To be successful, many stores, large and
small, hire fashion merchandising managers, also called purchasing
managers, to create marketing plans. Those individuals have at least an
associate's degree in fashion merchandising management. These degrees
are available online or in traditional formats at universities and
colleges across the country.
Students learn about textiles and the principles of merchandising,
and they're required to complete internships or cooperative work
experiences. These programs can be completed in as little as two terms,
or they may take as long as two years.
Fashion merchandising management courses can be completed almost
entirely online, although some programs do require students to complete
cooperative work experience at designated locations. Students may be
required to attend field trips to New York, or they may be allowed to
study abroad. Most of these programs are 50 to 70 credit hours,
including general education requirements. Many of the courses in fashion
merchandising have a fixed start and end date.
To complete an online learning program, students must have access to a
computer and a reliable Internet connection. Schools may recommend a
high-speed Internet connection and may require students to use
additional equipment, including digital cameras and photo scanning
equipment.
Online Fashion Merchandising Management Courses
Studies of the fashion industry, merchandising planning and control
techniques are emphasized in these programs. Students begin with an
introduction to the world of fashion merchandising, advertising and
color theory.
Introduction to the Fashion Industry
Fundamental courses on the fashion business introduce students to the
relationships between apparel and textile producers and those who sell
product to consumers and the retail industry. These courses may be split
into subsections, like marketing and design, or they may have a wider
scope.
Merchandising
Merchandising courses focus on the goals and roles of the
merchandising team and the product developers, buyers and account
executives. Students analyze and create merchandising plans while
analyzing the techniques used in merchandising.
Textiles
Textiles courses include studies of various fabrics and fibers, and
students learn to identify the different fabrics. Patterns and the
properties of natural and manmade textiles are also examined in these
courses.
Upon graduation, students can find careers in retail purchasing and
inventory management, product development or sales within the fashion
industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail
purchasing managers' salaries ranged from about $52,000 to $145,000 (
www.bls.gov) in 2009.
Continuing Education
Bachelor's and master's degrees in fashion merchandising are
available for those who seek further education. Some bachelor's programs
are available online, but the majority are not. Master's degree
programs are available with concentrations in such areas as textile
science and fashion merchandising. These programs are not available
online. Either degree may be offered through a
business administration or fashion department at an educational institution.
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