Fashion Merchandising & Retailing (BS)

Program Overview

Fashion has always been woven into the fabric of our society (pun intended), and it can bind generations or define cultures. Fashion can be practical and protective — or expressive and liberating — but few people consider how many career avenues industry can offer.

Fashion Merchandising & Retailing is a fast-paced, global industry in which business meets creativity. You’ll learn about the economics involved in buying and selling fashion merchandise, how to forecast future trends in the industry, and the strategies needed to display and sell merchandise effectively.

Choose to specialize in an area of interest:

• Merchandise Buying
• Fashion Marketing & Visual Merchandising

Throughout your education at JWU, you’ll experience fashion merchandising and retailing firsthand through internship opportunities, professional site visits with industry leaders, and the chance to participate in a variety of industry events.

This program also offers rich study abroad opportunities that are specifically geared for Fashion Merchandising & Retailing students. Spend a semester studying at the London College of Fashion, or head to Italy to explore Florence and Milan, and tour the Gucci, Ferragamo and Capucci fashion houses.

Take the world of Fashion Merchandising & Retailing by storm.

This program is available in Providence and Charlotte.

Sample Courses

• The Business of Fashion
• Visual Merchandising
• Fashion and Retail Lab
• Merchandise Buying
• Fashion Promotion

In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

For a full course listing, visit the JWU Catalog:

Providence Charlotte

Occupational Outlook*

Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.

_{Career possibilities: Merchandising and Retail Manager Fashion Forecaster Merchandise Buyer Fashion Stylist Visual Merchandiser.}

_{*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2018-2028. Median salary: 2018.}