This course is an extensive introduction to retailing, the consumer interactive portion of the marketing mix function of distribution. The evolution of retailing is examined from the basics of bartering to its largest current manifestation, the megastore. The variables affecting the retail environment; channel behavior, competition, legal issues, financing, support systems, politics, government regulation, environmental and societal are studied to provide a framework for understanding the basic concepts of retail management. Target market identification, distribution channel construction, site selection, buying, fashion merchandising, visual presentation, promotion, advertising, personal selling, customer service, staffing and human resource management are specific areas of learning providing the student with sufficient resources for hands on project work, including on-site visits and analyses of various types of retailers.

Prerequisite: MARK3100