MKT322 Fashion Buying & Trend Forecasting

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Behind every exceptional collection lies a buyer who understood market demands before achieving self-awareness. This course explains the commercial principles that underpin fashion purchasing and trend forecasting, covering the entire product lifecycle, from trend identification and range planning to supplier negotiations, open-to-buy budgeting, and post-season evaluation. Students will gain not only quantitative analytical skills but also the creative intuition essential for retail success: the ability to interpret social cues, analyze data reports, and make financially sound decisions under pressure.

Topical coverage includes: trend research and forecasting methods, consumer behavior analysis, fashion market intelligence, merchandise and assortment planning, range development, buying cycles and calendars, supplier sourcing and negotiation, open-to-buy planning, inventory management, pricing and markup strategies, retail merchandising, sales and performance analysis, demand forecasting, sustainability and ethical sourcing considerations, post-season evaluation, and emerging trends in fashion retail and buying. (No prerequisite)