The Associate of Science degree program in Retail Merchandise Management is designed to prepare students for careers in the retail merchandising field. The objective of the program is to provide students with a foundation in merchandising and retailing principles, combining theoretical elements with practical application that supports retail operations. The degree introduces students to direct sales operations and procedures including customer service, supervision, and team leadership; business math concepts used for purchasing and selling merchandise; the creation of visual plans using industry-standard software; and basic procedures used when selling throughout the supply chain as well as the procurement of merchandise. This combination of business, math, and visual design techniques, in addition to general education coursework offers students a balanced and well-rounded knowledge base that is essential to successfully functioning in entry-level positions in most retail industries.
Julie McEvoy started out as a staff writer at a local newspaper after earning her BA in Journalism, but she soon turned back to fashion and went on to pursue her MA in Design and Merchandising. After graduation, she worked as an assistant buyer for Crowley’s and a co-buyer for Kmart. For nine years, McEvoy served as the Fashion Program Chair at the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT - Detroit). She is currently pursuing her PhD in Technology with a concentration in Education, Media and Technology and a cognate in Textiles.
Angela Gomez has over 15 years of experience in luxury retail management. She’s worked for such companies as: Esprit, J.Crew and Diesel in the San Francisco market. With Diesel, she became a Store Manager in Tampa, Florida and eventually relocated to Miami where she worked as a District Manager. She relocated to Austin, TX in 2007 and worked with the brand, Calypso St. Barth as a District Manager. She has a MBA in Human Resources and a BA in Fashion Design and Management.
— Assistant Buyer
— Assistant Merchandise Manager
— Visual Merchandise Display Coordinator
— Assistant Store Manager
— Retail Merchandiser
