Retail Management

O.S.S.D. with six Grade 12 U/M courses including Grade 12 U courses in: English and Mathematics (one of Grade 12 U Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U)).

Notes:

1. ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English.
2. Grade 12 U Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) is the preferred Mathematics course.
3. The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 70 percent range or higher) will be determined subject to competition.
4. Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.
   
5. Beginning with applications for fall 2025, students will have the choice to apply for the regular four-year undergraduate program or a five year co-op option.

The Ted Rogers School of Retail Management will consider graduates of the following two-year and three-year Diploma programs for admission to the second year of Toronto Metropolitan University's Retail Management Program. Some reach back courses are required. A minimum cumulative average of 'B' is required. A demonstrated ability to succeed in the retail industry may be required.  Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages above the minimum.

• Fashion Business and Fashion Business Management programs at Seneca College;
  
• Fashion Management program at George Brown College;
  
• Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Marketing and Management programs at Fanshawe College;
  
• Fashion Arts and Fashion Arts and Business programs at Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

The Retail Management part-time, first-year entry and second-year direct entry programs admitted the final cohorts for the programs in fall 2017.  While no new students will be admitted into the programs, the program curriculum will continue to be available to all continuing program students.  Further information regarding the phase-out of the program may be obtained from the Retail Management program office.

The program is designed to develop effective leadership and analytic skills toward a strategic understanding of shopper insights and drivers of the value 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, category management, 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;
  
• digital retailing and marketing positions in retail companies or 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 and (shopping centre management) companies in marketing, leasing or analytics;
  
• entrepreneurship 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.

Courses listed in the first four semesters 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, Applied Retail Research and Service Quality Management.

In semesters 5 through 8, 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 and Luxury, Digital Advertising in Retailing, Corporate Responsibility, Omni-Channel, Store Design and Planning, Franchising, Category Management, and Social Media Marketing.

In fifth or 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.

Internships are an integral part of the B.Comm in Retail management – giving students an opportunity to put theory into practice by working with a retail manager to document and develop new skills and personal learning objectives. This work experience may cover one or more areas from a broad range of Retail Management opportunities including store management, visual merchandising, buying, shopping centre management, retail banking, e-commerce, digital marketing roles and more.

Before starting an internship, students are required to enrol in the RMG 79A/B Internship Placement and Prep Course during their sixth semester of the curriculum.

The internship work term is completed in the spring/summer following RMG 79A/B as the final graded component in that course.

Upon successful completion of a school-approved internship, students in their final year of the program will be enrolled in RMG 801 – Retail Career Strategies. This course will provide an opportunity to reflect and build on their work experience, explore leadership and management skills along with guidance for career planning.

The School also offers an optional co-op program which provides graduates with up to 16 months of work experience integrated into their academic program. Students wishing to be considered for this program must apply for admission into the co-op option upon completion of the first year of the degree.

Admission into the co-op program is based on the following:

1. Minimum CGPA of 2.80 (or higher), subject to competition
   
2. Evidence of superior oral and written communication skills.
   
3. An application that includes a letter & resume to be followed by an interview with the Faculty Advisor

 Beginning with applications for Fall 2025, students will have the choice to apply for the regular four-year undergraduate program or a five year co-op option.

Students commence work terms upon completion of second year of the program and the co-op program extends the Retail B.Comm program to five years from four. The School cannot guarantee work term jobs, but the Business Career Hub (BCH) and the School of Retail Management will prospect for employers and make every effort to locate suitable positions, as well as be available to advise students on their search for program-related jobs. The co-op program enables students to earn prevailing wages for the level of responsibility and contribution of the jobs they perform and thus finance at least part of their university education.

The part-time program is offered to accommodate those students who intend to take the degree at a slower pace than the full-time day program, due to the demands of daytime employment and/or family obligations.

This program enhances career opportunities for those working in the retail industry.

Certain courses within the part-time degree program will only be available in-class and/or during the day. While students may fulfill their course requirements primarily by distance (internet-based) or evening classes, the part-time degree is not 100% online. Students will complete courses by enrolling through The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education and through the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management day time offerings for select required courses.

Part-time students are entitled to access up to a maximum of three courses per semester, space permitting.

The School can make no guarantees that all courses required will be offered or available each semester for the part-time program. Therefore, enrolment is subject to availability. Students who feel that the part-time course accessibility no longer suits their personal and academic needs and have taken at least eight courses (including RMG 200 and ITM 102), may apply to transfer permanently into the full-time day program.

This part-time program requires the completion of all courses as outlined by the traditional eight-semester degree, but students will progress at a different pace. While part-time students have some flexibility in course selection and sequence, all introductory level courses should be completed before progressing to intermediate/advanced topics.

Course Identification

Part-time courses are administered by either the program department or The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. The mode of delivery is not reflected in this calendar. Continuing education courses are listed in your enrolment information package and are identified by with a "C" prefix (e.g., CRMG 200). These identifiers are for internal use only and do not affect the equivalency.

Students must take three lower level liberal studies courses and three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. Students must not choose courses that are restricted for their program or major.

Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .

Table A - Lower Level Restrictions

Table B - Upper Level Restrictions

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Toronto Met (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window)  for complete details.

Revised curriculum begins 2024-2025 for students admitted Fall 2022 and after.

Revised curriculum begins 2024-2025 for students admitted Fall 2021 and after.

Last offered 2024-2025 to students admitted Fall 2020

Revised curriculum begins 2025-2026 for students admitted Fall 2021 and after.

The sequencing of academic and work terms is shown below:

Co-operative Program students do not take RMG 79A/B.

Work terms are graded on a pass/fail basis. Each work term is assessed by the Co-op Faculty Advisor on the basis of the student's comprehensive written report and the employer's evaluation of the student's performance on the job.

Students are expected to follow the sequence prescribed for their program. Graduation with the co-op designation requires successful completion of a minimum of 3 work terms.

Second-Year Entry students will normally be admitted into 3rd Semester of this program. Some reach back courses are required. Students should refer to their Offer of Admission for details.

Revised curriculum begins 2024-2025 for students admitted to 3rd Semester in Fall 2023 and after.

Revised curriculum begins 2024-2025 for students admitted to 3rd Semester in Fall 2022 and after.

A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).

Fawad Baig
Retail Client Services and Delivery Leader
Deloitte Digital Canada

Gino Dorico
Regional VP, Eastern Canada
Costco Wholesale Canada

David Fisch
Independent

Michael Forgione
President
United Grocers Inc

Myles Gooding, Chair
Partner, Retail Sector Lead
PwC

Andrew Gomes
Online Search and Merchandise Manager
Acklands Grainger Inc.

Carolyn Hynds
VP Omni - Channel
Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd.

Pouneh Hanafi
VP Omni - Channel
Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd.

Sharon Lansing
VP Bakery, Produce and Floral
Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Michelle Letther
VP Human Resources
Roots Canada Ltd.

Cheri Mara
VP, Business Development and Customer Strategy
Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)

Robert Sopov
VP, Sales and Customer Development
Johnson and Johnson Inc. Canada

John Vasiliou
Senior Director - Operations
The Shopping Channel

Doug Young
VP, Merchandising - Living Division
Canadian Tire Retail

Honorary Members List

Michael Belcourt

Deane Collinson

Andrea Elliott

Satish Kahwar

Ian Landy

Marnie Lipman

Steve Matyas

Richard Montgomery

Dave Rodgerson

Dave Williams