Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies

Bryan School of Business and Economics

210 Stone Building
336-334-5250
https://bryan.uncg.edu/departments/department-of-consumer-apparel-and-retail-studies

Nancy Hodges, Department Chair
Jin Su, Graduate Program Director

The Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Department offers two concentrations: Apparel Design and Retailing & Consumer Studies. These concentrations prepare students for positions with companies that focus on the process of concept to consumer for apparel and consumer-related products. Graduates may take positions in apparel design, apparel product development, fashion trend forecasting and analysis, quality control, sourcing, merchandising, buying, and retail management.

During the first two years of study, students will complete the majority of their general education requirements and begin introductory consumer, apparel, and retailing courses. In order to develop a strong knowledge base and build upon previously learned concepts, many of these courses are sequential and must be completed in the established order.

International exposure is built into the curriculum. Study of foreign languages is encouraged and international study experiences are possible. All majors take supporting courses in the Bryan School of Business and Economics. Students in the Retailing and Consumer Studies concentration can elect to fulfill a business minor with two additional Business electives.

The Apparel Design concentration is restricted to a limited number of students in the studio courses. All students wishing to enroll in the Apparel Design studio courses must submit an Apparel Design Application. Only students who have formal, written acceptance into the Apparel Design studio courses will be permitted to register in APD 251, APD 252, APD 341, and APD 443. Admission to the university does not guarantee acceptance into the Apparel Design studio courses. In all cases, admission is competitive and limited by space available in the program.

Internship experiences are required of all CARS students through a structured two-course sequence that includes a professional development class that prepares them both to find internships and to achieve successful internship experiences. The CARS Internship Program Coordinator structures and supervises internships to ensure quality experiences. Because of the proximity to North Carolina’s strong apparel and retailing industries, the majority of students have internships within the state; however, the long-standing relationships between CARS and the apparel, fashion, and retailing industries link students to opportunities for out-of-state internships in such exciting places as New York City, Atlanta, and the West Coast.

The Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies offers graduate programs leading to a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Course work and research focus on primary concepts in the study of consumer, apparel, and retailing, integrating perspectives from the social sciences, business, economics, and humanities.

Graduate courses focus on consumer, apparel, and retail issues with emphasis on consumer behavior and marketing. Students are encouraged to select supporting course work in related disciplines such as business, economics, sociology, psychology, anthropology, statistics, and information science.

Professor

Elena Egorovna Karpova, Professor and Putnam and Hayes Distinguished Professor^G

Nancy Nelson Hodges, Burlington Industry Professor and Professor^G

Associate Professor

Melanie R. Carrico^G

Jin Su^G

Tu Watchravesringkan^G

Assistant Professor

Haeun Bang^G

Lecturer

Trish W Kemerly

Anne Mitchell Wood

G: Graduate-level faculty

Business Undergraduate Minor

The Bryan School of Business and Economics offers the Business Undergraduate Minor.

Apparel Product Design (APD)

APD 200 Foundations in Apparel Product Design 3

Introduction to ready-to-wear production techniques for apparel design.

Prerequisites: CARS major.

APD 244 Visual Communication for the Fashion Industry 3

Survey of industry methods for communicating design concepts and presenting finished products. Emphasis on use of media and development of techniques for rendering fabrics and designs.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in CRS 242.

APD 251 Studio I: Garment Construction 3

An examination and evaluation of ready-to-wear apparel including terminologies, production techniques and price/quality relationships.

Prerequisites: Written permission from the CARS department head.

APD 252 Studio II: Patternmaking and Draping 3

Introduction to basic flat pattern, draping, and fitting principles. Theories and methods in designing apparel for various target markets.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in APD 200, APD 251, CRS 211, CRS 242, and one of the following: MAT 115, MAT 118, MAT 120, MAT 150, MAT 151, MAT 190, MAT 191, MAT 292.

APD 310 Portfolio Development for Apparel Design 3

Development of a professional design portfolio that will emphasize investigation of specific apparel markets, target customers, seasons and fabrications, and various illustrative techniques.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in APD 244 and APD 252.

APD 341 Studio III: Advanced Patternmaking and Draping 3

Development of apparel designs by flat pattern and draping techniques and original design process.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in APD 252.

APD 441 Computer Applications for Textile Products 3

Utilization of general graphics programs and CAD systems used extensively in the fashion industry to create digital presentation boards, fashion graphics, woven and print textile designs, and technical specification packages.

Prerequisites: ISM 110, grade of C (2.0) or better in APD 244 .

APD 443 Studio IV: Creative and Technical Design 3

Principles and methods of product design with an emphasis on creative and experimental approaches. Development of visual vocabulary and knowledge of trend prediction to generate design ideas. Use of diverse materials and structures for three-dimensional design.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in APD 244 and APD 341.

APD 452 Textile Products Production Management 3

Overview of management issues in textile product production including raw material selection and evaluation, computer integration, equipment selection, planning production, costing, and quality control. Several manufacturing systems are analyzed.

Prerequisites: Grade of C (2.0) or better in CRS 231 and CRS 312 .

Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CRS)

CRS 211 Textile Science: From Fiber to Finish 3

Principles of textile science with emphasis on fiber chemical composition, physical structure, and properties; analyses of yarn and fabric structures and properties; and fundamentals of coloration and finishing.

CRS 221 Global Perspectives on Culture, the Body, and Dress 3

Exploration of global practices and thought around dressing the body within a socio-cultural context.

MAC: MAC Global and Intercultural

CRS 231 Introduction to the Fashion Industry: From Concept to Consumer 3

Interaction of the consumer with apparel, retail, and associated industries. Overview of industry processes from raw material to consumption for apparel and other consumer products. Career opportunities explored.

CRS 242 Foundations of Design in the Digital Environment 3

Application of design principles to branding and marketing concepts in the digital environment. Emphasis placed on the use of digital and/or virtual technologies such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

Corequisites: CRS 242L.

CRS 242L Foundations of Design in the Digital Environment Lab 0

Computer lab supporting CRS 242.

Corequisites: CRS 242.

Notes: No grade is awarded with this course number. grades are awarded with the lecture course.

CRS 255 Consumer Behavior in Fashion 3

An interdisciplinary study of how and why consumers make specific decisions and behave as they do. Principles and strategic implications of consumer behaviors for apparel and related industries.

CRS 262 Fashion and Social Media Marketing 3

Approaches to fashion branding and marketing communication. Focus on integrating digital and social media strategies with innovative technologies.

CRS 312 Technical Apparel Analysis 3

Overview of the physical structure and properties of fiber, yarns, fabric, and apparel. Examination and evaluation of ready-to-wear apparel and related consumer goods from a consumer perspective.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in CRS 211.

Corequisites: CRS 312L.

CRS 312L Technical Apparel Analysis Lab 0

Laboratory supporting CRS 312.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in CRS 211.

Corequisites: CRS 312.

Notes: No grade is awarded with this course number. Grades are awarded with the lecture course.

CRS 321 Fashion and Identity: The Social Psychology of Dress 3

Investigation and analysis of meanings and symbols of the dressed body. Focus on the influence of personal choices and social norms for the development and expression of identity.

CRS 331 Professional Development: Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Industries 3

Guidance and preparation for relevant and successful internship experiences in the major. Emphasis on professional norms and behavior. Examination of processes, content, requirements, and options for self-directed learning opportunities.

Prerequisites: Overall minimum GPA of 2.20 required for all concentrations. Minimum grade of C (2.0) in APD 252 for Apparel Design concentration; Minimum grade of C (2.0) in RCS 361 for GARI and RCS concentrations.

CRS 332 Internship: Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Industries 6

Campus-monitored, structured internship experiences in off-campus businesses, minimum 300 supervised clock hours. Application and development of professional skills directly related to the student's concentration in the major.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in CRS 331. overall GPA of 2.20; 18 s.h. in major; restricted to CARS majors;

Notes: May not be taken concurrently with CRS 331.

CRS 363 Global Sourcing of Apparel and Related Consumer Products 3

Sourcing strategies for apparel and related consumer products, global business and cultural environments, and financial transactions used in conducting business in the international marketplace.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in CRS 231.

CRS 372 The History of Fashion 3

Fashion from prehistory to present, with emphasis on social, economic, and political events as well as various cultures that have influenced modern style.

CRS 400 Special Problems in Consumer Apparel and Retail Studies 1-4

Individual study. Conference hours to be arranged.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor .

CRS 405 Retail Data Analytics 3

Beginning course in research methodology within the domains of consumer, apparel, and retailing. Concepts, frameworks, and relationships of theory and research. Epistemological issues, types of analysis, methods.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in RCS 355.

CRS 450 Economics of the Textile and Apparel Complex 3

Economics and social aspects of production, distribution, and utilization of apparel and textiles.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ECO 201 or its equivalent as determined by the instructor. or graduate standing.

CRS 470 Fashion Brand Management 3

All aspects of managing a brand portfolio, including creating, positioning, and differentiating a brand. Includes focus on self-branding.

CRS 481 Capstone in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3

Study of contemporary issues related to consumer, apparel, and retail studies. Team-based application of cumulative knowledge and skills to solve real world industry issues using creative and innovative approaches.

Prerequisites: Must have senior standing in the CARS major. For Apparel Design concentration: minimum grade of C (2.0) in APD 310 and APD 341. For RCS concentration: pr. or co-req. of RCS 484.

CRS 482 Special Problems in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 1-4

Study tours. Conference hours to be arranged.

Notes: May be repeated once for a total of four (4) semester hours.

CRS 483 Problems in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 2-6

Individual study.

CRS 493 Honors Work 3-6

Honors Work.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 3.30 GPA in the major.

CRS 570 Apparel Brand Management 3

All aspects of managing an apparel brand portfolio, including creating and positioning the brand, establishing brand equity and differentiation, and providing a brand experience for global apparel consumers.

CRS 582 Problems in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 2-6

Individual study.

CRS 605 Retail Data Analytics 3

Beginning graduate course in research methodology within the domains of consumer, apparel, and retailing. Concepts, frameworks, and relationships of theory and research. Epistemological issues, types of analysis, methods.

CRS 620 Analysis of Apparel and Related Industries 3

Analysis of apparel and related industries from raw materials through consumption. Examination of production and marketing of products, technological developments, and domestic and global market strategies.

CRS 630 Economic Dynamics of the Retail Complex 3

Application of economic concepts to consumption behaviors in the retail industry with special emphasis on apparel and related products. Impact of history, trends, brands, and demographics explored.

Prerequisites: CRS 530 and MBA 603 or permission of instructor.

CRS 632 Supervised Industry Practicum in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3-6

Supervised industry practicum combining practical and academic elements. Course supervised by the Director of Graduate Study or designated faculty member.

Prerequisites: Permission of Director of Graduate Study.

Notes: Six hours of this course may be taken in one semester or three hours may be taken in two consecutive semesters.

CRS 651 Advanced Retail Data Analytics 3

Designed to further introduce students to predictive and prescriptive analytics tools for business decisions. Students will also be introduced to the R language and R Studio for statistical analysis and graphics, in addition to Analytic Solver Basic, JMP, and SAS.

Prerequisites: CRS 605.

CRS 682 Graduate Seminar in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3

Fundamentals of graduate studies in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies, including guidelines for development and evaluation of research.

CRS 685 Problems in Retail and Consumer Studies 1-3

Individual study. Investigation of problems in retail and consumer studies.

CRS 690 Minor Research 2-6

CRS 699 Thesis 1-6

CRS 701 Literature and Thought in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3

Overview of concepts, frameworks, theory, thought, and empirical research within the domains of consumer, apparel, and retailing. Emphasis on contemporary thinking and identifying opportunities and directions for future research streams.

CRS 712 Theory Development in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3

Examination of business related marketing theories to consumer, apparel, and retail studies. Analysis of marketing theories, models, and conceptual frameworks. Includes business-to-business, consumer, customer relationship, and economic theories.

CRS 713 Qualitative Methodology in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3

Exploration of development and use of qualitative research methodology in consumer, apparel, and retail studies. Focus on application of qualitative methodology to diverse research problems, data collection procedures, and analysis approaches.

CRS 714 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3

Concepts, frameworks, theory, and empirical research methods and models within the consumer, apparel, and retailing domains. Emphasis on application of research methods and multivariate statistical models of consumer and retail research issues.

CRS 721 Consumer Behavior in Apparel and Retailing 3

Current theories and research in consumer behavior. Application of consumer behavior models to apparel, apparel-related products, and retailing through individualized research products.

CRS 765 College Teaching Practicum in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 3

Supervised, structured experiences in planning, teaching, and evaluating a college level course. Professors provide guidance and mentoring of graduate students during the experience.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

CRS 781 Directed Independent Study in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies 1-6

Directed independent study in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

CRS 783 Problems in Apparel 1-3

Problems in Apparel.

CRS 784 Problems in Retail Marketing 1-3

CRS 786 Readings in Apparel 1-3

Readings in Apparel.

CRS 787 Readings in Retail Marketing 1-3

Readings in Retail Marketing.

CRS 790 Independent Doctoral Research 1-6

Individual work on research problem(s) related to student's primary area(s) of specialization. Research conducted with faculty guidance and direction. Objective: develop one or more publishable manuscript(s).

CRS 799 Dissertation 1-12

Notes: Required of all candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. May be divided over two or more semesters.

CRS 801 Thesis Extension 1-3

Thesis Extension.

CRS 802 Dissertation Extension 1-3

Dissertation Extension.

CRS 803 Research Extension 1-3

Research Extension.

Retailing and Consumer Studies (RCS)

RCS 264 Fashion Retail Management 3

Knowledge and skills in retail operation strategy and management. Emphasis will be placed on applications of operation management concepts as well as the role of technology employed to manage inventory.

RCS 355 Trend Forecasting and Consumer Analytics 3

Introduction to trend analysis and evaluating retail consumer data to make strategic decisions.

RCS 361 Fundamentals of Retail Buying and Merchandising 3

Investigation of the roles and responsibilities of buyers and managers in retail operations. Fundamentals of merchandise mathematics and buying.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in both RCS 264 and one of the following: MAT 115, MAT 118, MAT 120, MAT 150, MAT 151, MAT 190, MAT 191, MAT 292.

RCS 363 Visual Merchandising and Product Presentation 3

Skill development in product presentation. Conceptualization and implementation of store displays based on an understanding of visual merchandising concepts and theories as well as planning strategies and techniques.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in both CRS 242 and RCS 264.

RCS 460 Advanced Retail Buying and Merchandising 3

Advancing the strategies of inventory acquisition and control. Application of retail math to Excel spreadsheets in planning the assortment plan, six-month merchandise plan, and model stock plans.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in RCS 361.

RCS 464 Global Retail Strategy and Management 3

Investigation of strategic management approaches of global retail firms. Focus on the importance of culture to successful retailing to diverse global consumers.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in RCS 264.

RCS 484 Advanced Retail Analysis 3

Investigation of retailing from a strategic perspective. Concepts are analyzed and integrated into applied problem-solving scenarios focused on consumer needs.

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C (2.0) in RCS 361.

RCS 560 Advanced Retail Buying and Merchandising 3

Advancing the strategies of inventory acquisition and control. Application of retail math to Excel spreadsheets in planning the assortment plan, six-month merchandise plan, and model stock plans.

RCS 584 Advanced Retail Analysis 3

Investigation of retailing from a strategic perspective. Concepts are analyzed and integrated into applied problem-solving scenarios focused on consumer needs.

RCS 662 Behavior-Soft Lines Consumers 3

Study of environmental, individual, and psychological influences on behavior of consumers during the soft lines products consumption process.