Retail Management Course by IIM Calcutta
The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) offers a comprehensive Executive Programme in Integrated Retail Management designed for working professionals. This program aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to lead the next wave of consumer businesses across both B2C and D2C sectors.
Program Overview
The Retail Management Course spans nine months and is structured to accommodate the busy schedules of executives. The program features evening classes and includes two immersive campus visits to IIM Calcutta, providing participants with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights.
Key Features
- Live-online faculty-led learning with industry insights.
- Industry-relevant curriculum covering strategy, omnichannel, and digital retailing.
- Capstone project to apply learning in a real business context.
- IIM Calcutta certification and executive education alumni status.
- Networking opportunities with over 33,000 alumni.
- Access to IIM Calcutta’s alumni portal and updates on job opportunities.
- 5% fee discount on subsequent IIM Calcutta executive programs.
Why Choose IIM Calcutta?
IIM Calcutta is renowned for its high-quality management education and has consistently ranked among the top business schools in India and globally. It is the only Indian B-School that is a member of the CEMS alliance, which includes leading business schools, multinational companies, and NGOs worldwide. The institute has been recognized for its pedagogical experiences and has received multiple accolades, including:
- Ranked #1 in India by FT MBA rankings 2025.
- Ranked #1 in the BT-MDRA Best B-School survey 2023.
- Ranked #65 in the QS Global MBA rankings.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum is designed to build expertise in various aspects of retail management. It includes the following modules:
Module I: Introduction to Retailing
- Fundamentals of Retail Marketing
- Retailing Challenges in India
- Fundamentals of Retail Operations
Module II: Managing Retail Formats
- Retail Formats from Hypermarkets to Pop-Ups
- The Rise of Omnichannel: Retail, E-tail, Social, and Beyond
- Choosing the Right Strategy: Physical vs Digital vs Phygital
- The Future of Retail Experience
Module III: Retail Innovations and Shopper Marketing
- Assessing and Influencing Store Format Patronage
- In-Store Consumer Behaviour
- Understanding the Digital Consumer Journey
- Crafting Effective Shopper Marketing Processes
- Leveraging Social Media to Influence Shopper
- Retail Market Research and Retail Analytics
Module IV: Retail Distribution
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Retail
- Operational Excellence in Retail Industry
Module V: Product Assortment Planning
- Merchandising and Buying
- Optimizing Product Assortments
- Sales Forecasting
- Managing Sales Promotions
Module VI: Store Location and Design Strategy
- Choosing the Right Store Location
- Store Layout and Design: Creating Immersive Spaces
- Space Planning
Module VII: Managing the Retail Mix
- Understanding Consumer Behaviour and Creating Customer Value
- Marketing Strategy to Differentiate in a Crowded Retail Market
- Managing Products and Categories for Growth
- Pricing Strategies for Profit Maximization
- Managing Servicescapes to Create Memorable Experiences
- Building and Managing Retail Brands & Private Labels
Module VIII: Retail Communications in a Hybrid World
- The Power of Retail Media: Owning the Shelf and the Screen
- Retail Communications Mix for In-Store Commerce
Module IX: AI in Retail Decision Making
- Predictive & Prescriptive Analytics for Retail Leaders
- Digital Transformation and AI in Retail
- Personalization at Scale: From Data to Delight
- Designing Immersive Luxury Brand Experiences
- Using AI for Dynamic Retail Pricing
Module X: Financial Metrics in Retail
- Retail Financial Strategy & ROI
- Managing Retail Metrics
Module XI: Digital and Social Commerce
- E-Commerce & Quick Commerce Strategies
- Social Commerce Case Studies in Digital Commerce
Future of Retail
The future of retail in India is promising, with projections estimating a market size of $1.6 trillion by 2030 and the creation of over 50 million jobs in the retail sector. A significant 75% of leaders believe that generative AI will be pivotal to growth in retail. This course prepares participants to leverage these trends effectively.
Eligibility and Application
The program is designed for professionals with varying levels of experience, from less than two years to over 15 years. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply soon, as seats are limited, with the next selection review scheduled for November 17.
For more information and to apply, please visit the official IIM Calcutta website.
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