Fashion Merchandising

The Department of Fashion Merchandising offers courses in the areas of merchandising and retail in the fashion industry including space management, forecasting, purchasing, and client services.

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.

3 semester credits. This course is an introduction to marketing and merchandising concepts in the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on the apparel and accessory industry in Italy. Students learn terminologies specific to the field. Topics include the meaning of the ‘brand’ in today's consumer market, how to forecast trends, the product supply chain, the vertical business model and outsourcing, visual merchandising, advertising, different forms of in store and non-store retail, consumer behavior and profiles, and store location and design. On-site visits to fashion retailers in Florence are an integral part of this course with suggested field trips to local designers as well as to fashion museums such as the Gucci Museum. Other topics include: Product development cycle of the fashion industry: the initial forecast, consumer analysis, marketing plans, sourcing and presenting the product. The importance of retail marketing and ‘experience shopping’ - visual merchandising through analysis of store layout. The course will also cover market research and target customer identification, visual merchandising, direct marketing, internet and social media, and traditional advertising, and will focus on how to generate media attention through public relations (press relations, press kit releases, sponsorships, events, etc.).

3 semester credits. The world of global fashion is becoming increasingly complex as the market evolves. This course is designed to respond to the challenges presented by the competitive environment that the fashion industry is facing. Students will acquire knowledge on how to develop strategic fashion marketing plans in order to respond to continuous economic and environmental changes. In addition, students will learn how different business environments require equally different strategic and competitive behavior from the players involved. A number of fashion business case studies will be analyzed with a particular emphasis on the Italian market. Branding and brand management will be an integral part of the course, especially with regards to how brands acquire and sustain value in the marketplace. The course explores how successful marketers develop, manage, and protect brands. A focus on successful case histories, visits to fashion enterprises, as well as case analyses will complete the course and help students gain practical examples of how markets adapt and grow in this highly competitive industry. Prerequisites: Introduction to Fashion Marketing, Introduction to Marketing, or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This internship allows the student to interact with the local fashion economy. The fashion internship involves the student in retail management through store organization, business procedures and client relations. Interns will have the chance to be immersed in the fashion retail industry through duties that include but are not limited to sales, stocking, floor management, customer service, promotion, and research. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students’ knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills. Main tasks: Main tasks: Store merchandising, window display operations, props selection and organization, designer research, client relations, social media content production, customer care analysis, experiential marketing campaign, organization of promotional events, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code but may depend on hosting organization. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.

3 semester credits. This special project allows the student to interact with the local fashion economy through FLY Fashion Loves You, the retail store operated by the students and faculty members of FAST. FLY features creations of emerging designers, high-quality vintage and consignment clothing and accessories, as well as unique handcrafted pieces made by FAST students. The fashion retail management special project involves store organization, business procedures and client relations. Under the guidance of the CEMI management, students will have the chance to be immersed in the fashion retail industry through duties that include but are not limited to sales, stock, store management, customer service, promotion, and research. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. 
 This special project course features 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. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting.
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. Main tasks: Store merchandising, window display operations, props selection and organization, emerging designers research, client relations, FLY social media content production, customer care analysis, experiential marketing campaign, organization of promotional events, final portfolio.
Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Not applicable to remote option. 
Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.

3 semester credits. This course will prepare students to work, run, and manage a retail shop successfully and provides theoretical insights into customer expectations and service delivery. Throughout the course, standard elements of a retail shop will be analyzed and focus on retail management will be given. This class will strengthen decision-making skills regarding expense planning, suppliers, store layout, and promotional strategies. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, students will spend a portion of the course operating the school retail spaces (fashion retail store, restaurant, pastry shop) that are open to the local community. Here, theoretical knowledge, shop floor management skills, and ability to perform head office functions will all be developed in the context of retail. In order to offer a comprehensive view of retail management, experiential learning activities are scheduled in varying types of retailers, each of them characterized by different competitors, products sold, customers, and style of service required. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

6 semester credits. This course will prepare students to work, run, and manage a retail shop successfully and provides theoretical insights into customer expectations and service delivery. Throughout the course, standard elements of a retail shop will be analyzed and focus on retail management will be given. This class will strengthen decision-making skills regarding expense planning, suppliers, store layout, and promotional strategies. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, students will spend a portion of the course operating the school retail spaces (fashion retail store, restaurant, pastry shop) that are open to the local community. Here, theoretical knowledge, shop floor management skills, and ability to perform head office functions will all be developed in the context of retail. In order to offer a comprehensive view of retail management, experiential learning activities are scheduled in varying types of retailers, each of them characterized by different competitors, products sold, customers, and style of service required. 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.