing is the place where fashion products meet the consumer. Whether you plan to pursue a career in retailing or not, you will benefit from an understanding of the principles and practices of modern retailers. If you are planning a career anywhere in the fashion industry, you will inevitably interface with retailers. Designers rely on retailers for information about consumer tastes. Sales representatives for major fashion manufacturers must understand the goals and objectives of retail buyers in order to provide them with the goods and services that will increase their bottom line. Even if you never work in the fashion industry, an understanding of retailing will make you a more informed and effective consumer.