Course Overview:
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the merchandising aspects within the apparel industry. Students will explore the intricacies of product development, sourcing, pricing, and strategic planning crucial for successful merchandising operations.
Course Duration
12 Weeks / 3 Months
Week 1: Introduction to Apparel Merchandising
• Understanding the role of an apparel merchandiser
• Overview of the apparel supply chain
• Merchandising as a strategic function in the industry
• Overview of the apparel supply chain
• Merchandising as a strategic function in the industry
Week 2-3: Product Development and Design Process
• Introduction to apparel product development
• Translating design concepts into marketable products
• Collaborating with designers and understanding their needs
• Translating design concepts into marketable products
• Collaborating with designers and understanding their needs
Week 4-5: Sourcing and Supply Chain Management
• Global sourcing practices and supplier relationships
• Supply chain management in apparel merchandising
• Ethical and sustainable sourcing considerations
• Supply chain management in apparel merchandising
• Ethical and sustainable sourcing considerations
Week 6-7: Costing and Pricing Strategies
• Costing methods for apparel products
• Pricing strategies and margin calculations
• Understanding market demands and price elasticity
• Pricing strategies and margin calculations
• Understanding market demands and price elasticity
Week 8-9: Inventory Management and Forecasting
• Inventory control and management techniques
• Forecasting demand and supply in apparel merchandising
• Techniques to minimize excess inventory and stockouts
• Forecasting demand and supply in apparel merchandising
• Techniques to minimize excess inventory and stockouts
Week 10: Quality Assurance and Compliance
• Quality control processes in apparel merchandising
• Compliance standards and regulations
• Ensuring product quality and safety
• Compliance standards and regulations
• Ensuring product quality and safety
Week 11-12: Retail Merchandising and Promotions
• Retail merchandising strategies and displays
• Promotional tactics in apparel retailing
• Sales forecasting and optimizing promotional campaigns
• Promotional tactics in apparel retailing
• Sales forecasting and optimizing promotional campaigns
Assessments and Activities
• Case studies on successful merchandising strategies
• Apparel product development and costing projects
• Inventory management simulations and exercises
• Assessments on quality control and compliance measures
• Apparel product development and costing projects
• Inventory management simulations and exercises
• Assessments on quality control and compliance measures
Final Project
Students will develop a comprehensive merchandising plan for a specific apparel product line, integrating various strategies learned throughout the course.