20 Highest Rated Fashion Merchandising Courses in the World

The fashion sector contributes significantly to the world economy and is predicted to expand at a 14.1% CAGR, culminating in a projected market volume of US$22 billion by 2024. Aside from being a powerful commercial sector, new and creative methods to the fashion business and management seek to address difficult global and local challenges. This is more true in the present world when most of the business is done online. Studying a fashion degree will help you learn about the tricks of the trade and master how the fashion business works collectively – understanding the industry dynamics, fashion design history, clothing textiles, sketching and designing outfits, fashion events, managing a fashion company, and so on. Fashion is an inexplicably lovely art form.

What is fashion merchandising?

Fashion merchandising is the development and promotion of sales by introducing a product to the appropriate market at the right time. It includes mastering the art of exhibiting and packaging items in order to increase their sales. This entails market research, strategy, and effective advertising. Fashion merchandising students study how to make, purchase, market, and sell fashion products ranging from apparel and jewelry to cosmetics and furnishings. 

What are the typical learning outcomes of a fashion merchandising course?

A merchandising course lays the groundwork for knowing how to discover, advertise, and promote apparel-related items. It also educates individuals in the fashion business on how to do market research on their target audiences. The emphasis is on retail activities, operations, and procedures. Most courses include different behavioral and operational skills that are generally necessary as part of a fashion merchandiser's day-to-day employment. This involves knowledge of when and how to buy, coordination of buyers' operations, price, difficulties associated with mark-downs, and inventory systems. As the fashion world is digitally transforming, understanding the aspects of ecommerce platforms for merchandising is becoming even more crucial. 

What are the career options after completion of a fashion merchandising course?

The various career options in the world of fashion include:

• Retail buyer: The responsibility includes creating purchasing strategies, negotiating with vendors, and placing orders for products. Also, traveling to fashion runways and trade fairs to locate and acquire the trendiest styles.

• Account manager: The account manager has to oversee important connections between manufacturers and retail shops, including introducing new lines to buyers and exchanging product and promotional information.

• Store Manager: The store manager hires and manages staff while keeping track of sales and profits.

• Visual merchandisers: They plan floor layouts, 3D product displays, and signage, frequently collaborating with specialists from the manufacturer and retail headquarters to optimize sales.

• Marketing specialists: They use a range of channels and strategic efforts to promote brands and products to your target audience. 

• Merchandise consultant: Assist fashion firms in meeting their objectives by creating strategic marketing and management strategies, trend and sales predictions, and financial plans.

20 Highest Rated Fashion Merchandising Courses in the World - 

Ranking	Name of Institution (Location)	Name of Fashion Merchandising Course
1	Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) - New York, USA	Fashion Merchandising Management AAS Degree Program
2	London College of Fashion - London, England	BA and MA Fashion Buying and Merchandising
3	Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Design and Merchandising Major
4	School of Arts, Design, and Architecture - Aalto University - Finland	Master’s program in Fashion, Clothing, and Textile design
5	Central Saint Martins - London	PG Cert Fashion: Buying and Merchandising
6	Parsons School of Design - New York	Fashion Management (Masters of Professional Studies)
7	Istituto Marangoni International - Milan, Italy	Fashion Buying & Merchandising
8	Bunka Fashion College - Tokyo, Japan	Industrial Merchandising Course
9	National Institute of Fashion Technology - Delhi, India	Master’s in Fashion Management
10	Savannah College of Art and Design - USA	Fashion Marketing and Management
11	School of Design at Royal College of Art - London, England	MA Fashion Programme
12	Fashion Design Institut - Germany	Fashion Management/Marketing
13	Marist College - Poughkeepsie	Fashion Merchandising Program
14	Ryerson University School of Fashion - Canada	Fashion Business Or Fashion Business Management
15	Polimoda - Italy	Master in Fashion Merchandising and Buying
16	University of Westminster - UK	Fashion Merchandise Management BA honors
17	ESMOD Paris	ESMOD Fashion Business
18	University for the Creative Arts (UCA Rochester) - UK	International Buying & Merchandising BA/BSE (Hons)
19	Miami International University of Art & Design	Fashion Merchandising degree programs
20	Stephens College - USA	Fashion Marketing + Management

Conclusion

Many colleges and universities offer certificates or degrees in fashion merchandising. Your decision between a diploma program and an associate or bachelor's degree may be influenced by how fast you wish to enter the labor field. While diplomas and associate's programs are shorter, a bachelor's degree is a valuable tool whether you're starting a career in fashion merchandising or any other sector. Make every effort to get your résumé at the top of the pile. There are several opportunities in this vast global fashion merchandising market that will help you grow and thrive in the fashion business world. Like the apparel manufacturing platform of Fashinza that connects manufacturers with suppliers while managing everything from design to delivery, reshaping the fashion industry’s future.