.png)
Certified Retail Manager
Curriculum
Classes
Find live class dates, class requirements, and key topics for each class in the CRM curriculum.
Retail Strategies 101: Introduction to Buying
This foundational session introduces key concepts in retail buying and strategy, ideal for those new to the industry or looking to formalize their approach. Participants will explore how to build a strong merchandise assortment, evaluate vendor partnerships, and apply essential retail principles to drive sales and customer satisfaction.
Key topics include:
-
Planning a balanced and compelling merchandise mix
-
Vendor sourcing and evaluation best practices
-
Understanding basic retail math and merchandise management fundamentals
​​
PREREQUISITES: None
​
2026 Live Class Dates:
-
Wednesday, February 4, 10am PST/1pm EST
-
Wednesday, August 5, 10am PST/1pm EST
Retail Strategies 201: Retail Metrics for Profitability
Building on the fundamentals introduced in Retail Strategies 101, this session provides a deeper dive into the key performance indicators every successful retailer should know. Learn how to interpret and act on retail data to improve inventory turnover, maintain ideal inventory levels, and optimize pricing strategies for long-term profitability.
Key topics include:
-
Understanding turnover rates and their role in healthy inventory flow
-
Pricing strategies that support both margin and market positioning
-
Calculating and managing average inventory investment
​​
PREREQUISITES: None required; completion of Retail Strategies 101 is recommended
​
2025 Live Class Dates:
-
Thursday, November 6, 2025, 1pm PST/4pm EST
2026 Live Class Dates:
-
Wednesday, March 4, 10am PST/1pm EST
-
Wednesday, September 2, 10am PST/1pm EST
Retail Strategies 301: Inventory Planning & Open-to-Buy Workshop
This interactive, application-based workshop is designed to help retail professionals develop a working inventory plan tailored to their business. Participants will use real data to forecast sales and inventory needs, then build a customized Open-to-Buy plan to support smarter purchasing decisions and effective stock management.
Key topics include:
-
Forecasting sales, cost of goods sold, and turnover to determine inventory needs
-
Creating a monthly inventory plan across product categories
-
Hands-on spreadsheet development to support inventory control and planning
PREREQUISITES: Completion and testing of Retail Strategies 101 and 201
​
2025 Live Class Dates:
-
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 1pm PST/4pm EST
2026 Live Class Dates:
-
Wednesday, April 1, 10am PST/1pm EST
-
Wednesday, October 7, 10am PST/1pm EST
Retail Strategies 401: Master Class on
Open-to-Buy Utilization
In this advanced course, participants will apply and expand on the inventory planning tools developed in Retail Strategies 301. Learn to use your Open-to-Buy as a powerful management tool for purchasing decisions, departmental planning, vendor negotiations, and financial control.
Key topics include:
-
Utilizing an Open-to-Buy plan for order placement and inventory tracking
-
Creating departmental Open-to-Buy plans to better manage category performance
-
Analyzing vendor performance and building strategic buying plans
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion and testing of Retail Strategies 101, 201, and 301
​
2026 Live Class Dates:
-
Wednesday, May 6, 10am PST/1pm EST
-
Wednesday, November 4, 10am PST/1pm EST
Visual Merchandising Seminar
This session introduces the core principles of visual merchandising and explores how product presentation can directly influence customer engagement and sales. Using inspiring examples from top-performing retail stores, participants will learn how to tell a visual story, optimize floor layouts, and creatively showcase merchandise.
Key topics include:
-
Building storytelling displays that draw in shoppers
-
Maximizing visual appeal through color theory, folding techniques, and prop use
-
Designing effective floor plans and fixture strategies
PREREQUISITES: None
​​
Available on-demand!
Power of Promotions Seminar
Learn how to strategically plan and execute retail promotions that drive traffic, clear inventory, and enhance customer experience. This seminar also explores how to energize your team and improve the customer interaction process through proven selling techniques.
Key topics include:
-
The role of promotions in increasing sales and customer retention
-
Steps for planning, marketing, and executing successful in-store events
-
Mastering the five steps of selling and motivating your staff to sell
PREREQUISITES: None
​
Available on-demand!
Relationship Building Seminar
Create a customer-first culture that drives loyalty and long-term growth. This session breaks down how to turn everyday customer interactions into ongoing relationships that support your brand and business goals.
Key topics include:
-
Creating a customer-centric approach across your team and store
-
Turning transactions into meaningful relationships
-
Elevating sales through authentic engagement and service excellence
PREREQUISITES: None
​​
Available on-demand!
Technology Tools Seminar
This class offers a practical look at how small retailers can use modern marketing and operational tools to streamline their workload, improve customer engagement, and grow sustainably. No fluff, just real strategies you can implement right away.
Key topics include:
-
Quick-win marketing strategies with measurable results
-
Overview of today’s essential retail tech tools and how to use them
-
Empowering your team to confidently adopt and use digital systems
PREREQUISITES: None
​​
Available on-demand!
