Fashion Merchandising

3 semester credits. This course addresses the procedures involved in managing a fashion retail enterprise and the decision-making inherent in successful merchandising for smaller-scale stores. Knowledge will be acquired through lab practice gained by running a real enterprise in which students and professionals exchange their knowledge and propose successful solutions to be applied. Coursework includes site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence such as Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers.

6 semester credits. This course addresses the procedures involved in managing a fashion retail enterprise and the decision-making inherent in successful merchandising for smaller-scale stores. Knowledge will be acquired through lab practice gained by running a real enterprise in which students and professionals exchange their knowledge and propose successful solutions to be applied. Coursework includes site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence such as Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.

3 semester credits. This course addresses the new professional shopper profile by examining both the customer-oriented features of the industry as well as the general business principles of the fashion industry. Topics analyze the profession of the personal shopper, understanding the nature of services provided, as well as the strategies advised to clients from wardrobe analysis and purchasing. During the course, students will discuss fashion both in relationship to fashion history and international trends as well as communication and protocol for special occasions such as events. The final part of the class will include career guidance and marketing and promotion principles to build a customer base.

6 semester credits. This course addresses the new professional shopper profile by examining both the customer-oriented features of the industry as well as the general business principles of the fashion industry. Topics analyze the profession of the personal shopper, understanding the nature of services provided, as well as the strategies advised to clients from wardrobe analysis and purchasing. During the course, students will discuss fashion both in relationship to fashion history and international trends as well as communication and protocol for special occasions such as events. The final part of the class will include career guidance and marketing and promotion principles to build a customer base. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all- encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.

3 credits. Through this course, students explore and apply various forecast research methods in preparation for developing, planning, purchasing, or merchandising apparel lines and collections. Using the case studies, market and trend research is evaluated to identify opportunities for growth and profitability in a fashion business. By applying consumer, aesthetic and quantitative information, students develop value-added apparel/textile strategies for products and product lines with merchandising campaigns for diverse targets. The outcome of the course will focus on understanding the relationship of forecasting and product line development. Students will be exposed to analytical techniques to acquire quantitative elements through marketing theories that explain fashion dynamics that occur in apparel and retail.

3 semester credits. The course provides a comprehensive look at the merchandising environment including the functions and objectives of the merchandising team and the principles and techniques of today’s buyers, planners, product developers, and account executives. Students will gain an understanding on procedures of how to plan, select, price, and sell fashion goods. Product development, sourcing, and production are an integral part of the course. The course will also address the analysis of wholesale and apparel management practices of the fashion marketing industry with a specific focus on planning, developing, and presenting product lines for identified target markets. The course will also address the analysis of the issues with a specific focus on the Italian industry through locally based case studies.

3 semester credits. This course offers an in-depth and industry-oriented overview of international merchandising and retail strategies. Students will learn about the strategic role of the fashion merchandiser as part of the fashion value chain and gain knowledge of retail and merchandising operations as well as planning, budgeting, and forecasting required by the retail sector. Also addressed are fashion supply chain management topics that will contribute to a solid understanding of their impact on retail and merchandising processes and strategies to consolidate and increase competitive advantage. Prerequisites: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree is required for this course.

3 semester credits. This course examines the creative yield of visual merchandising and its importance to the retail and fashion industries. Students develop skills in the evaluation and implementation of visual merchandising concepts. Retail space management is a crucial topic of the course including the external of the store and the collaboration with architects and retail managers. Key elements are also principles and elements of design, lighting, props, mannequins and window display. Integration with the fashion, art, and overall environment of Florence is an integral part of the course. Students will be engaged in site and museum visits. Related terminology will complete the course.