BA Fashion Merchandising
Fashion today is big business employing millions of people in design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, retailing, advertising, communications, publishing and consulting. Fashion merchandising refers to the planning required to have the right merchandise, at the right time, at the right place, at the right price and with the right sales promotion. The career opportunities in fashion merchandising are endless, and include such jobs as buyer, product developer, magazine market editor, fashion director, fashion forecaster, visual merchandiser, fashion stylist and store owner to name just a few.
Fashion Merchandising students enter the Department at the freshman level and begin taking fashion classes immediately. They begin with an overview of the fashion industry and develop skills in Photoshop and Illustrator. They continue their studies in many courses including Fashion Forecasting, Merchandise Planning and Control, Retail Buying Simulation, Fashion Promotions, Importing and Exporting, Line Development and Advanced Store Development. Their course work also includes Accounting, Marketing, and Business Law as well as general education requirements in math, science, English and art history.
The Fashion Merchandising curriculum emphasizes the practical application of both knowledge and skills emphasizing analytic abilities, creative problem solving, and a global perspective. Many courses are based on simulations that replicate real-world experience. Internships are encouraged but not required.
Over the years, VCU Fashion Merchandising graduates have achieved significant positions in the fashion industry. Here are just a few examples:
Market Editor/Assistant Market Editor:
Martha Stewart Bridal, Harper’s Bazaar, Lucky, Modern Bride
Product Development Specialist:
The Gap, Banana Republic, Marc Jacobs, Ann Taylor, Armani Exchange, Carters, American Eagle, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Madewell, The Limited, Victoria Secrets, Maidenform, Liz Claiborne, William Sonoma, Crate and Barrel
Fashion Director/Forecaster/Assistant Director:
Stylesight, Cotton Inc., Bloomingdales, Vibe, Rolling Stone
Entrepreneur:
Lindsay Colbus Designs, Rumors
DMM/Buyer/Assistant Buyer:
Nordstrom, Calbin Klein, Macy’s Barneys, Circuit City, S&K Menswear, Stage Stores, Marine Corps Exchange, Naval Exchange, Smithsonian Museum Stores, Ralph Lauren
Executive Management:
Todd Oldham, Macy’s, Nike, Perry Ellis
For information about the curriculum, see the VCU Bulletin here.