University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Our belongings often are a reflection of who we are. Whether they decorate our homes, show our sense of style or make us feel good, they are a part of how we express ourselves. Retailers are in the business of connecting people with the things that make them happy. Whether employed as a buyer of merchandise to be offered, or managing store operations and personnel for a satisfying shopping experience, retailers help consumers find what they need. And you can be a part of the adventure!

UW-Stout's Retail Merchandising and Management program prepares you for an exciting career in retail. The program allows you to pursue concentrations in buying and product management, fashion marketing, human resource management or store operations management. You can also pursue a minor in business administration, art or journalism.

On your path to becoming a knowledgeable and capable professional, you'll take classes in:

• Retail and business
• Merchandising and management
• Promotions
• Merchandise planning and control
• Store management
• Economics
• Accounting
• Marketing
• International business
• Human resource management

Classroom experiences provide you with an in-depth theoretical study of the field of retail, while a student-operated specialty store and off-campus internship experiences allow you to get hands-on experience and apply what you have learned.

A wide variety of study abroad opportunities are available to you if you'd like to further your understanding of global retail operations. UW-Stout students are awarded scholarships to attend the American Intercontinental University in London. From time to time, national and international study tours are also offered.

A number of student organizations provide you with excellent leadership training, career insights and recreation opportunities.

To complement the academic program of study, senior students may interview with selected retail companies for off-campus internship positions. These co-ops/internships are semester-long, paid work experiences in management training positions with major retail companies.

Preparing for UW-Stout

High school students interested in entering the retail field should have a college preparatory background emphasizing English, speech, writing skills, math, social studies, economics and accounting. Work experience in a retail store is suggested.

Starting Out

During your first few semesters, you'll enroll in a combination of general education studies and major foundation courses. General education includes:

• English composition
• Speech and a variety of other student-selected courses in the humanities
• Social and behavioral sciences
• Natural science
• Technology
• Analytical reasoning
• Initial courses in the major include:
• Introduction to retail merchandising and management
• Basic retailing
• Computer applications

Advisers are eager to help you with course selection and career direction. Additional assistance is available through the Advisement and Career Center, Counseling Center and Career Services.

Moving Forward

The Retail Merchandising and Management program provides a sound body of knowledge from which to launch a successful career in retailing. The curriculum provides professional courses in both general retailing and in your concentration of choice. General education courses ensure that you have a well-rounded education.

You'll also contribute to the operation of The Niche, a student-inspired specialty store located in UW-Stout's Heritage Hall. You and other students take charge of all aspects of this retail operation, including planning and purchasing, inventory control, advertising, visual merchandising, special events, selling and supervision.

The retail faculty and teaching staff are former retailers who work closely with students and retail companies. They maintain and cultivate industry relationships, which provide up-to-date information and career planning for you and helps you develop solid contacts for employment upon graduation.

Entry Positions

Graduates of the Retail Merchandising and Management program usually enter the professional field through an executive training program with a major retail company. This training generally consists of planned rotations in various supervisory positions within the store, merchandising division, distribution center or other area of the company. Base salaries of 2011–12 graduates of the program ranged from $27,000 to $52,000.