Retail and Consumer Studies
About the Major
The Retail and Consumer Studies major prepares you for a wide variety of retail careers in both store locations and corporate settings. The curriculum includes coursework in design, business, communications as well as retail focused courses in consumer behavior, buying and visual merchandising.
Career Outcomes
Where do students work after graduation?
Where do students work after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Account Coordinator | The Stable |
| Account Manager | The Moscoe Group |
| Allocation Analyst | Kohl's |
| Associate Buyer | Target |
| Brand Specialist | Kennedy Blue |
| Co Producer | Fashion Week MN |
| Consumer Insights Analyst | Portu Sunberg |
| Creative Design Intern | Avenue C |
| Demand Forecast Analyst | Best Buy |
| Digital Marketing Consultant | Pops |
| E-Commerce Digital Coordinator | Sisley-Paris |
| Fashion Stylist | Stitch Fix |
| Home Furnishings Consultant | Steinhafels |
| Inventory Analyst | Target |
| Junior Stylist | Wantable |
| Key Account Operator | Kuehne + Nagel |
| Merchandise Coordinator | JL Buchanan |
| Merchandise Specialist | Buestem Brands |
| Merchant Analyst | Best Buy |
| Personal Shopper | Wedding Shoppe |
| Product Development Coordinator | Kohl's |
| Product Lead and Key Leader | Lululemon |
| Project Coordinator | Target |
| Sales Coordinator | JL Buchanan |
| Senior Stylist | Bella Bridesmaid |
| Showroom Specialist | Intersource |
| Space and Presentation Business Partner | Target |
| Stylist | Stitch Fix |
| Visual Merchandiser | H&M |
Where do students continue education after graduation?
Where do students continue education after graduation?
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Design and Merchandising | Colorado State University |
| Divinity | Bethel Seminary |
| French | Coucou Minneapolis |
Where students interned and gained experience during school
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Account Manager | The Creative Partners Group |
| Assistant Buyer | Kohl's |
| Assistant Manager | Nordstrom |
| Assistant Merchandising Manager | Bazara Trading Sdn Bhd |
| Assoicate Buyer | ShopHQ |
| Assoicate Merchant | Coolibar |
| Associate Product Manager | Kohl's |
| Business Partner - Space & Presentation | Target |
| Collectors & Chanel RTW Manager | Nordstrom |
| Demand Planner | Conagra Brands |
| Digital Strategist | Medtronic |
| District Manager | Grupo Axo |
| Executive Team Lead | Target |
| Marketing Specialist | Christopher Banks |
| Merchandiser | REI |
| Operations Consultant | Sephora |
| Operations Specialist | Adesso |
| Overseas Correspondent Retail Researcher | Nobland International |
| Product Coordinator | ShopHQ |
| Regional Strategist | Foodsby |
| Retail Account Manager | The Bluebird Group |
| Retail Sales 7 Event Manager | 3.1 Phillip Lim |
| Senior Buyer | Cascade Designs |
| Senior Product Development Manager | Made For Retail |
| Sr. Merchandise Specialist | Target |
| Visual Communication Associate | Target |
| Visual Merchandising Project Manager | Target |
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Account Manager | JMC Retail Group |
| Account Manager | JL Buchanan |
| Assistant General Manager | OnStage |
| Assistant Merchandise Manager | Kohl's |
| Buyer | Academy Sports & Outdoors |
| Buyer | Christopher & Banks |
| Buyer | Ross |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | Taylor Corporation |
| Management Analyst | MN Department of Education |
| Marketing Manager | Harley-Davidson Motor Company |
| Merchandise Manager | Hanna Anderson |
| National Account Manager | Logitech |
| Owner | Socially Unique |
| Project Manager | The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc |
| Senior Account Manager | Haugaard Creative |
| Senior Network Management Specialist | Premier Eye Care |
| Senior Omni-Channel Marketing Coordinator | Kohl's |
| Senior Product Develpment Coordinator | Target |
| Sr. Product Manager | Amazon |
| Sr. Sourcing & Account Manager | Core Home |
| Supplier Business Manager | Quality Bicycle Prodcuts |
Full outcomes report including salary, locations, satisfaction, and more
Common Entry-Level Job Titles
- Accounts Associate
- Assistant Buyer
- E-commerce Merchandiser
- Marketing Specialist
- Merchandising Analyst
- Product Development Coordinator
- Sales Representative
- Social Media Coordinator
- Store Manager
- Visual Merchandiser
Top Employers
- Anthropologie
- Best Buy
- Burlington Stores
- Evine
- JL Buchanan
- Kohl's
- Nordstrom
- Stitch Fix
- Target
- The Moscoe Group
Types of Employers
- Apparel/textile manufacturers
- Creative agencies
- E-commerce retailers
- Fashion labels
- Market research companies
- Retail corporations/stores
- Retail property management firms
- Vendor management companies
Meet Your Career Consultant
Paul (he/him) can assist you with
- Major and career exploration
- Internship planning
- Job searching
- Interview prep and practice
- Grad school planning and more...
Additional Resources
In addition to these resources we recommend the following strategies to locate more information about careers related to your major:
- O*NET and Careerwise. These tools provide comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills and interests.
- Locate professional associations related to your major or career interests by conducting a Google Search on “(Name of major/career area/industry) professional associations.” Try these keywords: retail, merchandising, display, small business, buyer, visual
- Get involved in one of the many industry-related student groups on campus. These groups provide links to experiences, guest speakers, and discussion with like-minded students.
- Study Abroad Information for Retail and Consumer Studies