Business Professional Programs

As the service sector continues to grow, so do the career opportunities in retailing. By developing knowledge and skills in visual promotion, retailing concepts, merchandising techniques, selling skills, and small business strategies, students will have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd in the retailing arena.

The credential is designed to “step” to the Associate in Business, which means students can earn the certificate, obtain a job in the field, and then continue working toward the degree to increase their skills and their promotability.

The Certificate in Retail Management is designed to prepare students for entry–level positions:

• Junior Sales Manager
• Retail Salesperson
• Displayer

Pierce College offers the Certificate in Retail Management at the Ft. Steilacoom campus.

- View the program/curriculum sheet -

Retail Management Outcomes

Students who receive the Certificate in Retail Management will be prepared to:

• Explain the role of retailers in channeling products from producers to consumers and the ways in which retailers are structured to perform their role in the channeling process.
• Describe the various retail employee functions and analyze the empowerment associated with each function.
• Perform and interpret retail sales computations including sales projections, mark- ups, markdowns, cost of goods sold, retail tax, sales gains, and sale loses.
• Explain how productivity measures are utilized to evaluate merchandising objectives. Productivity measures include turnover, stock-to-sales ratios, sales per square foot, and space management.
• Describe how the planning and management of inventory impacts profitability.
• Utilize appropriate information to prepare a purchase and open-to-buy plan.
• Analyze the interrelationship of the retail environment, location, and profitability.
• Recognize basic safety issues related to retailing including Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
• Recognize basic legal issues related to retailing including warranties, pricing, and advertising.
• Demonstrate personal responsibility and accountability by attending class, actively participating, and meeting time commitments.