Merchandising
Merchandising
Merchandising degree at UNT is one of the top merchandising programs in the nation. The program prepares students to critically analyze merchandising strategies related to the planning, development, distribution, and merchandising of fashion-oriented products in consumer-driven markets.
Graduates of the program pursue careers such as:
- Buyer for a retail brand
- Product Developer
- Store Analyst
- Visual Merchandiser
- Store management
- Merchandise Planner
- Brand Manager
- Product Manager
- Showroom Management
Merchandising majors take courses in merchandising, product development, textiles, consumer behavior, buying, global sourcing, trend analysis, brand development, and promotion. In addition, students complete a minor in general business or marketing and logistics.
Click here for Merchandising degree requirements
Comprehensive overview of apparel product development, including researching and interpreting fashion direction, analyzing comparable market offerings, and developing color, style and fabric trends. Customer conversion, revenue optimization, global collaboration, and selling innovation are explored.
Survey of the apparel industry including development, merchandising and distribution. Introduction to apparel terminology, resources, industry participants and career opportunities.
Fibers, fabric, construction and finishes applied to selection, use and care of apparel fabrics.
Cross-cultural comparisons using systems, human needs, and consumer behavior frameworks are integrated with critical, empirical and creative thinking processes to develop a global perspective that is sensitive to diverse consumers’ needs and preferences for products and services in a global market. This class helps students gather the tools necessary for full engagement in the undergraduate experience by having them examine their own value systems and compare and contrast them with other cultures’ in a consumption context. Requires students to think critically, articulate views, cultivate self-awareness, balance and an openness to change, and engage with others in thoughtful and well-crafted communication.
Analysis of the apparel production process, including quality issues relative to development and production of ready-to-wear apparel. Concepts include apparel components, sizing, costing and production planning.
Survey of costume from the 16th century to the present. Emphasis on technological, cultural and social influences on historic and contemporary styles.
Theoretical frameworks are examined and used to interpret the meanings of dress in cultural patterns, social organizations, social interactions and personal identities. Current fashion trends are analyzed and interpreted through the study of popular culture and everyday life.
Introduction to buying, merchandising planning and control, and pricing.
Evaluate aesthetic, durability, comfort, care, and safety problems associated with consumer textile products. Use AATCC and ASTM standards and procedures, basic research methods, technical and consumer literature, and computer applications to prepare a comprehensive textile product evaluation report.
Exploration of motivations influencing consumer purchase and use of apparel and home furnishing products. A comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge base is used to investigate various individual and environmental factors as they relate to the consumer purchase process and its outcomes.
Experience fashion and home furnishings industries through visits to manufacturing facilities, retail establishments, museums, historical structures, and industry support organizations in New York. Pre-trip and post-trip classes required. Students may get program credit for up to two study tour classes.
Experience merchandising industries through visits to manufacturing facilities, retail establishments, museums, historical structures, and industry support organizations in and around Dallas. Students may get program credit for up to two study tour classes.
Experience fashion and home furnishings industries through visits to manufacturing facilities, retail establishments, museums, historical structures, and industry support organizations in Hong Kong and China. Pre-trip and post-trip classes required. Students may get program credit for up to two study tour classes.
Overview of textile and apparel industries with emphasis on international issues and factors affecting processes from the production through distribution of textiles and apparel.
Parallel experiences are provided for resident (e-passport) and study abroad students (passport) who participate in SMHM’s study abroad experiences. Collaborative cultural immersion is experienced through authentic experiences, online and personal interactions, and appropriate assignments.
Exploration of the merchandisers’ role in establishing new ventures with fashion and home furnishings products. Includes non-traditional merchandising formats.
In-depth study of planning, buying and distributing merchandise to retail stores.
Comprehensive application of sustainability practices for product development and retail design in apparel and home furnishings enterprises.
Capstone course requiring students to apply merchandising theory, principles and practices to solve industry case studies. Emphasis on problem solving, case analysis, creative thinking, fact finding, data analysis and data interpretation.
Experience fashion and home furnishings industries through visits to manufacturing facilities, retail establishments, museums, historical structures, and industry support organizations in Europe, primarily in Paris and London. Pre-trip and post-trip class meetings required. MDR students may get program credit for up to two study tour classes.
