Retail Management

The program is designed to develop effective leadership and analytic skills toward a strategic understanding of shopper insights and drivers of the value chain.

Graduates of the Retail Management program may pursue a variety of career options within the industry:

• buying and supply chain management positions in a retailer's or manufacturer's head office including: trend identification, assortment planning, category management, selection and procurement, supply chain management and logistics functions;
• store operations management positions in single-unit or multi-unit organizations which specialize in products or services;
• digital retailing and marketing positions in retail companies or related industries of advertising and communications;
• planning and analysis positions for retailers in areas such as: rapidly changing consumer needs, the global retail environment and the impact of technology on changing retail formats;
• retail real estate and (shopping centre management) companies in marketing, leasing or analytics;
• entrepreneurship new venture start-up and management.

The program provides students with an integrated perspective of the many facets of a retail organization as well as insight into the broader context of retailing in society. Students will develop practical and comprehensive knowledge of customer service strategies, 'people' skills, information systems, merchandising and financial acumen as essential elements in the Retail Industry.

Courses listed in the first four semesters provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge of a Bachelor of Commerce degree and introductory courses with an emphasis on retail management. Some of the topics include: Consumer Insight, Logistics and Supply Chain, Buying, Merchandising, Applied Retail Research and Service Quality Management.

In semesters 5 through 8, students have the opportunity to delve into more advanced (and strategic) theories, concepts and practices. Retailing in the context of the entire value chain is explored with concepts related to service strategy taking on a broader dimension. A package of elective courses provides students with flexibility in building a program of study that meets individual needs including topics such as Advanced Buying, Visualizing Data for Decisions, Private Label, Sector Studies in Fashion and Luxury, Digital Advertising in Retailing, Corporate Responsibility, Omni-Channel, Store Design and Planning, Franchising, Category Management, and Social Media Marketing.

Exchange and Travel Study

In fifth or sixth semester, students have the opportunity, subject to availability of spaces and academic performance, to study for a semester abroad. Travel/Study trips to Europe, Asia, and/or North America may be available to students in conjunction with specific courses. In a given year, students may also choose to participate in an extra-curricular Travel Study in major retail centres such as Montreal, New York or Chicago.

Internship Placement

Internships are an integral part of the B.Comm in Retail management – giving students an opportunity to put theory into practice by working with a retail manager to document and develop new skills and personal learning objectives. This work experience may cover one or more areas from a broad range of Retail Management opportunities including store management, visual merchandising, buying, shopping centre management, retail banking, e-commerce, digital marketing roles and more.

Before starting an internship, students are required to enrol in the RMG 799 Internship Placement and Prep Course during their sixth semester of the curriculum.

The internship work term is completed in the spring/summer following RMG 799 as the final graded component in that course.

Upon successful completion of a school-approved internship, students in their final year of the program will be enrolled in RMG 801 – Retail Career Strategies. This course will provide an opportunity to reflect and build on their work experience, explore leadership and management skills along with guidance for career planning.

Retail Management Co-Operative Program (Optional)
The School also offers an optional co-op program which provides graduates with up to 16 months of work experience integrated into their academic program. Students wishing to be considered for this program must apply for admission into the co-op option upon completion of the first year of the degree.

Admission into the co-op program is based on the following:

• Minimum CGPA of 2.80 (or higher), subject to competition
• Evidence of superior oral and written communication skills.
• An application that includes a letter & resume to be followed by an interview with the Faculty Advisor

 Beginning with applications for Fall 2025, students will have the choice to apply for the regular four-year undergraduate program or a five year co-op option.Students commence work terms upon completion of second year of the program and the co-op program extends the Retail B.Comm program to five years from four. The School cannot guarantee work term jobs, but the Business Career Hub (BCH) and the School of Retail Management will prospect for employers and make every effort to locate suitable positions, as well as be available to advise students on their search for program-related jobs. The co-op program enables students to earn prevailing wages for the level of responsibility and contribution of the jobs they perform and thus finance at least part of their university education.