The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management prepares students for professional careers in the retail sector and its related industries. An expanding global industry, the retail career opportunities are increasingly diverse. As well, the program will prepare those students interested in postgraduate studies in this, or related areas. The program is designed to develop effective leadership and analytic skills toward a strategic understanding of consumer insight and drivers of the demand chain.
Graduates of the Retail Management program may pursue a variety of career options within the industry:
- buying and supply chain management positions in a retailer's or manufacturer's head office including: trend identification, assortment planning, selection and procurement, supply chain management and logistics functions;
- store operations management positions in single-unit or multi-unit organizations which specialize in products or services;
- marketing positions in retail companies and related industries of advertising and communications;
- planning and analysis positions for retailers in areas such as: rapidly changing consumer needs, the global retail environment and the impact of technology on changing retail formats;
- retail real estate companies in marketing, leasing or analytics;
- new venture start-up and management.
The program provides students with an integrated perspective of the many facets of a retail organization as well as insight into the broader context of retailing in society. Students will develop practical and comprehensive knowledge of customer service strategies, 'people' skills, information systems, merchandising and financial acumen as essential elements in the Retail Industry.
The four-year program is divided into two parts. First and second year provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge of a Bachelor of Commerce degree and introductory courses with an emphasis on retail management. Some of the topics include: Consumer Insight, Logistics and Supply Chain, Buying, Merchandising and Service Quality Management.
In third and fourth years, students have the opportunity to delve into more advanced (and strategic) theories, concepts and practices. Retailing in the context of the entire value chain is explored with concepts related to service strategy taking on a broader dimension. A package of elective courses provides students with flexibility in building a program of study that meets individual needs including topics such as Advanced Buying, Visualizing Data for Decisions, Private Label, Sector Studies in Fashion, Corporate Responsibility, Multi-Channel, Store Design and Planning, Franchising, and Social Media Marketing.
Exchange and Travel Study
In sixth semester, students have the opportunity, subject to availability of spaces and academic performance, to study for a semester abroad. Travel/Study trips to Europe, Asia, and/or North America may be available to students in conjunction with specific courses. In a given year, students may also choose to participate in an extra-curricular Travel Study in major retail centres such as Montreal, New York or Chicago.
Internship Placement
Upon completion of RMG 799 Retail Internship Practicum, a school-approved work placement, students in their final year of the program will be enrolled in RMG 801 "Retail Career Strategies". This course will provide an opportunity to explore leadership and management skills along with guidance for career planning, while building from accumulated work experience and personal reflection.
Mandatory work placements are typically completed in the summer following sixth semester and documented through the School's Internship Program. This work experience may cover one or more areas from a broad range of Retail Management opportunities including store management, visual merchandising, marketing roles and more.
RMG 799 is not required for co-operative program students.
