Those interested in a career in the "thrilling" and "stimulating" world of fashion retail can boost their chances of success by studying for a degree in the field. Hollywood-based journalist Steve Collins wrote on 3x24 that obtaining a degree in fashion retail can give students the knowledge and "important skills" necessary to deal with both the creative and business sides of the industry. He added that fashion retailers work in specialist stores, boutiques, department chains, discount stores, wholesale dealers and clothing design studios to source, develop and launch clothing lines. Their work can often involve unusual hours and lots of travel, Mr Collins added, as their collections or campaigns can make or break a label or store. When looking for a fashion retail degree, Mr Collins recommended courses that cover the history of the business, types of retailers, trends in the industry, types of marketing and the scope of self-employment in the fashion sector. Schools should also cover consumer psychology and buying patterns, he said. According to the Department of Labor, retail purchasing managers held 529,000 jobs across all industries in 2006. Their average median earnings in May of that year were $81,570.  |