Course Descriptions

Retail is a dynamic and fast-paced industry. Introduction to Retail provides a thorough examination of the Canadian retail landscape, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the retail sector. By exploring the public-facing aspects of retail, students will develop an understanding of the retail channel and its relevance to operations, management, and career opportunities.

Retail is a dynamic and fast-paced environment where promotion, marketing and merchandise decisions support the sustainable competitive advantage of an organization. In this course, students will examine both in-store and online retail communications, promotions, and assortment planning. The focus will be on the various types of activities and processes that will affect a retailer’s competitiveness and profitability.

This course teaches students to develop strategies and skills to be successful retail buyers and merchants. Students will apply both quantitative and qualitative methods to devise buying plans for fashion and hard line categories. What to buy, when to buy, from whom to buy, and how much to buy for specific retail formats including digital and traditional bricks and mortar. Up to the minute retail developments will be discussed and applied to course learning outcomes.

In this course, students will study advanced and innovative Canadian retail business practices. They will identify issues that relate to the role played by innovation in adapting to retail disruption and rapidly changing consumer purchasing behaviors. Through a research project, students will demonstrate their knowledge of retail mix.