FASHION MERCHANDISING

Effective: WINTER 2010

Degrees and Certificates - Click for Program Outline:

• AAS - SFCC

Enrollment: Fall, Winter, Spring

Program Description

Fashion Merchandising is a two-year program designed to prepare both men and women for a career in the retail merchandising field. Professional courses stress the fashion concept as it applies to apparel and nonapparel merchandise, as well as a thorough understanding of buying, promotion and inventory systems.

Program Goals

1. Understand retail and fashion concepts as they apply to apparel and nonapparel merchandise.
2. Understand buying, promotion and inventory control techniques.
3. Use fashion terminology.
4. Understand fabric construction, care and use related to customer benefits and fashion buying.
5. Develop effective retail selling techniques.

Career Opportunities

The US Department of Labor predicts approximately 135,000 openings annually for the next several years in retail merchandising because of business growth and retirements. The forecast for increased consumer expenditures, continued suburbanization and longer store hours will raise the need for future retail middle-management positions.

POTENTIAL POSITIONS INCLUDE: assistant department buyer, assistant department manager, buyer, department head, department manager, fashion coordinator, management trainee, and specialty shop manager.