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Merchandising & Retail Management
Career
Getting a certain product from the producer to the consumer falls into the field of merchandising and retail management. This involves planning and supervising the purchase and marketing of merchandise in a broad area, such as women’s apparel or appliances. In department store chains, which have many stores, many of the buying and merchandising functions are centralized in one location. Merchandising managers need to anticipate consumer preferences and then help in the planning and implementation of sales promotion programs. They evaluate their suppliers based on price, quality, service support, availability, reliability, and selection.
Job outlook
Retailing is one of the most progressive fields. The opening of major retail stores and the expansion of existing stores has increased the need for trained personnel. Advancement can be relatively fast and individual performance is measured so an aggressive graduate should find promotion opportunities easily. The use of the Internet has allowed both large and small companies to conduct more business electronically, thereby increasing productivity of merchandisers. Projected employment varies by occupational specialty.
What/Where the jobs are
Sales, advertising agencies, public relations, product managers, market research, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, service industries, educational services.
Degrees awarded
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Degree requirements
Click here for curriculum information
Program contact
Kenneth Bell, Kenneth.Bell@iavalley.edu
Admissions contact
Annie Kalous, Annie.Kalous@iavalley.edu