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Hidden Gem Colleges for a Career in Retail
When families talk about careers in business, finance and consulting usually take center stage. But retail is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world, shaping everything from what we wear to how we shop online. For students who love fashion, customer experience, or supply chain strategy, retail can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career. The challenge is that families often think only of big-name fashion schools in New York or luxury design houses in Europe. In reality, many excellent colleges across the country quietly prepare students for retail leadership. These hidden gems combine strong academics with industry access, giving graduates a clear path into buying, merchandising, e-commerce, and beyond.
Here are ten colleges where students can study retail in a way that prepares them for long-term career success.
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
The Twin Cities are home to some of the largest retailers in the country, including Target, Best Buy, and 3M. That makes the University of Minnesota an incredible launch pad for a retail career. The Carlson School of Management offers a highly respected program in retail merchandising. Students gain hands-on experience with local internships and often secure leadership roles in retail analytics, product planning, and merchandising. Families looking for a balance of big-school energy with direct career pipelines will find Minnesota to be a standout choice.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech may surprise some families, but its Retail Management major has an excellent reputation inside the industry. Students graduate ready to take on roles in merchandising, store operations, and supply chain. With Dallas only a few hours away, students have access to one of the nation’s retail headquarters hubs, where companies like Neiman Marcus, JCPenney, and Michaels are located. The program is known for producing graduates who step directly into corporate positions, making it a smart choice for students in Texas and beyond.
University of Wisconsin – Madison
At Wisconsin, the School of Human Ecology offers a program in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies. This unique focus allows students to explore the psychology behind shopping decisions while building skills in marketing and retail strategy. Madison graduates go on to careers in retail analytics, brand management, and e-commerce. With Kohl’s and other major companies headquartered in the region, Wisconsin students benefit from strong internship opportunities and employer connections.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers a Merchandising and Digital Retailing program that blends business fundamentals with technology. This forward-looking approach prepares students for careers in e-commerce, digital marketing, and retail analytics. Because the campus is close to Dallas-Fort Worth, students can intern with national retail brands while still in college. For families seeking a program that emphasizes both business and technology, UNT stands out.
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), SUNY
Families outside of New York sometimes overlook FIT, but within the retail and fashion industries, the name carries enormous weight. FIT offers majors in Fashion Business Management and International Trade and Marketing. Students are immersed in the business of fashion from day one and complete internships with global retailers. While FIT is not hidden within the fashion world, it remains a gem for families who may be unfamiliar with specialized SUNY programs.
High Point University
High Point University in North Carolina is known for its hands-on approach to education. Students in the retail and interior merchandising programs focus on customer experience, product presentation, and brand storytelling. The school’s close relationship with the furniture and lifestyle industries gives students an unusual but highly marketable career path. Families drawn to a private, student-centered university will find High Point to be a strong choice.
Oregon State University
Oregon State’s program in Apparel Design and Merchandising Management emphasizes sustainability, a growing priority in global retail. Students gain skills in product development and retail strategy while interning with athletic and outdoor lifestyle companies. Located in Oregon, the university sits near Nike, Adidas, and Columbia Sportswear, offering students unmatched industry exposure. For families looking for a program that combines retail with environmental responsibility, Oregon State is a hidden gem.
University of Arkansas
The Sam M. Walton College of Business is named after Walmart’s founder, and its retail studies program is closely tied to one of the largest retailers in the world. Students benefit from corporate partnerships and projects connected directly to Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt. The focus on supply chain and merchandising gives graduates practical skills and job opportunities right after graduation. Arkansas may not be top of mind for retail, but it belongs on every list.
What This Means for Families
The retail industry is vast and evolving, from global supply chains to online shopping. These hidden gem colleges give students both specialized knowledge and practical experience. Many of them are located near retail headquarters, offering built-in internships and job opportunities. Families exploring college options should consider how programs like these align with their student’s strengths. A student who loves fashion may thrive at FIT or LIM, while a student interested in supply chain may prefer Arkansas or Texas Tech.
The bottom line is that retail is not just about working in a store. It is about understanding consumers, managing complex systems, and driving innovation in one of the world’s largest industries. Choosing a college that combines strong academics with industry access can set students up for a rewarding career.