Fashion Merchandising & Retailing - B.S.

Johnson and Wales University

The Fashion Merchandising & Retailing bachelor’s degree program prepares students for fashion and retail careers in areas such as retail sales management, fashion showroom management, executive store management, merchandise buying, visual merchandising, fashion marketing, fashion forecasting, fashion blogging, fashion promotion, and textile development.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

• Apply the major concepts, skills and values related to global fashion markets and designer contributions.
• Communicate effectively to diverse audiences, purposes and situations through a variety of professional methods as required in fashion merchandising and retailing.
• Use decision-support tools to resolve contemporary business issues using ethical business practices.
• Apply creative and advanced analytical competencies necessary for careers in fashion merchandising and retail marketing.
• Identify, analyze and forecast future industry trends in the acquisition of products and manufacturing of consumer goods.

Students may increase their skills learned in this degree program by utilizing such opportunities as directed experiential education, internships, or study abroad programs. These programs are tailored based on the student’s learning, interests and professional goals. Students are encouraged to network with industry professionals and explore career opportunities during industry site visits.

The Fashion Merchandising & Retailing degree program at the Providence, Charlotte and North Miami campuses offers two specializations: Merchandise Buying and Fashion Marketing & Visual Merchandising.

The Merchandise Buying specialization (15 credits) is geared towards students interested in the strategic analytical side of the fashion business. It is designed to align with industry standards and complements the student's degree by developing expertise in the areas of merchandise allocation, buying, analysis and/or product development.