Examination of influences on fashion throughout history both domestically and globally.

Introduction to the history of fashion from 1800 A.D. to the present.

Exploration of retail management and fashion merchandising curriculum and careers.

Survey of influential fashion designers since 1857, examining their design influences and their contributions to fashion.

The economic problems of everyday life presented within a business framework, promoting the student’s well-being as a consumer. Consideration is given to the economics of consumption, real income, consumer buying, consumer protection, operations leading to family prosperity, security, and estate planning.

Theory, processes, and applications of business communications.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

Examination of concepts, practices, and opportunities of fashion sustainability (such as social and environmental responsibility) available to designers, developers and consumers.

A study of the accounting cycle with emphasis on preparation and analysis of financial statements.

A study of the preparation and interpretation of corporate financial statements with an emphasis on analysis and decision making techniques.

Management methods, location analysis, store organization, personnel, planning, buying and pricing techniques, and customer service policies for retail firms.

The place of fashion in buying, selling, and promoting merchandise. Meets the needs of individuals in retail organizations from entry level to buyer.

Supervised work experience in an area of the retail industry, selected by the student and approved by the instructor.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships

Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity

Development of a comprehensive plan for implementing a retailing business online via digital technology.

Examination of asset protection and risk management issues which affect the retailing industry, such as retail risk assessment and response, loss prevention, employee-related risks, facility security, crisis management, and intellectual property protection.

Recruitment, selection, utilization, and development of human resources; role of supervisors in management and personnel administration.

Theories, principles, and techniques of personal selling with application to different buyer-seller situations.

Essentials of creating and operating a new retail venture in physical and virtual environments.

Essential skills necessary to manage successful service operations, including retail, e-commerce, hospitality/tourism, food/beverage, and sports/event organizations.

Displays and visual merchandising strategies.

Planning, purchasing, and controlling inventories.

Analysis of fashion products with emphasis on textile selection, product construction, life cycle, cost elements, and the changing demographics of the fashion consumer.

Planning and executing retail promotion strategies.

Accounting topics related to retail establishment with emphasis on managerial interpretation and use.

Exploration of theoretical, political, economic, social, and environmental implications of global sourcing decisions in retail and fashion.

Forecasting fashion trends to impact retail merchandising performance.

Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department head is required for undergraduate students.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

Study of customer trends and experience management.

Overview of retail branding strategies with emphasis on implications of the development of brand equity towards increasing customer loyalty.

The knowledge of the principles of merchandising as applied in manufacturing and retailing business organization and understanding of the retail buyer’s role in merchandise management including merchandise planning, negotiating, buying, pricing, assorting, and timing.

Application of category management principles and models to competitive behavior in retailing with a focus on product category issues. Case-based analysis and/or JDA computer software will be applied to industry-specific problems related to inventory management.

Retail operations within foreign environments.

Application of strategic management principles and models to competitive behavior in retailing.

Supervised work experience within the retail industry that links classroom learning and student interest with the acquisition of knowledge in an applied work setting.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships

Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity

Examination of domestic and international laws affecting retail entrepreneurship and online commerce, such as data privacy and breach response, intellectual property protection, sales tax, advertising and unfair trade practices, consumer protection laws, employment laws, and legal obligations involving physical locations.

Examination of domestic and international laws which affect the fashion industry, such as intellectual property protection, licensing agreements, operational and marketing issues, and international trade.

Examination of the flow of retail inventory from initial production to final purchase. Meets the needs of individuals in retail organizations from entry-level sales floor personnel to buyers. Students must be qualified to enroll in a 500 level course at The University of South Carolina.

Essential skills for building a new or expanding an existing retail or fashion business in both brick-and-mortar and online venues by developing a marketing plan and corresponding e-Commerce website for a business or fashion organization.

The analysis of assortment planning and inventory management of apparel products utilizing merchandising principles and industry software.

Essential principles and analytical tools used in retail promotion; appraisal of methods and outcomes via field experiences, visuals, and simulations.

Course content varies. May be repeated once under a different title.

Study of international/domestic fashion manufacturers, retailers, ancillary businesses, and selected resident buying offices. May be repeated once for credit. Must be in good standing with a 2.0 GPA or better; No pending or past judicial council infractions.

Exploration of the fundamentals of Omni-Channel Retailing.

Advanced examination of human resource management within retail organizations.

The analysis of customer relationship management for retailers utilizing merchandising principles and industry software.