The business of retailing primarily involves the creation of exciting presentations of products and ideas for our customers. This is accomplished by the combined efforts of many executives and support staff within a retail organization. The bachelor of science degree in Retail Merchandising and Management prepares you for management-level employment in retail organizations in a variety of areas. Such positions may involve the management of stores, departments or areas within stores, or groups of stores. Others may require buying products in national or international markets for inclusion in the assortment of merchandise that will be presented to customers. Still others may hold opportunities for those skilled in visual presentation, advertising, special events and distributions.
Interested?
UW-Stout's Retail Merchandising and Management program combines studies from 15 or more academic departments to effectively prepare you for an exciting career in retailing and related fields. In addition, the program of study allows students to pursue concentrations in buying/management, fashion marketing, human resource management and interior decorating, and even complete a minor in business administration, art, journalism or others.
The program of study combines general education with retail and business courses to produce a graduate who is knowledgeable and competent in merchandising and management. In addition to a basic retail course, you'll enroll in promotions, merchandise planning and control, and store management. These, combined with courses such as economics, accounting and marketing, provide the foundation upon which to operate a successful retail business. Contemporary studies in international business and human resource management broaden your career opportunities. Classroom experiences provide an in-depth theoretical study of the field of retailing, while a student-operated specialty store and off-campus internship experiences allow hands-on application of what has been learned.
A wide variety of study abroad opportunities are available to students who wish to further their understanding of global retail operations. Some students are awarded scholarships to attend the American Intercontinental University in London. From time to time, national and international study tours are also offered.
Numerous student organizations provide excellent leadership training, career insights and recreation for students who wish to take advantage of the opportunities available.
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, and analytical reasoning. Initial courses in the major include introduction to retail merchandising and management, basic retailing, and 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 the student's concentration of choice: buying/management, human resource management or interior decorating. General education courses ensure that graduates have a well-rounded education.
You'll also contribute to the operation of The Niche, a student-inspired specialty store located in Stout's Home Economics Building. 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. Maintaining and cultivating industry relationships provides the best possible information and career planning for students while assuring 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. Salaries of 2006–07 graduates of the program ranged from $20,000 to $52,000.