Index
What is Fashion Merchandising like?
Fashion merchandisers are the link between the creation of a product and its use.
They're involved in the chain of activities that moves a concept from the designer's
hand to the sale of the finished product. Whether the merchandise is a piece of
clothing, a cosmetic, a roll of fabric or an article of home furnishing, there are
many activities and skills required to bring a product to the consumer. These activities
form a special kind of service known as fashion merchandising. This is the business
of fashion!
What skills do I need to be successful in this Field?
If you like to work with people and enjoy challenge and constant change, a career
in this field may be ideal for you.
The best fashion merchandisers understand fashion forecasting, design, color coordination,
fiber performance and modern fashion demands. They enjoy working with the variety
of people they meet, and they communicate well with excellent skills in writing,
speaking and listening. Marketing and sales skills are important in this field,
and good math skills are essential.
What program does Spokane Falls Community College offer?
SFCC offers a six-quarter program in fashion merchandising that is designed to prepare
men and women for a career in the wholesale and retail merchandising field. Professional
courses stress fashion concepts as they apply to apparel and non-apparel merchandise,
and give students a thorough understanding of buying, promotion and merchandising
strategies. Students who successfully complete this program receive an associate
in applied science (A.A.S.) degree.
What classes will I take?
You'll gain valuable insight into the world of retailing through courses that cover
retail concepts, fashion trends, fashion fabrics, promotion and advertising, merchandise
buying, personal selling and professional development.
Students also study speech, business math, marketing and business communications,
and they may choose electives covering topics such as accounting, money management,
business law, human relations, management, computer skills, clothing selection,
garment construction, and color and design.
In addition to class instruction, students earn a minimum of three credits in related
work experience prior to graduation. This experience gives them a chance to combine
classroom knowledge with on-the-job training, thereby better preparing them for
the realities of the fashion world. Many students move into fulltime or managerial
positions as a result of this training.
Frequently, students choose to gain additional experience by participating in annual
fashion merchandising tours to regional market centers such as Seattle, and national
market centers such as New York City. International study tour opportunities are
also available.
Where can I get a job?
Most merchandising careers begin in sales and move up to middle-management and management
positions in independent, chain or department stores. Depending upon a persons interest
and the size of the operation, positions may include assistant manager, department
manager, assistant buyer, buyer, personnel manager, store manager, fashion coordinator,
sales representative, showroom assistant and commission sales associate.
Although most U.S. apparel and textile activities are found in New York City, Los
Angeles and in the southeastern portion of the nation, recent years have witnessed
an incredible expansion of the apparel industry in the Pacific Northwest. Many job
opportunities now exist within our region.
Thanks to the established reputation of the SFCC fashion merchandising program,
area employers look to us for graduates. They know that our students are skilled
in areas of fashion, marketing and general business, and possess a sincere enthusiasm
for their field.
How much will I earn?
Most employers pay a combination of salary, commission and bonuses. Wages can begin
at minimum wage and reach up to $2,000 per month or more with a good educational
background and proven experience. Much depends on the size and geographical location
of the employer-wages are higher in Seattle, for example-as well as the level of
responsibility. Merchandisers with experience can expect to earn $2,000 to $2,500
per month or more depending on their ability to buy, sell, promote or manage people.
For more information contact:
Spokane Falls Community College
Counseling Center
3410 West Fort George Wright Drive
MS 3011 Spokane, Washington 99204-5288
(509) 533-3525
or Fashion Merchandising
(509) 533-3699
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