Home Economics Careers and Technology
California Department of Education
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline
The Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway course is designed to be the capstone Home Economics Related
Occupations (HERO) course in a three- or four-course sequence. The sequence includes a Consumer and Family
Studies (CFS) Introductory Comprehensive Core I/Life Management I course, a CFS Concentration Fashion, Textiles
and Apparel course, and could also include a combination CFS and HERO Introduction to Fashion Careers course.
Provided below are the following: the CBEDS code and definition; a course description for use with administrators,
school boards, business and industry partners, and parents; a course description for use with students; and a
standards-based outline of the Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway course.
FASHION MERCHANDISING CAREER PATHWAY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CBEDS 4410: Fashion Merchandising
A program that prepares students with the skills, attitudes and knowledge needed for employment in the fashion
merchandising of apparel and accessories. Instruction includes such topics as operational procedures; textiles
identification and analysis; fabric selection, care and repair; the elements and principles of design; product knowledge
and merchandising techniques; sales and service; fashion forecasting; visual merchandising; inventory control and
loss prevention; cash and credit transactions; and technology used in the industry.
Course Description for Use with Administrators, School Boards, Business and Industry Partners, and Parents:
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course
Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: CFS Introductory Comprehensive Core I/Life Management I and CFS Concentration Fashion, Textiles
and Apparel
Optional: Introduction to Fashion Careers
The Fashion Merchandising course is designed to be the capstone course in the three- or four-course sequence taught
at the high school and ROCP. The sequence includes a Consumer and Family Studies (CFS) Introductory
Comprehensive Core I/Life Management I course followed by the CFS Concentration Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel
course. A combination CFS and HERO course, Introduction to Fashion Careers, can also be offered. Students pursuing
a career in fashion merchandising will study all aspects of the industry, including industry awareness; professional
standards/dignity of work; workforce and organizational management; operational procedures and safety practices; laws
and regulations; design elements and principles; history of fashion; fashion forecasting; textiles and textile products;
garment construction in manufacturing; product knowledge and apparel merchandising; sales and service; visual
merchandising; inventory and loss prevention; developing and merchandising a line; garment alteration and repair; care
and cleaning of apparel; personal, interpersonal, and communication skills; thinking and problem-solving skills;
balancing personal, family, and work responsibilities; and teamwork and leadership. Based on the Home Economics
Careers and Technology (HECT) Model Curriculum Standards found in the California Career Technical Education
Model Curriculum Standards, Grades Seven Through Twelve document under the Fashion and Interior Design Industry
Sector, this course builds upon the foundation in previous courses and provides rigorous, standards-driven instruction
and assessment, integrates academic and career-technical concepts through Foundation and Pathway Standards, and
contributes significantly to students’ academic achievement.
Course Description for Students:
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course
Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: CFS Introductory Comprehensive Core I/Life Management I and CFS Concentration Fashion, Textiles
and Apparel Courses
Optional: Introduction to Fashion Careers
Are you interested in working in one of California’s leading industries? The demand is great for those who want to be
involved in the planning, buying, and selling of apparel items. There are many opportunities here in California and
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Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
around the world for highly motivated individuals. This class will provide the latest information on visual merchandising,
developing and merchandising a line, fashion forecasting, and many other areas that lead to successful employment or
further education. Don’t miss the opportunity to also develop valuable leadership and career skills through FHA-HERO.
Note: If this course has been approved for articulation or credit with a community college, California State University, or
University of California, a statement should be included under each course description. If this course has been
approved to meet “a-g” subject requirements for UC/CSU entrance, a statement should be included under each course
description.
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Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
Home Economics Related Occupations
FASHION MERCHANDISING CAREER PATHWAY COURSE OUTLINE
(Refer to the legend at the end of the outline)
Program Content
I.
II.
Standards/Standards Subcomponents
Fashion Design, Manufacturing, and Merchandising Industry
Awareness
A. Overview of the Industry
1. Industry Segments
a. Roles
b. Functions
2. Career Opportunities
B.
Careers Related to the Industry
1. Requirements for Education and Training
2. Personal Qualifications, Interests, and Aptitudes
3. Knowledge and Skills Needed
C. Career Paths
1. Career Interests
2. Career Pathways
3. Postsecondary Options
4. Employment Strategies
5. Career Advancement
6. Need for Lifelong Learning
D. Economic Contributions and Trends
1. Industry Segments
2. Local, State, and Global Impact
3. Legislative, Economic, and Social Trends
E. Organizational Structures
1. Relationships and Interactions among Departments
2. Public and Private Sectors
3. Corporate Culture
F. Using Apparel-Related Resources
1. Periodicals
2. Mass Media
3. Internet
4. Other
Professional Standards/Dignity of Work
A. Workplace Ethics
1. Need for a Code of Ethics
2. Ethical Behaviors
3. Legal Behaviors
B. Professionalism
1. Components of Professionalism
2. Professional Behaviors
3. Confidentiality
C. Appropriate Clothing, Grooming, and Personal Hygiene
D. Quality of Work
1. Interdependence and Importance of Jobs
2. Effect of On-the-Job Decisions and Actions
3. Need for Responsibility and Flexibility
4. Following Appropriate Protocol
E. Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities
F. Professional Growth and Development
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A1.1, F3.2
F3.1, F3.2
F2.4, F3.3, F3.5, F3.6
F2.7, A1.1, A1.3
A1.1
F2.7, F4.2, A1.2
F8.2, F8.3
F7.1
A2.2
F7.2, F7.3, F7.4
F6.1
F3.5
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
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Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
G.
III.
Professional Organizations, Industry Associations, and Organized
Labor
Workforce and Organizational Management
A. Outcomes of Effective Management
1. Profitability
2. Productivity
3. Positive Work Environment
4. Consumer and Client Satisfaction
5. Business Growth
B. Workforce Management Strategies
1. Types of Strategies
2. Shared Responsibilities
3. Negotiation
4. Planning
5. Decision Making
6. Effective Use of Management Strategies
7. Effect on Employees’ Actions, Attitudes, and Productivity
C. Appropriate Business Procedures
1. Use of Business Plans
2. Use of Spreadsheets
3. Tools for Budgets, Records, and Client Correspondence
D. Effects of Technology in the Fashion Design and Merchandising
Industry
IV. Operational Procedures and Safety Practices
A. Operational Procedures
1. Description and Performance
2. Records, Correspondence, and Forms
3. Technical Terms
B. Factors Affecting Profit
C. Use of Technology for Operational Procedures
D. Proper Use of Equipment, Tools, and Supplies
E. Industry-Related Accidents
1. Types
2. Causes
F. Accident Prevention Procedures
G. Accidents and Emergencies
1. Procedures for Handling
2. Report and Records
H. Material Safety Data Sheets
V.
F3.4
A3.1
F5.1, F5.2, F5.3, A3.2, A3.3, A3.5
F4.2, A3.4
F4.3, A3.6
F2.5, A2.1, A2.3
A3.1, A3.3, A3.5
F4.2, F4.4, A3.6
F6.1, F6.2
F6.1
F6.1, F6.2
F6.1
F6.1
Industry Laws and Regulations
A. Identification of Laws, Regulations, and Agencies
1. Employer Established Policies and Procedures
2. Local
3. District
4. State
5. Federal
B. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
1. Description of Industry Laws and Regulations
2. Employer Rights, Responsibilities, and Procedures
3. Employee Rights, Responsibilities, and Procedures
C. Enforcement by Regulatory Agencies
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F6.1, F8.1
F6.1, F8.1
F8.1
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
VI. Design Elements and Principles
A. Elements and Principles of Design
A4.1, A4.3, A4.4
1. Relationship to Industry
2. Application to Merchandising
B. Application of Elements and Principles of Design
F4.2, F4.3, A4.2, A4.3, A4.5
1. Environmental, Sociological, Ecological, Psychological, Technical,
and Economic Issues and Trends
2. The Concept of Universal Design
3. Use of Technology in the Design Process
VII. History of Fashion
A. Historical Fashion Trends and Cycles
B. Influences on Fashion
1. Politics
2. Society
3. Economics
4. Cultures
5. Aesthetics
C. Development of Fashion Designs
D. Influences on the Fashion Industry
1. Economics
2. Mass Production
3. Labor Unions
4. Technology
A5.1, A5.5
A5.1, A5.2
A5.3
F4.1, F4.3, A5.4
VIII. Fashion Forecasting
A. Fashion Industry Resources
1. Fashion Trends
2. Color Forecasting
B. Research of Fashion and Color Trends
1. Retail Stores
2. Societal
C. Forecasting for the Target Customer
1. Identification of Information
2. Evaluation of Information
A4.4, A7.1
A7.2
A7.3
IX. Textiles and Textile Products
A. Characteristics
1. Fibers
2. Yarns
3. Fabrics
4. Finishes
B. Textile Manufacturing Methods
C. Types of Print Design
D. Relationship of Textile Characteristics to the Garment
1. Garment Design
2. Construction
3. Care
4. Maintenance
E. Methods of Color Application
1. Yarns
2. Textiles
3. Garments
F. Maintenance Procedures for Fabrics
G. Copyright Laws Affecting Textile Design and Production
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A6.1, A6.5
F4.2, F4.3, A6.2, A6.4, A6.5
A6.3
A6.1
A6.3, A6.4
A6.1
A6.6
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
X.
Garment Construction in Manufacturing
A. The Process of Manufacturing Garments
1. The Basic Manufacturing Process
2. Relationship to Garment Cost
B. Commercial Sewing Machines and Attachments
1. Types
2. Operation
3. Use of Equipment, Tools, and Supplies
4. Use for Constructing or Manufacturing Apparel
C. Use of Technology in the Construction or Manufacturing Process
D. Effects of Global Sourcing on Garment Production
XI. Product Knowledge and Apparel Merchandising
A. Apparel Merchandise
B. Types of Markets
1. Characteristics
2. Merchandise Sold
C. Marketing and Merchandising Techniques
1. Merchandise Selection for Specific Markets
2. Creation of a Specific Image
D. International Merchandise
1. Similarities
2. Differences
E. Trade Publications and Reports
1. Comparison
2. Evaluation
F4.2, A9.1, A9.4, A9.5
F4.2, A9.1, A9.3
F4.2, F4.4, A9.3
A9.2
A6.1, A6.2, A9.1
A10.2, A10.3, A10.4
A10.2
F2.7, A1.2
XII. Sales and Service
A. Customer Information and Client Files
B. Sources of Information for Successful Sales
1. Client Files
2. Product Information
3. Catalogues
4. Price Lists
C. Customer Relations
1. Factors that Contribute to Quality Relations
2. Informing Customers of Specials
3. Effective Sales Techniques
D. Impact of Cultural Factors
1. Customer Needs
2. Customer Wants
3. Customer Satisfaction
E. Building Product Knowledge
1. Organizing Information
2. Maintaining Information
3. Accessing Information
F. Assisting Customers with Selections
1. Needs
2. Budget
3. Personality
4. Figure Type
5. Coloring
6. Personal Preference
7. Accessories and Related Merchandise
8. Services
A10.1, A10.5
F2.7, F4.2, A1.2, A10.5
A10.1, A10.3, A10.5
A10.2
F2.7, F4.2, F4.4, A1.2
A10.4
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Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
G.
H.
I.
Financial Transaction Procedures
1. Making Change
2. Processing Checks
3. Completing Credit Card Transactions
4. Resolving Problems
Procedures for Sales, Exchanges, and Returns
Procedures for Balancing Cash Drawers and Cash Control
XIII. Visual Merchandising
A. Interior and Exterior Displays
1. Characteristics that Attract Customers
2. Intended Messages
B. Merchandise Arrangement and Placement
C. Creation of Store Displays
1. Use of Various Fixtures
2. Conveyance of Specific Messages
D. Methods of Visual Merchandising on the Internet
A10.6
A10.6
A10.6
A11.1
A11.3
A11.2
F4.2, A1.2, A11.4
XIV. Inventory Control and Loss Prevention
A. Procedures for Handling Merchandise
1. Receiving
2. Inspecting
3. Marking
4. Distributing to Sales Floor
B. Role of Interstore Transfers
C. Inventories
1. Common Security Problems
2. Laws that Affect Inventories
D. Loss Prevention
1. Inventory Loss Points
2. Strategies for Loss Prevention
3. Relationship to Store Profits
A12.1
A12.2
A12.3
A12.4, A12.5
XV. Developing and Merchandising a Line
A. Planning a Line
1. Procedures
2. Decisions Required
B. Creating a Design
1. Sketching Techniques
2. Use of Color on Sketches
C. Presentation Boards
1. Sketch Preparation
2. Color Plates
D. Creation of Paper Patterns
1. Use of Design Sketches
2. Selection of Fabrics, Trims, Colors, and Styling Themes
E. Preparation of Garment Specification Sheets
1. Fabrics
2. Trims
3. Findings
F. Costing a Garment
1. Formula and Procedures
2. Manufacturing Costs
3. Wholesale Costs
4. Retail Costs
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A7.4
A7.4
A7.4
A7.4, A8.1
A7.4
A9.5
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
G.
H.
I.
J.
Garment Cost Sheets
Pattern-Grading Techniques
1. By Computer
2. Manually
3. Variety of Clothing and Component Pieces
Development of Markers
1. By Computer
2. Manually
3. Purpose in Production
Use of Computer-Aided Design
1. Purpose
2. Process
A9.5
F4.2, F4.4, A8.3
A8.3
A8.3
XVI. Garment Alteration and Repair
A. Fitting Garments
1. Characteristics of Properly Fitted Garments
2. Common Fitting Problems and Solutions
a. Related to Figure Types
b. Related to Physical Handicaps
3. Steps to Fitting Garments Properly
4. Use of Standard Alteration Marks
B. Alterations and Repairs
1. Customer Specifications
2. Cost Estimates
3. Work Order Preparation
A9.6
A9.3, A9.6
XVII. Care and Cleaning of Apparel
A. Effects of Laundering and Dry Cleaning on Apparel
B. Stain Sources and Removal
C. Fabric Cleaning Procedures
XVIII. Personal, Interpersonal and Communication Skills
A. Importance of Personal Skills to Work, Personal, and Family Life
1. Positive Attitude
2. Self-Confidence
3. Honesty and Integrity
4. Self-Discipline
B. Interpersonal Skills that Enhance Working Relationships
1. Working Cooperatively
2. Communicating Effectively
3. Sharing Responsibilities
4. Exercising Leadership
C. Communication Skills
1. Getting and Keeping a Job
2. Using Correct Telephone and E-Mail Etiquette
3. Writing Effectively
4. Interpreting and Responding to Nonverbal Communication
5. Resolving Conflicts
XIX. Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
A. Identification of Industry Issues and Problems
B. Appropriate Problem-Solving Strategies for Work-Related Issues
C. Application of Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
1. Multiple Options for Completing Work Tasks
2. New Ways to Perform Work Effectively
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A6.1
A6.1
A6.1
F7.1, F8.3
F2.6, F7.1, F9.1, F9.5
F2.1, F2.2, F2.3, F2.4, F2.5, F2.6, F9.4
F5.1
F5.1, F5.2
F5.1, F5.3
Fashion Merchandising Career Pathway Course Descriptions and Outline Continued
XX. Balancing Personal, Family, and Work Responsibilities
A. Analysis of Multiple Roles
1. Workforce Roles
2. Family Roles
3. Community Roles
B. Resources for Managing Responsibilities
C. Management Strategies for Balancing Roles
D. Effectiveness in Balancing Responsibilities
XXI. Teamwork and Leadership
A. Characteristics and Benefits
B. Leadership and Citizenship Roles
C. Effective Strategies in the Workplace and Community
D. Participation in FHA-HERO Activities
E. Written and Professional Resources
F. Ways Skills Enhance Employability
F5.4, F7.3, F7.4
F5.4
F5.4, F7.3
F5.4, F7.2, F7.3
F9.1
F9.1
F9.3, F9.4, F9.5
F9.2
F2.7
F9.2
Legend
F = Foundation Standards for the Fashion and Interior Design (FID) Industry Sector
A = Pathway Standards for the Fashion Merchandising Pathway
These standards can be found in the document: California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards,
Grades Seven Through Twelve.
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