Retailing is a global industry that spans marketing, high-technology and business leadership. Whether you prefer the people, the creative or the analytical side of business, the retail industry has a role perfectly suited to you and your talents. We invite you to explore the program to see if a career in retail management is right for you.

The Retail Management Certificate introduces students to the fundamentals of business, marketing, and retail. Retail experience is a plus, but is not required to successfully complete this program. The program provides students with the tools to:

• Analyze market opportunities
• Recruit and manage people
• Manage supplier relationships
• Promote a retail business using online and offline marketing strategies
• Use the principles of consumer behavior to create a buying experience that will build loyal customers
• Analyze business profitability

Please see courses for more information about certificate and courses.

City College offers a credit Retail Management Certifcate of Achievement which consists of ten courses that can either be completed one class at a time, or in as few as two semesters if taking a full-time load. Please see curriculum for complete information.

The certificate meets the requirements of the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) Retail Management Certificate program.

Members of the WAFC include Bristol Farms, Costco, Foods Co, Lucky, Safeway, and Smart & Final. When you apply for a job, you can be confident they will recognize the value of your education.

Classes are offered in the day and evening and are located at the Ocean Campus  and Downtown Campus. In addition, some classes are available online. Please see class schedule for current semester schedule.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to the headquarters of large retailers such as Apple, eBay, Gap, Levi-Strauss, Ross Stores, Safeway, and Williams-Sonoma, as well as many smaller retailers.

Depending on your education and experience, job titles in retailing include:

• Retail Sales
• Store Management
• Visual Merchandising
• Category Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Business Analyst

Please refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook or Retail Management FAQs for job prospects and salary information.

It’s easy to start the program. Apply to the college, then register for one or more classes. See the steps to becoming a credit student. You may also contact the Office of Admissions at (415) 239-3285. Please refer to tuition information for specifics on City College tuition costs. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. You may also call the Financial Aid Office at (415) 239-3576.

When you have completed all the required classes, fill out a petition for a certificate. The petition form is available in Admissions and Records, Conlan Hall, Room 107, and should be submitted at the beginning of the semester that you complete all the requirements. Petitions must submitted by the deadline posted in the Calendar of Instruction.