Merchandising

Why Study Merchandising?

An interest in buying, selling or promoting products defines the merchandising major. Merchandising provides students with skills necessary to plan, develop, and present product lines for exciting careers within the retail industry.

Study tour of New York City


Program Overview:

The merchandising program at East Tennessee State University provides students with product knowledge and merchandising skills necessary for diverse career opportunities within the apparel, textiles, and retailing industries. The study of merchandising emphasizes both creativity and development of merchandising expertise enabling the graduate to function successfully in the dynamic and fast-paced retail industry.

Emphasis is placed on personal and professional growth and development, written and oral communication skills, decision-making, and problem-solving. Numerous opportunities are offered to set goals and effectively work with others to develop leadership skills and flexibility.

Favorable employment opportunities in merchandising are found locally, nationally, and internationally. The successful merchandiser can find many fulfilling and lucrative career opportunities with potential for rapid advancement. Upon completion of the program, the student receives a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in marketing and a concentration in merchandising.


Merchandising Course Schedule:

Click here to review the merchandising course sequencing.

Click here to review the merchandising course checklist.



Educational Opportunities:
  • Field trips
  • Seminars with merchandising professionals
  • Merchandising Internships
  • Laboratory experiences
  • Attendance at major market centers
  • Study tour of New York City


Career Opportunities:
  • Apparel/textile product developer
  • Buyer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Fashion advertising/promotion executive
  • Fashion editor/reporter
  • Manufacturer's representative
  • Personal shopper/wardrobe consultant
  • Photographic or wardrobe stylist
  • Public relations director for apparel/textile firms
  • Retail manager
  • Special events coordinator
  • Trend analyst/forecaster
  • Visual merchandiser

Faculty Contacts:

Anna Duggins Roberts, Ph.D., CFCS
Professor
423-439-4574
aroberts@etsu.edu

Kelly Green Atkins, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor
423-439-5384
atkins@etsu.edu



Helpful Links:

www.acraretail.org American Collegiate Retailing Association
www.americasmart.com Americas Mart - Atlanta
www.dallasmarketcenter.com Dallas Market Center
www.icsc.org International Council of Shopping Centers
www.itaaonline.org International Textile and Apparel Association
www.nrf.com National Retail Federation
www.prsm.com The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association