Merchandising and Buying: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the strategic expertise needed to excel in the dynamic field of retail product acquisition and visual presentation. Focused on the end-to-end process of sourcing, evaluating, and positioning goods for commercial success, it prepares learners for leadership roles in buying departments across diverse retail environments.
- Product Evaluation: Develops the ability to assess quality, market appeal, and lifecycle potential of merchandise to ensure alignment with brand standards and consumer demand.
- Merchandising Strategy: Explores how product placement, visual storytelling, and spatial planning influence purchasing behavior and drive in-store performance.
- Brand and Consumer Research: Integrates data-driven analysis of consumer preferences, market trends, and brand positioning to inform purchasing decisions and product assortment planning.
- Purchasing Principles: Covers sourcing methodologies, inventory management, cost analysis, and supply chain logistics essential for efficient and profitable procurement.
- Negotiation Skills: Builds advanced communication and deal-making capabilities to secure favorable terms with suppliers and vendors while maintaining long-term business relationships.
Merchandising and Buying Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Merchandising and Buying Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Merchandising and Buying degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Merchandising and Buying by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Merchandising and Buying programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Merchandising and Buying is found at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) (56 graduates), and University of North Texas (UNT) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 57 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washtenaw Community College (WCC) |
Residency
Other Award
|
56 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | wccnet.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Merchandising and Buying programs
Which universities have the largest Merchandising and Buying programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Merchandising and Buying degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Washtenaw Community College (WCC) (56 graduates), University of North Texas (UNT) (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Merchandising and Buying growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 126 in 2010 to 57 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
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