FCS

Textile and Apparel Studies

Merchandising Emphasis

Student at computer Students interested in careers in fashion retailing and related fields focus their studies in the Merchandising emphasis in Textile & Apparel Studies. This emphasis includes courses specific to merchandising in the fashion environment, as well as core courses in business. Emphasis is placed on creative, analytical and communication skills through a variety of courses.

View courses for the major and minor.

The fashion retailing industry calls for a competitive personality with a broad range of diverse abilities and characteristics.

The Merchandising program focuses on developing these skills:

Interpersonal skills: Ability to understand and assess customers’ wants and needs, serve them well and enthusiastically; work in a team environment.

Flexibility: Ability to adjust in an ever-changing global retail marketplace, interact with diverse people; perform a wide variety of tasks during the work day.

Decisiveness: Able to make quick calculated decisions, follow through with responsibilities, accept responsibility for results.

Analytical Skills: Able to solve problems, analyze data, predict trends, establish priorities; use technologically advanced tools to make business decisions.

Stamina: Ability to perform well under pressure; maintain professional standards under varied work conditions

Entry-level jobs in Merchandising include Assistant Store Manager, Assistant Buyer, Merchandise Planner, Visual Merchandising Manager, and Account Executive. Graduates of our program are employed in firms such as The Gap, Macy’s, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karon, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Coldwater Creek, Sears and Christopher and Banks. There are substantial opportunities for advancement in this field.

For more information on the retailing industry, link to http://www.nrf.com/

If you have questions about the Merchandising emphasis in Textile & Apparel Studies, please contact:

Dr. Barbara Frazier
Associate Professor
3406 Kohrman
(269) 387-3719