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Home Department of Art and Design Programs Fashion Merchandising

Fashion Merchandising

Art - Fashion Merchandising, B.A.

Fashion merchandising is about understanding the needs and desires of consumers and using that knowledge to develop products and strategies that meet those needs. It requires a deep understanding of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and retail operations.

Overview

In the fashion merchandising concentration, students focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry and acquiring the skills needed for successful merchandising and retail management. Throughout their coursework, they delve into various aspects of the business side of fashion, from trend analysis and buying strategies to marketing and visual merchandising.

Students study fashion and consumer behavior, exploring how trends are established and how consumer preferences shape the market. They learn to conduct market research, analyze data, and predict future trends, enabling them to make informed decisions about product assortment and inventory management.

Furthermore, students gain knowledge about retail operations and merchandising strategies. They study retail buying, planning, and allocation processes, understanding how to curate collections, negotiate with vendors, and optimize inventory levels to maximize sales and profitability.

Fashion marketing and branding are also key focuses of the program. Students learn about marketing principles, including advertising, public relations, and digital marketing strategies, and how these are tailored to the fashion industry. They explore the importance of brand identity, customer relationship management, and the use of social media platforms to engage with target audiences.

Visual merchandising is another area of emphasis. Students develop skills in creating visually compelling retail displays, understanding how to showcase products effectively and create immersive shopping experiences. They learn about store layout and design, product presentation, and the use of lighting, signage, and other visual elements to enhance the overall shopping environment.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities for internships, industry collaborations, and field experiences to gain practical insights into the fashion industry. They may also engage in projects that simulate real-world scenarios, such as developing retail strategies, creating visual merchandising plans, or conducting market research for fashion brands or retailers.

The program culminates in a capstone project that showcases students' growth, proficiency and development.

Curriculum and Concentration Requirements

Please review the official academic catalog for comprehensive information on requirements.

Careers

Concentrating in fashion merchandising opens a wide range of career opportunities in the fashion industry and beyond. Possible career paths for students concentrating in fashion merchandising:

  • Fashion Buyer: Fashion buyers work for retailers, department stores, and fashion brands to select and purchase clothing and accessory products for sale. They use their knowledge of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and sales data to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Visual Merchandiser: Visual merchandisers work for retailers, department stores, and fashion brands to create attractive and effective product displays and store layouts. They use their knowledge of consumer behavior, product placement, and design principles to create visually appealing and engaging store environments.
  • Product Development Manager: Product development managers work for fashion brands and manufacturers to develop new products, from initial concept to final production. They use their knowledge of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and technical skills to bring new products to market.
  • Retail Store Manager: Retail store managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a retail store, including managing staff, maintaining inventory, and creating sales strategies. They use their knowledge of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and business operations to create a successful and profitable store.
  • Fashion Marketing Manager: Fashion marketing managers work for fashion brands and retailers to develop and implement marketing strategies, including advertising, promotions, and social media campaigns. They use their knowledge of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and marketing principles to create effective and engaging marketing campaigns.
  • Fashion Event Planner: Fashion event planners organize fashion shows, trade shows, and other fashion events for fashion brands and organizations. They use their knowledge of fashion trends, event planning, and logistics to create successful and engaging events.
  • E-commerce Manager: E-commerce managers work for fashion brands and retailers to manage their online sales channels, including websites and mobile apps. They use their knowledge of e-commerce platforms, consumer behavior, and online marketing to create effective and engaging online shopping experiences.

Depending on students’ interests and skills, their knowledge of fashion trends, consumer behavior, and business operations can be applied in many different ways.

Facilities

MN Room 400D, 1,600 SQ FT

  • 29 Full scale dress forms 
  • 4 Full body mannequins 
  • 11 Half scale dress forms 
  • 8 Brother CS6000i sewing machines 
  • 4 Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machines 
  • 2 Juki MO-6814S Industrial Serger Machines 
  • 4 Brother 1034D Serger Machines 
  • 2 Brother 2340CV Cover Stitch Machines 
  • 1 Pacific Gravity-Feed Iron and Board PSI-5E 
  • 1 Laurastar Ironing System and Board 
  • 2 Black and Decker Steam Irons 
  • 1 Beautural Steam Iron 
  • 2 Traditional Ironing Boards 

MN Room 400C, 102 SQ FT

  • 1 Xerox Phaser 7500 Printer 
  • 1 Epsom GT15000 Scanner 
  • 1 Consew 897VF Industrial Cover Stitch Machine 
  • Tech Sew 5100 Industrial Leather Machine