The Fashion Merchandising Minor is designed for students interested in the business of the fashion industry and careers in wholesale and retail marketing. Coursework focuses on the importing/exporting, advertising, buying and eventual distribution of fashion products to consumers. Students also learn how fashion is branded to appeal to various demographics and forecasting where the industry is headed. Courses on running a family business and comparing owner independence vs. franchised retailing cover a wide range of business operations, fostering competencies that are especially needed and, thus, marketable to industry employers.