The knowledge of retail management and marketing principles, accounting, economics, consumer interests, and communications skills gained from a major in Retailing and Consumer Science provides a strong career foundation. Graduates may seek employment in management, sales, purchasing, planning, or merchandising for small or large retail businesses or for companies that support retailers, such as marketing firms and training services. This major also prepares graduates for continued studies in consumer science, business, or marketing.
Potential Career Areas:
- Management
- Marketing
- Sales
- Purchasing
- Merchandising
- Communications
- Business ownership
- Human resources
- Planning
- Product development
Sample Employers:
- Retail stores
- Online vendors
- Corporations
- Supermarkets
- Music industry
- Self-employment
- Event planning companies
- Marketing firms
- Manufacturers
- Print catalog vendors
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Purchasing
Agent |
$35,000 - $56,600
|
|
Retail Store Manager
|
$49,500 - $63,000
|
|
Merchandise Displayer
|
$29,000 - $35,000
|
|
Promotions Manager
|
$41,500 - $83,900
|
|
Customer Service Representative
|
$19,600 - $30,500
|
|
Merchandise Manager
|
$75,000 - $80,000
|
|
Retail Business Owner
|
$15,000 - $40,101
|
|
Special Events Director, Retail Store
|
$25,000 - $50,000
|
|
Assistant Fashion Buyer
|
$30,000 - $50,000
|
|
Retail Trainer
|
$25,000 - $60,000
|
|
Supermarket Manager
|
$42,000 - $54,500
|
|
Consumer Researcher
|
$24,000 - $47,000
|
|
Human Resources Specialist
|
$29,100 - $52,700
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).