Fashion merchandising is an important segment of the Canadian economy and paves the way to a wide array of careers in purchasing, product development, marketing, sales, business operations or management, trend forecasting, planning, distribution and sales support.

The Fashion Merchandising program is designed to train technicians specialized in business management and marketing as well as specialized fashion stylists. These functions may be exercised according to the trends in the various target markets making up the fashion industry. These fashion merchandisers and stylists must demonstrate certain personal and professional aptitudes, including adequate work methods, autonomy, interpersonal skills, leadership, flexibility and a well-developed sense of ethics. They must also be able to master the languages used in the industry.

The program is structured in such a way as to enable students to explore and analyze new ideas, study the principles of marketing, management and distribution as they apply to fashion products as well as apply these techniques to the fashion industry.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the program, Fashion Merchandising graduates should be able to:

• Provide knowledge of the fashion industry as a means of qualifying and encouraging individuals to enter the job market and practice the tasks and activities required by their profession.

• Use professional entrepreneurial skills as a means of improving retail sales and increasing the effectiveness of merchandising strategies.

• Research and analyze the profession, principles, history, styles, terminology, organizations, retailers, markets, and important designers in fashion.

• Analyze fashion trends, consumer needs, and preferences that are used to forecast, plan, develop, and promote clothing lines.

• Recognize how the visual display of goods impacts customer spending habits, and design visually appealing displays based on marketing plans.

• Analyze the quality of design, materials, and construction techniques that are used in commercially produced textiles, apparel, and accessories.

• Investigate the use of various colors, fabrics, . ts, and styles to show bodies and clothing to their best advantage.

• Analyze collections in terms of consumers, sizes, markets, fabrication quality, and retail price categories.

• Discuss consumer attitudes, beliefs, and buying habits, and how they contribute to the formation of marketing decisions.
• Create and present a professional fashion merchandising portfolio and business plan.

• Relate production, distribution, and merchandising processes to customer needs.

• Research various marketing plans, products and services, target markets, marketing tactics, and advertising principles in the fashion industry.

• Examine the sourcing, buying, and management of merchandise within the fashion retailing industry, with a focus on manufacturing and distribution processes.

• Apply a variety of retailing concepts and techniques to proposed business strategies.

• Describe the importance of image and identity, product differentiation and positioning, niche merchandise, store positioning, competition, and targeted marketing to the merchandising of goods and services.

• Discuss ethical and legal behavior in the design, manufacturing, and sale of fashion merchandise.

• Apply principles of fashion marketing to effectively manage retail environments.

• Appraise buyer decisions and determine the quality of local fashion retail merchandise.

• Design effective merchandise displays.

• Inspect, cost, and source fabrics, garments, trims, and textiles, and prescribe materials, patterns, and colors for various fashion and retail needs.

• Coordinate, manage, and write about special events and fashion shows.

• Analyze the history of fashion and relate it to the cultural, political, economic, and religious climate for each historical era as a means of predicting future trends.

• Interpret consumer needs and preferences in relation to the design and construction of garments, and analyze designs for a variety of consumers, sizes, styles, prices, and markets.

• Examine the line, color, texture, and function of clothing, and apply market trend analyses to the selection of garments.

• Develop competitive marketing strategies.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Fashion Phenomenon l

571-CMA-DS

This course introduces students to the ideologies and elements of fashion design throughout history. Students will study sociological, political, religious, aesthetic, and cultural issues related to the evolution of fashion, and will examine contemporary theories, designers, strategies, and techniques related to fashion design.

Merchandising Principles and practices

571-CMB-DS

This course introduces merchandising principles and practices employed within retail environments. Topics include store organization, inventory control, .financial considerations, operational management, and customer service. Merchandising concepts, retailing techniques, and consumer behavior are discussed. Students will also analyze the operations of a fashion company, and examine the various roles of accounting, management, marketing, .financial, and economic segments within fashion business environments.

Purchasing Fashion Products

571-CMC-DS

Merchandise sourcing, buying, and management is analyzed within the retail industry and its product development and distribution processes. Emphasis will be placed on financial and organizational needs in merchandising, including the planning, purchasing, pricing, and presentation of inventory to meet customer demand.

Business Management software

571-CMD-DS

This course introduces software and technology utilized in various business environments. Students will learn a variety of office and retail applications used in inventory control, sourcing and costing, budgeting and pricing, human resource management, customer service, and retail presentation and design.

Marketing and Research Analysis

571-CME-DS

This course examines and discusses how consumer motives, preferences, and attitudes contribute to marketing decisions. Psychological, social, ethical, and financial factors that affect the marketplace are examined through case analyses. Students will research marketing plans, products and services, target markets, direct mail and telemarketing tactics, and advertising principles involved in the development of production strategies and promotional processes.

Advanced Budget Management

571-CMF-DS

This course introduces fundamental principles of finance and fiscal management. Students will review financial theories and examine cash-flow projections, asset valuation, capital expenditure and investment opportunities, financial planning and decision-making processes, and the structure of financial markets. Students will repair operating budget estimates, and ensure budget control as well as analyze sales reports. Interpret variations between objectives and results, and make any necessary corrections to financial reports, estimates, and budgets.

Fashion Phenomenon ll

571-CMG-DS

In this course, students will learn how to research and analyze fashion trends for use in forecasting, planning, developing, and promoting clothing lines. Students will examine theories, cycles, styles, sales, media sources, societal influences, and consumer research related to the forecasting process.

Merchandising Laws

571-CMH-DS

This course examines the laws and regulations that govern business and merchandising operations. Students will analyze various facets of the legal system, including legal principles, obligations, and rights; and will explore topics such as contracts, negotiable instruments, real estate and property law, civil and criminal law, and legal protection.

Inventory Management

571-CMI-DS

Merchandise sourcing, buying, and management is analyzed within the retail industry and its product development and distribution processes. Emphasis will be placed on financial and organizational needs in merchandising, including the planning, purchasing, pricing, and presentation of inventory to meet customer demand.

Business management software ll

571-CMJ-DS

Students will also learn how to prepare basic financial statements and invoices; interpret transactions, liabilities, and assets; reconcile account receivable and payable ledgers; track inventory and investments; and organize merchandising and business accounts using selected accounting software.

Visual Presentation

571-CMK-DS

This course involves the study of visual merchandising and merchandise presentation techniques, with an emphasis on psychological motivation, retail design, and display teamwork. Topics include the creation of specialty and department store displays, the design of visuals for walls and windows, the effects of color and lighting on consumer behavior, and professional presentation techniques for apparel and accessories.

Fashion Textiles and Apparel analysis

571-CML-DS

This course is an introduction to textiles and the textile industry, with a focus on terminology, fiber properties, yarns, and fabric characteristics. Emphasis is on the selection, quality, performance, use, and care of specific textiles. Students will also analyze the quality of design, materials, and construction techniques used in commercially produced textiles, apparel, and accessories. Manufacturing processes, quality and sizing standards, and pricing are compared in relation to the target customer in various markets.

Business Policies and Strategies

571-CMM-DS

This course examines successful business strategies through the analysis of theoretical and actual business ventures. Students will research approaches used to manage products and services, marketing plans, legal procedures and regulations, operations, competition, human resources, and finances. Students will also examine principles of marketing and product distribution, and will explore production strategies, promotional processes, and sales techniques that are designed to address customer needs and preferences.

Import/Export

571-CMN-DS

The goal of import/export in the fashion industry is to expose the student to the importance of developing and maintaining international channel partners in an ever increasingly competitive global fashion market. Students will also learn how to determine types of clients and suppliers to target for a particular market, and the means necessary to reach them effectively, assess prospective clients and suppliers, and maintain an index of those retained, discuss legal, contractual, and regulatory requirements and manufacturing issues associated with the delivery of goods and services.

Exclusive Program Elaboration

571-CMO-DS

This course focuses on the development of products from initial concept through production and distribution. Students will examine the product development process; prepare specification sheets; research vendors and suppliers; review legal, contractual, and regulatory requirements; and discuss offshore manufacturing issues related to the delivery of goods and services.

Human Ressources management

571-CMP-DS

This course reviews the function of human resource managers within business environments. Students will learn how to develop job descriptions; recruit and train employees; organize work activities; supervise and appraise performance; maintain personnel records; draft compensation, medical, and benefit policies; and avoid legal and safety issues on the work site.

Professional sales Practice

571-CMQ-DS

This course analyzes the role of selling in the marketing process, with a focus on effective communication and customer psychology. Sales techniques; customer service; and sales force organization, performance, and assessments are examined.

Promotional Activities

571-CMR-DS

This course focuses on public relations, stylization, publicity, advertising practices, and promotional strategies employed within the fashion design and merchandising industries. Students will learn principles and techniques used to create press kits, promote fashion events, coordinate photo shoots, and develop celebrity images, and guide consumer preferences and behavior. Students will also practice researching, writing, and editing fashion articles, press releases, advertisements, biographies, and business documents as a means of developing technical and creative proficiency.

INTERNSHIP

240 HOURS

This course introduces students to a n 8-week internship, including 16 contact hours, with an Academy faculty member following-up on student progress.