Retail and Apparel

Career Guide

The retail and apparel field is part of a supply chain process that starts with the creation of goods (apparel) and is then sold in large quantities to a retailer that sells smaller quantities to the consumer. The retail industry offers opportunities in merchandising, store management, central management, and buying. Apparel or fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear while working in wholesale or manufacturing establishments, theater or dance companies, and design firms in large cities.

Designing your major

Your major may be indirectly or directly related to your career choice, and it’s only one of many pieces to finding a good career fit. There are many majors that are related to retail and apparel, including:

Learn about careers in the field

  • Commercial and Industrial Designers
  • Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
  • Fashion Designers
  • First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers
  • General and Operations Managers
  • Interior Designers
  • Logistics Analysts
  • Marketing Managers
  • Merchandise Displayers
  • Online Merchants
  • Product Promoters
  • Purchasing Agents
  • Purchasing Managers
  • Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
  • Retail Sales Persons
  • Sales Representatives
  • Supply Chain Managers
  • Wholesale and Retail Buyers
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