Fashion Merchandising Program

The fashion merchandising program at Harper College prepares the student for careers as fashion merchandisers, buyers, visual merchandisers, sales representatives, and vendor relations specialist in retail or wholesale settings. The program focuses on promoting product line/brands, organized promotional campaigns at the wholesale level to attract retailer interest, wholesale purchasing, and supply contracts. Program courses include: evolution of fashion, fashion-trend forecasting, fashion media, fashion promotion, wholesaling, wholesale advertising, selling, and customer relations. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer fashion merchandising program.

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Harper College

501 College Ave, Wheaton, IL

Harper College, a two-year community college located in Palatine, Illinois, offers associate degrees of two types. One track leads directly to the workplace, particularly to in-demand legal, business and medical positions. The other track leads to baccalaureate institutions and higher degrees. Harper is named for its first president, William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement. The school offers programs that fit the schedules of busy learners. Adults often choose Harper because the weekend college and accelerated/fast track options allow them to fit school into their busy personal and professional lives.

Extracurricular activities at Harper allow students to explore their interests and develop new skills. Opportunities include working out on the latest in fitness equipment at the college’s recreational facility or gaining valuable experience working at the student-run newspaper or radio station.

In a world where the thought of paying for higher education conjures images of financial enslavement, Harper’s tuition rates are liberating. Students seeking admission to Harper College should contact the admissions office as requirements vary from program to program. Students who desire value and quality for their education dollar should check with Harper first.

Students Enrolled in the Fashion Merchandising Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Harper College offers an associate's degree program in fashion merchandising.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Description

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $30.96
  • Average Annual Salary: $64400
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 90
  • Average Hourly Rate: $23.67
  • Average Annual Salary: $49230
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 620
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.01
  • Average Annual Salary: $60330

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Description

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.4% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 45
  • Average Hourly Rate: $35.53
  • Average Annual Salary: $73900
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $34.75
  • Average Annual Salary: $72280
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 6
  • Average Hourly Rate: $36.17
  • Average Annual Salary: $75240

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).