Merchandise Marketing Month: Interview With Dept. Chair Marlene Morbitt-Dunn
October, you might remember, was Interior Design Month.
But now it's January, and we've got an interview with Marlene Morbitt-Dunn, Chair of the Merchandise Marketing Department. Merchandise Marketing is the FIDM Major that focuses on the buying and selling of wholesale and retail goods.
Marlene Morbitt-Dunn brings her own retail experience to the table. We tracked her down and she was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.
How did you get involved in Merchandise Marketing?
Columbus, Ohio... my first job was retail in high school. Loved the business and decided to pursue a career in retailing.
Attended FIDM, worked in retail while in college and upon graduation, entered a training program at JW Robinsons.
Became a buyer of girl's accessories and sleepwear. The opportunity to work at FIDM was afforded me,
and I left retailing... Sort of...
I now work with students and faculty who all share my passion for the industry.
As a chairperson of the Merchandise Marketing department, I have the unique opportunity to be connected to the retail industry while training young people, (much like myself at one time) to reach for their goals!
Your dreams are attainable!
What do you love about the business of retailing?
Retailing is fast-paced, ever-changing, and challenging.
I've heard math is part of Merchandise Marketing. Is it hard?
There are many facets to retailing, and merchandise math is one of them. The math is not different, you just learn your formulas and solve the puzzle!
What makes FIDM's Merchandise Marketing program so special? Why study Merchandise Marketing at FIDM?
FIDM's curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the industry.
Our instructors are dedicated to teaching and giving back to an industry they love.
All have retailing/marketing backgrounds and keep up to date.
Are there any special or outside projects that FIDM's Merchandise Marketing students get to participate in?
While in college, two-year students are eligible in their 2nd year of study and Professional Designation students are eligible in their 2nd quarter of study for our Premier Marketing Group.
Instructors nominate eligible students for the Group.
The students meet 3 times a quarter, getting to know each other and new staff members in addition to hearing speakers we bring in from the industry.
What are some qualities a prospective Merchandise Marketing student might possess?
-Focused
-Multi-tasker
-Good Communication Skills, i.e., Speaking and Writing
-Strong Math Skills - Analytical
-Problem-Solver
-Leader
What are some of the things a prospective Merchandise Marketing student could do in preparation for majoring in Merchandise Marketing at FIDM?
- work retail part-time in high school
- shop stores in all areas, big and small, specialty, department, mass merchants.
What are some of the different types of Merchandise Marketing careers?
Management: District, Regional Managers
Owner of own business
Assistant Store Manager
Marketing Promotions within a store
Store Manager
Buying: Planner
Allocator
Buyer
Why are FIDM grads sought after in the world of Merchandise Marketing after graduation?
FIDM's great reputation in the industry leads employers to our graduates.
Our FIDM Alumns are in the marketplace and look to us for new hires.
Word is spreading amongst retailers that our Merchandise Marketing grads are"top picks" in an industry always on the look-out for "talent."
