Course 1 Industry Foundation

• Industry to the Fashion Industry

• Introduction to Business

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Students learn industry structure, retail vs. independent business models, and how products move from concept to consumer.  Business fundamentals for product-based ventures are explored. Students are introduced to AI integration for:

• Industry Research

• Market Analysis

• Understanding Customer Segments

Execution Skills: 

Students explain how a product moves through the sewn products industry. 

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Course 2 Retail and Merchandising Operations

• Retail Management

• Merchandise Planning

• Visual Merchandising

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Students learn product positioning, inventory logic, sales psychology, visual communication, and customer flow. Students are introduced to AI integration for:

• Demand forecasting concepts

• Pricing and margin modeling

• Visual display planning logic

Execution Skills:

Students create a merchandising display and explain how it drives sales.

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Course 3 Product Flow and Operations

• Buying and Selling

• Distribution and Fulfillment

• Stockroom Management

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Students learn product sourcing, vendor logic, inventory systems, fulfillment workflow, and operational efficiency.  Students are introduced to AI integration for:

• Inventory planning models

• Sales-to-stock reasoning

• Order flow simulation

Execution Skills:

Students map the product journey from purchase to customer delivery. 

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Course 4 Marketing and Technology

• Industry Affiliates

• Website Development 

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Students learn brand positioning, online product presentation, digital merchandising, affiliate partnerships, and customer communication.  Students are introduced to AI integration for:

• Product description writing

• Market positioning

• Content planning

• Online store structure

Execution Skills:

Students prepare a product for online launch.

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Course 5 AFI Practicum

Final assignment provided by instructor

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Student must demonstrate the ability to plan merchandise, position product, present product, explain decisions, and execute independently.  AI may be sued as a professional tool; however, students must demonstrate independent thinking, reasoning, and execution.

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Program Delivery Note:

The online merchandising program curriculum has a modified delivery format designed to support effective online learning.

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