Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising Management
Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising Management - Online
Programme Objectives:
The objectives of the Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising Management is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry by combining creative, technical, and business knowledge essential for success in both marketing and merchandising roles.
This programme is designed to:
- Equip students with the foundational principles of fashion marketing, branding, and retail promotion.
- Develop strong merchandising skills, including product development, assortment planning, cost control, and supply chain coordination.
- Provide practical knowledge of textile materials, garment construction, and trend forecasting.
- Train students to analyze fashion consumer behavior and market dynamics.
- Introduce digital marketing tools and platforms essential for modern fashion promotion and e-commerce.
- Promote ethical and sustainable practices within the fashion value chain.
- Prepare students for real-world industry roles through hands-on projects, internships, and portfolio development.
Fashion Marketing Modules
Introduction to Fashion Marketing
Definition & Role of Fashion Marketing
Evolution of Fashion Industry
Fashion Marketing vs General Marketing
Fashion Market Environments & Trends
Global & Local Fashion Markets
Consumer Behaviour in Fashion
- What influences fashion consumers (psychological, social, cultural)
- Fashion adoption & diffusion theories (trickle up, trickle down, trickle across)
- Fashion cycle (introduction, rise, maturity, decline)
- Segmentation, Targeting, & Positioning in fashion context
Product Strategy & Brand Management
- Brand concepts & brand equity in fashion
- New product development; line & range planning
- Product portfolio analysis (e.g. BCG matrix style for fashion lines)
- Branding, packaging, labelling as fashion identity elements
- Luxury vs commercial fashion branding
Pricing, Costs & Value Perception
- Pricing strategies (premium, penetration, value‑based, discount etc.)
• Cost components, cost of goods sold in fashion
• Perceived value vs actual cost
• Effect of brand, exclusivity, materials, craftsmanship on price
• Discounts, markdowns, promotions & their effect
• Break‑even & profitability in fashion lines
Promotion & Communication
- Advertising, PR, social media, influencer marketing
• Visual merchandising; window displays & in‑store presentation
• Fashion shows, events, trade fairs & exhibitions
• Integrated marketing communication (IMC) for fashion a nd lifestyle brands
• Creative briefs, press releases, content strategies
• Storytelling & brand voice in fashion marketing
Distribution & Retailing
- Retail formats: online, brick‑and‑mortar, multichannel, omnichannel
• Role of fashion buyers, wholesalers, distributors
• Store location, layout, store design & atmosphere
• Visual merchandiser’s role
• Logistics, supply chain, inventory management in fashion distribution
Fashion Research, Forecasting & Trend Analysis
- Market research methods (qualitative & quantitative)
• Trend forecasting: color, fabric, silhouette, consumer trends
• Tools & sources for fashion trend insights (shows, forecasting services, digital media)
• Data analytics, digital listening, consumer insights
• Using research to inform design, marketing & buying decisions
Ethics, Sustainability & Social Responsibility
- Ethical sourcing, fair trade, labour rights in fashion supply chains
• Environmental impacts: material choice, waste, water, carbon footprint
• Transparency & traceability
• Sustainable business models: slow fashion, circular fashion, up‑cycling
• Consumer expectations & regulatory pressures
Digital & New Media in Fashion Marketing
- E‑commerce, mobile commerce, online marketplaces
• Social media strategy & influencer collaborations
• Content marketing, video, digital lookbooks
• Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality in fashion presentation
• Digital impact on brand building & consumer engagement
• Analytics & metrics for digital campaigns
Marketing Planning, Strategy & Management
- Preparing a fashion marketing plan: mission, SWOT, objectives
• Strategic positioning, competitive analysis
• Budgeting, monitoring & evaluating campaigns
• Brand extension, collaborations & partnerships
• Crisis management & brand reputation
• Case studies of successful & failed fashion marketing strategies
Merchandising Management Modules
Introduction to Merchandising & Apparel/Textile Industry
- Role of Merchandising in Fashion, Textile & Retail Industry
- Industry Structure: Brands, Manufacturers, Buying Houses, Suppliers
- Trends in Global Apparel Trade, Sustainability, and Ethical Sourcing
Textile & Fabric Technology
- Fiber Types (Natural, Synthetic, Blends)
- Yarn & Fabric Construction: Weaving, Knitting
- Fabric Finishes and Treatments
- Fabric Defects and Inspection
- Understanding Fabric Performance (Durability, Shrinkage, Colorfastness)
Accessories & Raw Materials
- Trims, Notions, Labels, Packaging Materials
- Sourcing Materials Internationally and Locally
- Costing of Accessories
- Lead Times and Quality Standards
Product Development & Sampling
- Design Concepts and Trend Forecasting
- Line Planning
- Sketches and Tech Pack Creation
- Prototype / Sample Development: Fit, Size Set, Pre-Production (PP) Samples
- Approvals and Revisions
Costing, Pricing & Consumption Calculations
- Fabric Consumption and Yield
- Cost Components (Material, Labour, Overheads, Transportation, Duties, etc.)
- Quoting and Price Negotiations
- Margin Calculation
- Impact of Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Order Planning & Production Merchandising
- Order Lifecycle: From Placement to Shipment
- Scheduling: Capacity Planning and Production Calendar
- Production Progression and Follow-Up
- Communication Between Merchandising, Production, Quality, and Buyers
- Factory Lead Times and Managing Delays
Quality Assurance & Testing
- Quality Standards (Internal & Buyer Specifications)
- Testing Methods for Fabric and Finished Garments
- Inspection Procedures (In-Process and Pre-Shipment)
- Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) and Defect Analysis
- Basics of Lean and Six Sigma
Supply Chain Management & Logistics
- Sourcing Strategies and Vendor Selection
- Import/Export Documentation
- Customs, Tariffs, and Trade Regulations
- Inventory Management
- Warehousing and Distribution
Retail Merchandising & Fashion Marketing
- Visual Merchandising, Display, and Store Layout
- Branding and Fashion Marketing Principles
- Forecasting and Demand Planning
- Customer Behavior and Retail Trends
Documentation, Compliance & Ethics
- Purchase Orders, Invoices, and Packing Lists
- Compliance: Social, Environmental, and Safety Standards
- Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
- Intellectual Property: Design Protection and Trademarks
Professional Skills & Performance Metrics
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs) for Merchandisers
- Negotiation, Communication, and Stakeholder Management
- Decision Making and Problem-Solving
- Data Analysis and Reporting
Duration : 1 Year
Medium : English Medium
Schedule : 2 days per week - Friday and Saturday from 8.00 pm to 10.15 pm Sri Lanka Time
Commencement: 28th November 2025
Entry Requirements :
Pass GCE A/L OR GCE (O/L) including Maths & English or Six months work experience in the apparel industry
Payment Plan : Special Offer
Registration Fees : Rs. 20,000 (Early Bird Offer: Register before 30th October: Registration Fee: Rs. 10,000 Only)
Course Fee: Rs. 10,000 (Initial Payment) + Rs. 10,000 x 11 Installments - Initial Payment to be paid at the beginning
Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) of 2.5 % would be charged on all above fees.
Programme delivery and assessments are conducted online only
On successful completion of the course, students are awarded with a Certificate which is highly recognized in the Garment Industry for employment.
Reservations: Please call - 076 828 7000 / 076 096 2407 / 077 447 9026