Course Description: The course introduces you to the elements of merchandising in the fashion industry. It encompasses the major segments of fashion merchandising: textile mills; designers and manufacturers as well as other producers; auxiliary fashion industries; and retailers. The role of and the dynamics of fashion retailing in the age of the internet is also emphasized. Students will develop an understanding of how the business of fashion has evolved into the fast-paced multimedia global entity that we witness today. Consequently, whenever possible, you will be expected to adopt visual merchandising technologies and multimedia techniques for your activities in this course. Aspects of 21st century marketing are integral to an understanding of this subject.

Professor: Denise H. Sutton, PhD

Syllabus:

Research Paper:

Identify a topic or an issue in the fashion industry that interests you. Explain how this topic manifests in the fashion industry. You must use concrete examples and must use material from the textbook and/or other sources to support your argument/thesis. Describe the impact this topic/issue has on the fashion industry and on consumers, if any. Take a stand in your paper! Incorporate relevant library research databases for research.

Research Presentation:

You will have a four minute time limit to present your research, be sure to introduce yourself and your topic. What is your central point (thesis statement)? Why is this topic important? This should be the highlights of your research. Have a clear speaking voice, do not read directly from notes, and use PowerPoint visuals.