MBA Retail Management

With India becoming one of the quickest retailing destinations in the recent Indian marketing scene, a 2 years long Master of Business Administration degree in Retail Management offers the ideal starting pad for a successful and thriving career in the Retail sector. A top-ranked MBA Retail Management programme will provide you with a solid foundation in entrepreneurship and management with an emphasis on the retail industry and will position you for success in the corporate ladder across varied Retail Management roles for both local and international organisations.

This programme primarily provides a specialised understanding of management as well as sales and marketing methods applicable to the retail business. This degree programme helps you enhance your managerial, leadership, and communication abilities by combining theoretical concepts with hands-on experience. It also aims to methodically explain customer behaviour and how it might assist firms in growing. You will also learn to think critically and interpret business data, giving you a much-needed competitive advantage in the marketing field.

The curriculum or syllabus provided for postgraduate students pursuing an MBA in Retail Management is intended to assist them in planning and preparing for their academic activities during the course term.

Admission to MBA MBA Retail Management programmes in India is based on merit and the results of entrance exams. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study with at least 50%-60% aggregate marks is required, as are admission exam scores such as CAT/GMAT/XAT/NMAT/MAT/and others, as well as other major qualifying conditions as indicated by the university.

MBA Retail Management programmes are available at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Amity Business School, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Institute Of Business Management & Research International Business School, and other major business schools in India.

Furthermore, the scope and career opportunities for MBA Retail Management graduates are constantly expanding, giving aspirants the option of pursuing further education in the same field or selecting a career from a pool of different job prospects such as Retail Store Manager, Sales Executive, Sales Manager, Department Manager, Brand Manager, Retail Industry Coordinator, Financial Controller, Warehouse Manager, and others.

Graduates with an MBA Retail Management degree may expect to make anywhere between INR 3.5 lakhs to INR 9 lakhs per year on average, with the potential to earn INR 10-18 lakhs per year.

Check out the significant highlights of the MBA Retail Management course below:

Here is a quick rundown of some of the most important features and facts about MBA Retail Management courses:

The apparent answer to this question is that if you are interested in the retail industry and want to pursue a career in it, you should enrol in this programme. If you wish to change careers and work in the retail industry, this programme is for you.

An MBA in Retail Management provides you with the two most critical abilities for surviving in this competitive industry: communication and business management. When pursuing an MBA degree, these are the two basic yet most significant abilities that you should concentrate on because they will greatly assist you in your career development.

As the retail business expands, there is a significant demand for graduates with a speciality in this field. Companies are willing to pay high salaries to skilled retail managers because there are not enough of them available. With the increasing breadth of this industry, the future is bright, and prospects are expanding quickly. As a result, this programme would be an excellent choice for students seeking to establish a strong career.

Here are certain personalised reasons why students could choose to study MBA in Retail Management:

• Build Interpersonal Skills: MBA Retail Management deals directly with consumers as well other stakeholders, such as suppliers, distributors, franchise representatives, and store managers. It helps them build varying types of interpersonal skills like communication and leadership styles in accordance with the group dealt with.
• All-time Relevant Sector: MBA Retail Management deals with all the methods and measures to ensure a proper and smooth transition of products or services to the final consumer. As consumers cannot be eliminated from the market structure of any industry, so does the retail sector. Retail Management is therefore an area with perpetual opportunities and relevance.
• Huge Industrial Investments: In order to complete the product/service cycle, it has to reach its target consumers. Any organisation, enterprise, or entity offering any product or service shall have to make investments in the area in varying ways, like direct supply, online buying, doorstep delivery, franchise stores, retail stores, etc. These settings require huge investments making the sector one of the highly invested areas of any venture. The income is similarly large and raw (as revenue), and MBA Retail Management graduates have a chance to take advantage of the same.
• Wide Scope of Opportunities: Clearly the perpetual relevance and bulky investments allow the MBA Retail Management to explore varying opportunities, not only in hierarchical structure but types of business and ventures they might work for as well. This technicality provides them with a chance to grow in a multi-faceted manner and build a wide range of experience, making it easier to negotiate for higher salaries and job perquisites.
• Scope of Professional Growth: The ultimate goal of any employee is professional growth in a dynamic manner. The wide range of growth opportunities allows MBA Retail Management to ensure the same, that too in varying sectors. It does not matter which sector they start with, they can always switch to a different one, build a career in the exchange or switch again. The profiles of top management assisted from the retail sector showcase a wide experience and hence make them more likely to lead successful business strategies.

MBA degrees are available in a range of formats, including full-time and online degrees that can be completed from the convenience of one's own home. Each MBA programme offers the potential to get a thorough understanding of the business and Retail Management field of study, but which should a person pursue? The following is an overview of the numerous MBA Retail Management programmes available:

• Two-Year Full-time MBA: A two-year full-time MBA programme is one of the most common MBA programmes. Enrolling in a two-year MBA Retail Management programme helps learners to sharpen their fundamental business skills while delving into specialised topics. The first year will cover core subjects like strategy, communication, finance, and marketing. Students will also be able to focus on themes of their choice during elective modules and focus periods in year two. They will also be able to engage in a summer internship, which can sometimes lead to a full-time job offer after graduation.
• Part-Time MBA: A part-time MBA Retail Management may be the best option for those who want to study for an MBA but do not want to take time away from their employment. Part-time MBA programmes allow working professionals to create a curriculum that works around their schedules. Students' degrees are usually completed over a long period of time, ranging from 2 to 5 years or more. Candidates can also enrol in MBA Retail Management with a weekly schedule of evening or weekend classes to complete the degree.
• Online MBA: Students can get degrees from the convenience of their own homes, anywhere in the world, through online MBA programmes. Online MBA Retail Management programmes will cover the same topics as traditional MBA programmes and be taught by the same professors. They do, however, provide the extra benefit of a flexible learning environment. Students can complete classes at their leisure and study for an extended time, similar to a part-time programme.
• Executive MBA: Executive MBA programmes are designed for mid-career professionals who desire to ascend into positions of leadership. Because the MBA Retail Management programmes place a great focus on the experience that each student offers, applicants must have at least 5 years of work experience. Part-time EMBA programmes are usually held in the evenings or on weekends. This enables trainees to continue working while immediately using their knowledge and abilities in their business as they advance.

MBA Retail Management programmes can be applied for by interested students, albeit they satisfy the eligibility criteria of the colleges and b-schools offering the same. While all colleges design their eligibility criteria independently, there has been observed certain commonality.

Here are the basic eligibility criteria which students may expect their applying colleges to demand:

• They must have completed their undergraduate qualification with a bachelor’s degree.
• The bachelor’s degree must have been obtained from an accredited and recognised institution, or equivalent to the establishment.
• The aggregate score for the bachelor’s degree must range either in or above 50%-55%.
• They must provide the entrance exam scores which are acceptable to the respective college or b-school.
• Their entrance exam score must be equivalent to or more than the cut-off score mentioned by the respective institution to make it to the next round of the admissions process.

As previously stated, admission to MBA Retail Management programmes is determined by applicants' undergraduate degrees as well as the results of entrance tests. Some of the most prevalent admission tests for candidates wishing to pursue an MBA in Retail Management degree in India are as follows:

• CAT (Common Admission Test)
• IGNOU OPENMAT
• XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
• NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
• MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
• Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
• Other Entrance Exams

Note: Admission will be based on the score or rank attained in the entrance exam, as well as a personal interview and group discussion.

MBA graduates are offered significant managerial positions in both the public and private sectors. The majority of universities provide an MBA Retail Management degree in two years, which is separated into four semesters. If you want to earn the most up-to-date degree, you must first look for the best MBA colleges in India. Candidates with work experience can apply for an Executive MBA course in addition to the regular MBA 2023 admission procedure to boost their existing working profile. For aspirants interested in the MBA Retail Management admission process in India, below is a brief step-by-step admission process:

Step 1: Choose an MBA College

There are several colleges in India that provide MBA degrees in Retail Management speciality. Candidates who desire to apply for admission must first select a B-School of their choosing. This may appear simple, but most toppers have confessed that choosing a B-School is one of the most difficult aspects of the MBA admission process. Choosing a B-School may be influenced by factors such as:

• Location of the B-School
• Reputation
• Specializations Offered
• Selection Procedure
• Fee Structure
• Return on Investment i.e. Placements Record etc

Step 2: Appear in Any of the MBA Entrance Exams

Those who wish to follow a management course PGDM/MBA programme specialising in Retail Management from top MBA colleges must take the CAT, XAT, NMAT, or any equivalent entrance test accepted by colleges and business schools in India offering MBA Retail Management. Candidates can review the detailed entrance tests for the two-year MBA programme listed below once they have decided which B-School they want to attend:

• National Level Entrance Exam
• State Level Entrance Exam
• University Level Entrance Exam

Step 3: Check the Eligibility Criteria 

Once the B-School and entrance examinations are chosen, one of the most crucial aspects of the MBA admission process 2023 for candidates is to determine their eligibility for admission to the institute. Candidates can choose between a normal full-time MBA Retail Management programme and a part-time MBA Retail Management programme. Except for a few B-Schools that provide speciality courses, all B-Schools have the same basic eligibility criteria for MBA degrees.

Step 4: Appear for the MBA Course Selection

Fill out the application form, take the test after confirming the eligibility criteria, and then participate in the selection procedure after the results are announced. Most B-Schools' common MBA Retail Management admissions process in 2023 will be:

• WAT/GD: After passing the MBA entrance exams, such as the Common Admission Test or another exam, candidates must take a written ability test or participate in a group discussion. Basic business-related subjects are inquired about in this round to assess a candidate's expertise.
• PI: The personal interview round is used to assess the candidate's interpersonal abilities.

Note: To gain admission, the candidate must understand how to pass the GD-PI round. Most B-schools in India will hold their selection rounds between March and April.

Step 5: Payment of MBA Course Fees

All B-Schools compile a final list of candidates who have been shortlisted and qualified for the next step. The merit list is generally established on the basis of entrance exam scores, the candidate's academic profile, work experience (if any), gender diversity, and so on. Following final selection, candidates must attend the counselling phase, where fee payment guarantees a fixed seat at the B-School. MBA Retail Management course fees may differ from one college to the next.

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Here is a list of some of the most well-known and prestigious universities in India that provide MBA Retail Management programmes to students:

Some of the world-class institutions where students and aspirants can pursue MBA Retail Management courses abroad or similar degree are given below:

MBA in Retail Management course fees in India are determined by a variety of factors, including the type of university (whether public or private), the duration of the programme, location, course content, rating, reputation/goodwill, and more. The following chart represents the estimated yearly average fees for MBA Retail Management programmes at several of India's most prestigious institutes:

The MBA Retail Management course syllabus varies from one university to university. However, this course's general syllabus is as follows:

First Year

Second Year

The scope of retail management is vast, and the employment opportunities for someone with an MBA in Retail Management are limitless. There are several work prospects in the retail sector, so one can pursue a variety of careers. As the population grows, so does the number of retail establishments. It has boosted the demand for qualified MBA graduates in the retail sector to manage and generate revenue from these stores. MBA in Retail Management graduates are in high demand in both the private and public sectors. Their tasks can be front-end, such as selling and marketing products or communicating with customers, or back-end, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management), retail analytics, product development, and so on.

Furthermore, since the retail business is undergoing multiple big changes, earning an MBA in Retail Management will help you keep updated and tackle the obstacles that may occur as a result of such large developments. An MBA in Retail Management can significantly increase your work portfolio and help you stay competitive in the market.

Job Prospects 

The retail industry is diverse, allowing learners to pursue a variety of careers after completing the degree. You can choose from the following retail management jobs:

Top Recruiters 

Many big companies run recruitment programmes to help you get a job easily. Here are some of the top recruiters in the retail sector:

Graduates with an MBA in Retail Management may expect to earn between INR 3.5 lakhs and INR 9 lakhs per year, with the potential to earn between INR 10-18 lakhs per year. In general, different job classifications pay differently. Aspirants should be aware that this compensation is not fixed and may fluctuate depending on several factors. A graduate's pay is affected by criteria such as designation, education level, experience, and location. The following table displays the average starting salary for MBA Retail Management graduates in India:

As previously stated, earning an MBA degree with a specialisation in Retail Management can help you improve your talents and teach you new approaches required to establish yourself in the retail business.

• Business Awareness: An MBA programme will keep you awake and motivated to stay current with various new business approaches.
• Interpersonal Skills: To sell products, you must be able to promote yourself and the firm in front of investors or clients, which requires solid communication skills, which can be acquired after completing an MBA in Retail Management.
• Selling Skills: The most fundamental yet crucial skill you will learn after earning an MBA in Retail Management is selling skills. It will teach you sales techniques that will assist you in selling items and services.
• Numeracy: Anyone who wants to run a business must be able to work with numbers. When discussing the function of a retail manager, they must be able to manipulate figures to benefit the firm for which they work, and an MBA in Retail Management provides them with these essential skills.
• Cultural Awareness: When you enter the retail business, you learn about how various cultures influence the retail sector. To gain an advantage, one must be culturally conscious, which may be learnt when one can read and understand the market. It is a sophisticated ability that you will learn after completing an MBA programme.
• Time Management Skills: An MBA programme will also assist you in developing time management and communication skills. Timing your strategies is a crucial skill required for any kind of management, be it a small-sized store or a big business which can be mastered through this programme.
• Customer Service: A retail manager's major responsibility is to handle clients and provide them with outstanding service. Good customer service abilities are required to succeed in this competitive environment and can be gained through an MBA in Retail Management.
• Multitasking: As a retail manager, you must manage numerous tasks at the same time, such as drafting new retail regulations while working on a presentation or adopting methods to improve client traffic while working on a company project. Multitasking skills can be honed through project-based training and instruction in an MBA programme.
• Team Management: A retail manager is a core team member of any retail organisation, which means they must coordinate with the rest of the team to ensure the company runs smoothly. An MBA in Retail Management programme might help you develop a sense of cooperation. Working in a team will help you become a better team leader, and team management abilities will be useful in your professional career.