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

• Emerging Technologies and the Future of Consumer Products

• Website Development 

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Students learn brand positioning, online product presentation, digital merchandising, affiliate partnerships, emerging technologies, and customer communication. Students explore how innovation, digital fabrication, wearable technologies, and evolving consumer products are influencing the future marketplace. Students are introduced to AI integration for: 

• Product description writing

• Market positioning

• Content planning

• Online store structure

• Consumer trend analysis

Execution Skills:

Students prepare a product for online launch and evaluate how emerging technologies may influence future consumer demand.

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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:

A modified project-based delivery format designed to support distance learners while maintaining the core merchandising curriculum and execution-based learning objectives.

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