The apparel merchandising concentration is designed to prepare students for eventual ownership or management of an apparel company. The apparel industry is a major segment of the American economy. At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, students gain both realistic and theoretical skills to enter a career in the apparel industry including trend forecasting, product development, marketing, sal
es, store ownership or management, buying, planning, distribution, and sourcing. This program prepares students for careers in the growing areas of merchandising brand, and product management. Students learn practical and ethical ways to handle situations in a business environment. Emphasis in the curriculum is placed on preparing students for achieving customer satisfaction in their area of business while still maintaining a strong profit. In the merchandising major students will become knowledgeable in retail store operation and organization. In the apparel merchandising concentration, students are able to obtain internships in a fashion business environment to get firsthand experience of working with customers, business management and development. There are also opportunities in the curriculum to forecast trends as well as learn about various apparel businesses. Courses in apparel merchandising include instruction in the entire process of product development, which involves market positioning, planning, and budgeting, fashion forecasting and development, material and textile selection, gathering and analyzing data, production and sourcing, and garment presentation.