Ryerson Retail Degree Programs - Answering a Need

Furniture World Magazine

The need for university credit courses, certificates and ultimately a degree in retail management was researched last year by the IAS Initiative in Retail Management Education. This committee discovered that, despite the size and importance of the Canadian retail industry to the national economy, there is little formal retail education available. The research also unearthed a strong desire on the part of existing retail employees for more education and training, as well as a desire among high school students for a retail management degree. It was obvious to the committee that the ongoing restructuring of the retail industry is increasingly going to require more educated employees. In a survey conducted of existing retail employees by the committee, it was discovered that, of those respondents who had a degree, only 3% said it was in retail. Almost half of all respondents said that obtaining an undergraduate degree was very important to them. Based on the research, the target market for the degree among existing employees was identified as those in managerial positions with an industry tenure of more than seven years and a position tenure of one to three years. They are 30 to 49 years old, with a community college, CEGEP education, or business degree, diploma or certificate. Many are located close to Toronto, are eligible for an educational subsidy and are willing to take courses on a combination of their own and company time.