Management of Textile Trade and Technology
Trade and Retail

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Trade and Retail

In "Trade and Retail", students receive an overview of all relevant topics in international retailing. The students are able to recognize the importance of internationalization for fashion retailers and their success factors. They will be able to name the characteristics of international fashion retailers. They are able to explain the motives and goals for internationalization. The students are able to distinguish and explain the different steps of the internationalization process. They are able to derive the most important strategies for internationalization and expansion. They can explain their probability of success and distinguish the appropriate channels for new markets and new customers. After the studies they will be able to distinguish the most important retail formats and explain their characteristics and success factors. They are familiar with the global framework conditions of retailing and the global key trends in retail marketing. They have advanced knowledge of retail marketing and can distinguish the different roles of sales channels. They can also explain the different relationships between online and offline. You will be able to state the advantages and disadvantages of the main marketing tools in international retail. They acquire an advanced marketing knowledge and applied marketing skills in retail. Students examine the relationships between salespeople, buyers, and merchandisers and emphasize the importance of each position. They highlight the responsibilities of each role and how they are interrelated. The audience also discusses a range of promotional techniques and examines how they impact business success.

The retailing of textiles is in flux. International retailers, foreign verticals, manufacturer-owned stock, and new online and mobile channels are examples of changes in play. Cross-border trade is also growing rapidly. This means a jump in sales for imported retailers and ultimately an ultimate thread for traditional textile and fashion retailers. In this game, retailers need to grow and internationalize. International retailing and global retail marketing have become an opportunity to survive. Companies need to understand the new SWOTS and fight back with modern marketing and sales methods. They need to develop and implement strategies for modern marketing and sales channels. As a consequence, textile and fashion students need to acquire "knowledge and skills" in international retailing.

Curriculum

Module Manuals

Fact Sheets

Subjects of study (excerpt)
  • Advanced Management Skills
  • Global Logistics
  • International Retail
  • Global Marketing
More information

Standard time to degree: 3 semesters

Start: summer or winter semester

Application procedure: Admission-free Master's Degree programme (however, please note the admission requirements)

Admission requirement

  • completed Bachelor or Diploma studies in the field of Textile and Clothing Technology or Textile and Clothing Management at a German university or comparable studies
  • Proof of English language skills "Common European Framework" Level C1 (CEF C1)
  • Further information on the admission procedure can be found under the above link "Master Admission

Teaching language: English

Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Accreditation: The consecutive Degree programme was accredited by the Accreditation Agency for Degree Programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN) in 2004. In 2010 and 2017 the re-accreditation took place without any conditions.

Master's application

Trade ...

The global environment in the manufacture, production and procurement of raw materials, textiles and apparel requires an intensive examination of the textile value chain with regard to its special features, international trade formats, international trade and corporate law, logistical requirements, and supply chain management strategies.

The courses from this subject area introduce the students to the detailed considerations. These include, for example:

  • Cross-cultural management
  • Global, international procurement
  • AI concepts in procurement management
  • Working in multinational teams
  • International labor law and trade regulations through the WTO, GATT, MFA

... and retail

International retailers, foreign verticals, new online channels are just a few examples of the change processes in textile and apparel retail. Traditional textile and fashion retail is facing the challenges of internationalization in order to survive and continue to grow. Our students learn about

  • the significance and success factors of the international fashion trade
  • modern marketing and sales methods
  • the procedure in the internationalization process
  • expansion strategies and their probability of success
  • Organizational and cultural peculiarities in international retailing

 

The focus of all fields of teaching is to familiarize the students with fair working conditions and to demonstrate ecologically and economically responsible behavior. This means that our graduates are ideally trained to help shape the challenges of the textile and apparel industry towards fair, sustainable companies.

Master MTTT | Trade and Retail
Arslan Mumtaz

After completing my Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, I was eager to delve into the world of textile retail. This led me to pursue a Master's degree in Management of Textile Trade at Hochschule Niederrhein, where I acquired a wealth of knowledge about the global textile industry, marketing strategies, and retail processes. The program was an excellent opportunity for me to further my education and gain a deeper understanding of the textile trade.
The Hochschule Niederrhein, I had the chance to experience a unique and culturally diverse environment. I was able to interact with students from different backgrounds and learn about their cultures, beliefs, and opinions. This was a valuable opportunity for me to broaden my horizons and gain a new perspective on various topics. Working on group projects with a diverse group of people was not only educational, but also a fun and enriching experience.
The professors and staff at Hochschule Niederrhein were incredibly supportive, which made my transition to a new country and culture much smoother. They provided a warm and inclusive environment, where I felt welcomed and at home.
With the knowledge and experience I gained from studying at Hochschule Niederrhein, I am now able to tackle a challenging thesis project that combines both technical and trade aspects of the textile industry. My thesis topic is "Market Analysis of a Smart T-Shirt", which aims to analyze the current and future market prospects of a t-shirt that can sense, measure, and display the wearer's vital signs. Despite the growing global wearable technology market, the major global fashion and sports brands have yet to incorporate smart clothing into their collections. In my thesis, I will conduct a comprehensive study and global market analysis to assess the size, share, demand, supply, growth, trend, and forecast of the smart t-shirt market. This project will not only showcase my expertise in the textile industry, but also my ability to apply the knowledge and skills I gained during my studies at Hochschule Niederrhein.
In conclusion, my time at Hochschule Niederrhein was an unforgettable and enriching experience that has shaped my career and personal growth. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I gained, and I look forward to applying them in my future endeavours in the textile retail industry.

Master MTTT | Trade and Retail
Tatjana Reider

After completing my bachelor's degree in business administration, I also completed an apprenticeship as a fashion designer at a private school. This was very intensive and with a practical emphasis / orientation. Subsequently, I decided to take the English Master in Management of Textile Trade and Technology with a specialisation in Trade and Retail at the Hochschule Niederrhein, as it combines and expands my Bachelor's degree and my practical training, at the same time it also deepens my English skills. Due to its international student body, the Degree programme also offers very good, international networking opportunities and provides space for cultural exchange. What made the HSNR even more attractive for me is the possibility to individualize the studies, this is possible for example by taking English or also German compulsory optional courses and the voluntary participation in interesting subjects from the Bachelor's degree programmes. In addition, their technical equipment is excellent. Not only are there countless machines from the textile sector available, but also most of the industry-specific programs in CAD and 3D. In my opinion, this combination optimally prepares the students for their later professional life in a dynamic industry.

Master MTTT | Trade and Retail
Xinyu Song

During the study at Hochschule Niederrhein, I have spent a great time not only in the profession strengthening but also cultural exchange and integration. The master study broadens my view of the textile world and supplies me with a strong base for the further exploration of the world. In an open-minded atmosphere, you always have the chance for free discussions with professors and classmates from different places. Eventually, the study experience at Hochschule Niederrhein makes me quite an asset for life.