Merchandising & Retail Management

Getting a product from the producer to the consumer falls into the realm of Merchandising and Retail Management. This involves planning and supervising the purchase and marketing of merchandise in a broad area, such as women’s apparel or appliances. In department store chains, which house multiple stores, many of the buying and merchandising functions are centralized in one location. Merchandising managers need to anticipate consumer preferences and then help in the planning and implementation of sales promotion programs. They evaluate their suppliers based on prices, quality, service support, availability, reliability, and selection.

Retailing is a very progressive field. The opening of major retail stores and the expansion of existing stores has increased the need for trained personnel. Advancement can be relatively fast and individual performance is measured, so an aggressive graduate should find promotion opportunities easily. Use of the internet has allowed both large and small companies to conduct more business electronically, thereby increasing the productivity and profitability of merchandisers. Projected employment varies by occupational specialty.

Ellsworth Community College is part of the Iowa Valley Community College District. The beautiful campus is tucked into the charming riverside city of Iowa Falls, Iowa. Our students and staff get the best of both worlds – a safe, small-town environment that’s close to the entertainment, recreation, and career opportunities of bigger cities.

ECC’s affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities keep your costs lower than you’ll find at private colleges and state universities. And with only about 1,000 students, you’ll develop close relationships with professors, staff, and other students.

There is a lot to do on campus. Attend lively athletic events, join intramural dodgeball or ping pong tournaments, get involved in Student Senate, and much more. It’s a great place to meet new people and form lasting friendships.