Retailing Courses - Fall 2008

This is an introductory course.  As such, it is designed to provide students with an overview of the field of marketing.  Among other things we will explore the meaning of marketing, the environmental influences that impact marketing managers, strategic marketing fundamentals, consumer behavior, and market segmentation.  As well, you will develop an understanding and appreciation of the increasingly significant role marketing plays in our global economy.

The objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to Retail Buying/Merchandising.  The course focuses on the scope of responsibilities a retail buyer must master in order to achieve maximum sales and profit results for a retail company.  At the end of the semester the student should have a clear understanding of the aspects of retail buying including basic retail mathematics; assortment planning; the selection of merchandise processes; supplier negotiations; and the buyer’s role in sales promotion, visual merchandising, and product development.

The course will progress similarly to how a merchandising trainee, hired by a retail company, would advance from trainee, to assistant buyer, and finally, to buyer at the conclusion of the semester. Executives from the retail industry will serve as guest lecturers, affording the opportunity for students to develop industry contacts.

This is a course about retail strategy in a volatile and intensely competitive marketplace.  The course focuses on key concepts in strategic retailing.  Retailing of services is covered in addition to retailing of goods.  Students should complete this course with a “big picture” view of retailing and an understanding of significant factors in retailing success.

Individual and group behavior of consumers or industrial buyers. Application of behavioral science principles to buying situations.

Innovation, planning, and development of new products and revitalization of existing products; product design, packaging and marketing testing.

Other Retailing Courses
Please check the current Texas A&M Univesity course catalog for additional information.