The 18 Best Retail Management Courses to Boost Your Career Skills in 2024
Multifaceted Retail Skill Set: Running a store demands expertise in areas such as inventory, marketing, customer service, finance, and technology.
Smart Learning for Smart Retailers: Savvy retailers seek top-notch training to master these diverse skills and boost their business acumen.
Top Institutions Have Your Back: Renowned platforms like Udemy, Dartmouth, UPenn, and Cambridge offer premium courses to enhance retail management skills.
Curated Course List Awaits: A perfect list of 18 handpicked retail management courses is at your fingertips to elevate your store's potential.
Become a Retail Whiz in 2024: Explore our recommended courses to strategically grow your retail brand with expert knowledge and techniques.
Running a store includes a multitude of skills—inventory management, merchandising, customer service, sales, marketing, technology know-how, finance, and on and on. So, smart retailers find good teachers to shove all those skills inside their brains.
Assuming you are one such smart retailer, given that you've ended up at this intro for retail management courses, we have the perfect list for you.
Many colleges, universities, and well-known sites offer coursework for retailers to learn how to do their retailing better. Our list includes courses from Udemy, Dartmouth, UPenn, Cambridge, LinkedIn, and more.
So, come this way and find a great course to grow your retail brand thoughtfully.
The 18 Best Retail Management Courses Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best retail management courses I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Retail Fundamentals (Dartmouth College)
- Omnichannel Strategy and Management (Dartmouth College)
- Online Retail Management Course (Ashworth College)
- Online Bachelor of Arts in Business – Retail Management (ASU Online)
- Retail Sales Management (LinkedIn Learning)
- Retail Management Training (Study.com)
- Retail Management (Centennial College)
- Managing Human Capital in Retail (University of Pennsylvania)
- Retail Digital Supply Chain (University of Pennsylvania)
- Retail Manager Training Course (One Education)
- Retail Marketing Strategy (University of Pennsylvania)
- Certificate in Retail Management (Cambridge Management and Leadership School)
- Channel Management and Retailing (IE Business School)
- Retail Store Operations and Store Management (Udemy)
- Diploma Course in Retail Management (Udemy)
- MBA: Retail business, Merchandising, and E-commerce (Udemy)
- Retail for Business Analysts and Management Consultants (Udemy)
- RA: Retail Management, Analytics with Excel & Python (Udemy)
The 18 Best Retail Management Courses for the Savviest Merchants
OK, now let's get into it. These courses vary in length, cost, level of expertise, certification, and more. Somewhere here, you'll find what you need.
1. Retail Fundamentals (Dartmouth College)
This online course delivers a comprehensive overview of critical retail business practices, including generating and assessing sales forecasts, optimizing inventory management, and strategically planning product assortment.
It also guides the determination of optimal pricing strategies. Enroll to enhance your business management skills and gain valuable insights into the retail industry.
- Who It’s For: Beginners in retail management
- Topics Covered:
- Retail strategy
- Customer experience
- Retail operations
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 4 weeks
- How Many Hours of Instruction: 3 to 5 hours per week; Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Without certificate: Free
- With certificate: $249
- Take The Course: edX
2. Omnichannel Strategy and Management (Dartmouth College)
This course offers insights from retailers adeptly managing industry transformation.
It covers strategies for attracting omnichannel customers, meeting their fulfillment expectations, leveraging online and physical store presences, and implementing a robust omnichannel strategy.
- Who It’s For: Retail professionals looking to expand their knowledge
- Topics Covered:
- Omnichannel retailing
- Customer journey
- Channel integration
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 4 weeks
- How Many Hours of Instruction: 3 to 5 hours per week; Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- Without certificate: Free
- With certificate: $249
- Take The Course: edX
3. Online Retail Management Course (Ashworth College)
This course provides a comprehensive approach to the varied responsibilities of a retail manager, including hiring and training staff, supervising in-store displays, managing inventory, and developing advertising campaigns.
Through hands-on learning and practical decision-making, it equips participants with a diverse skill set essential for excelling in a retail environment.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring retail managers
- Topics Covered:
- Store operations
- Merchandising
- Customer service
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $749
- Take The Course: Ashworth College
4. Online Bachelor of Arts in Business – Retail Management (ASU Online)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of retail management techniques aimed at optimizing customer interactions within the retail industry.
It covers essential responsibilities for retail leaders, including staff management and developing compliance, sustainability, and marketing strategies.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking a degree in retail management
- Topics Covered:
- Business fundamentals
- Retail management
- Marketing
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Take The Course: ASU Online
5. Retail Sales Management (LinkedIn Learning)
This course comprehensively overviews the retail sector's effective sales strategies and management techniques.
It addresses critical areas such as enhancing sales performance, managing retail teams, and optimizing customer engagement. It provides professionals with practical skills and insights to improve retail management practices and drive better business results.
- Who It’s For: Current and aspiring retail sales managers
- Topics Covered:
- Sales techniques
- Team management
- Performance metrics
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: 1 to 2 hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $29.99 per month
- Take The Course: LinkedIn Learning
6. Retail Management Training (Study.com)
This course offers in-depth training for those aiming to advance their skills in retail management. It addresses critical areas, including inventory management, sales techniques, customer service, and budgeting.
It equips participants with practical knowledge to excel in managing retail operations and driving business growth while enhancing profitability.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to improve their retail management skills
- Topics Covered:
- Retail operations
- Customer service
- Inventory management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 5 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $59.99 per month
- Take The Course: Study.com
7. Retail Management (Centennial College)
This course takes a practical and managerial approach to retailing, focusing on the issues owners, managers, and employees face in retail settings.
It assumes learners already know the basics of marketing and covers the key concepts and analysis needed to understand all retail and operations management aspects.
This course is designed to advance your retail career by equipping you with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the retail industry.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring retail managers
- Topics Covered:
- Retail strategy
- Customer service
- Store operations
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Centennial College
8. Managing Human Capital in Retail (University of Pennsylvania)
This course provides trusted guidance on optimizing and supporting your retail team. It covers essential aspects like hiring, employee development, and performance management, equipping you with proven strategies for effectively managing and nurturing your workforce.
- Who It’s For: Retail managers and HR professionals
- Topics Covered:
- Talent management
- Employee engagement
- Performance management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 8 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: Coursera
9. Retail Digital Supply Chain (University of Pennsylvania)
This course is a great way to understand how digital tools can smooth misunderstandings. It covers practical topics like data analytics, managing inventory, and integrating new technologies to keep things efficient and responsive.
You’ll come away with easy-to-use strategies for improving your supply chain and staying ahead in the retail world.
- Who It’s For: Supply chain professionals and retail managers
- Topics Covered:
- Digital supply chain
- Inventory management
- Logistics
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 7 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: Coursera
10. Retail Manager Training Course (One Education)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of a retail manager, focusing on the effective management of store operations.
The course covers essential skills such as promotional strategies, record-keeping, understanding client profiles, adjusting product supply, and forecasting demand.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring and current retail managers
- Topics Covered:
- Store management
- Customer service
- Sales techniques
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 1 month
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: £29 (discounted)
- Take The Course: One Education
11. Retail Marketing Strategy (University of Pennsylvania)
This course examines essential marketing techniques needed for retail success.
It covers analyzing markets, understanding customer groups, and creating effective marketing campaigns, giving participants the skills to boost business growth.
- Who It’s For: Marketing professionals and retail managers
- Topics Covered:
- Marketing strategy
- Consumer behavior
- Brand management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 7 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: Coursera
12. Certificate in Retail Management (Cambridge Management and Leadership School)
This certificate includes a module covering essential topics such as people management, customer service, and inventory control.
It offers a broad overview of key areas like retail strategy and pricing, providing a solid foundation for managing various aspects of retail operations.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring retail managers
- Topics Covered:
- Retail operations
- Customer service
- Sales management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 5 hours 40 minutes
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: £250
- Take The Course: Cambridge Management and Leadership School
13. Channel Management and Retailing (IE Business School)
This course offers straightforward guidance on setting up and managing distribution channels, including key roles and resolving conflicts.
It also covers essential retail strategies, staying ahead of competitors, growth opportunities, entry strategies, and the need for a solid online presence, preparing participants for today’s and tomorrow’s retail trends.
- Who It’s For: Retail managers and business professionals
- Topics Covered:
- Channel management
- Retail strategy
- Customer experience
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? Yes
- Duration: 10 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: Free
- Take The Course: Coursera
14. Retail Store Operations and Store Management (Udemy)
This course is crafted explicitly for individuals interested in starting a retail store.
By the end, participants will have a clear understanding of critical aspects such as retail store operations, store design and layout, the responsibilities of a store manager, the role of mannequins, and factors influencing customers' buying decisions.
- Who It’s For: Store managers and retail professionals
- Topics Covered:
- Store operations
- Inventory management
- Customer service
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- How Many Hours of Instruction: 1 hour
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $29.99
- Take The Course: Udemy
15. Diploma Course in Retail Management (Udemy)
This course offers a refined approach to retail management, keeping stores running smoothly and ensuring customers find what they need quickly.
It’s perfect for anyone in Operations, Sales, Visual Merchandising, HR, or Logistics who wants to succeed in retail and improve store efficiency and sales.
- Who It’s For: Aspiring retail managers
- Topics Covered:
- Retail strategy
- Customer service
- Sales management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 11 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $74.99
- Take The Course: Udemy
16. MBA: Retail business, Merchandising, and E-commerce (Udemy)
This course provides a fresh look at retail business with topics like merchandising, ecommerce, and inventory planning.
It covers the latest methods in managing customer relationships, analyzing market trends, and designing stores, giving participants the skills needed to excel in today’s retail world.
- Who It’s For: Retail professionals and business students
- Topics Covered:
- Retail business
- Merchandising
- Ecommerce
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 10 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $69.99
- Take The Course: Udemy
17. Retail for Business Analysts and Management Consultants (Udemy)
This course explores how to analyze retail businesses and identify easy-to-implement improvements.
It includes modeling retail operations in Excel to draw actionable insights and focuses on optimizing operations to be faster, more cost-effective, and higher quality.
- Who It’s For: Business analysts and management consultants
- Topics Covered:
- Retail analysis
- Management consulting
- Retail strategy
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 6 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $69.99
- Take The Course: Udemy
18. RA: Retail Management, Analytics with Excel & Python (Udemy)
This course transforms participants into expert retail planners by integrating advanced Python programming, deep learning, and retail analytics skills.
It covers pricing strategies, forecasting, and visual merchandising, using tools like Pandas to drive data-driven decisions and cutting-edge insights in retail management.
- Who It’s For: Retail managers and data analysts
- Topics Covered:
- Retail management
- Data analytics
- Excel and Python
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 18.5 hours
- How Many Hours of Instruction: Self-paced
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price: $64.99
- Take The Course: Udemy
Set Your Course For Retail Success
There is no end to the pun work I'll do on this blog, so I hope you enjoy such things. I literally cannot help myself.
Anyway, we've covered many retail management courses here, as you should know if you've made it this far.
Obviously, you don't need to take them all. Or even several. You are likely to get what you need from just one or two of these courses. But, find the one that best fits your needs and run with it.
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