Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies | Bryan School of Business and Economics

Welcome

If you have an interest in fashion, the Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) offers the best preparation for becoming what we see in you: a work-ready professional with all of the experience, knowledge, and networking you need to build a successful career. Our programs will help you become an exceptional problem solver for the apparel industry, confident and ready to make meaningful connections where you work, live and lead.

Recent CARS News

TACTILE TEXTILES: INDUSTRY COLOR TOOLS GIVE CARS STUDENTS REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
UNCG Bryan School’s Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies earns TAPAC accreditation

Our Mission

Through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and community engagement, the Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies Department prepares and advances leaders in our field. We provide a strong educational foundation through an innovative curriculum, integrating theory with hands-on experience and/or research within the community, with the flexibility for students to pursue their individual career interests related to the global apparel industry. Four goals guide the department in achieving our mission: (1) Cultivate an infrastructure which supports the department’s vision, (2) Provide transformational undergraduate programs that prepare students for global fashion careers, (3) Provide transformational graduate programs that prepare students for high level careers within industry and academia, and (4) Produce impactful scholarship.

Our Vision

To be recognized nationally and internationally as the leading program for teaching and scholarship in consumer, apparel, and retail studies.

Our Bachelor of Science, Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies program is accredited by the Textile and Apparel Program Accreditation Commission of the International Textile and Apparel Association.

Why students choose our program over others

Close connections with industry leaders keep our curriculum innovative and relevant.
Our student-centered learning environment features supportive faculty who will challenge and mentor you along your journey.
Internships from North Carolina to New York and beyond allow you to work for the brands that inspire you such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks, Inc., Belk Stores, JC Penney, and VF Corporation (The North Face, Wrangler, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica).
We offer the full span of the apparel/fashion supply chain along with a focus on global fashion careers in design and retailing.
Our students have a high rate of placement in the field — many even before graduation.

2019 CARS Industry Summit with Unifi

David Shinaman of EmpowHer presenting the group’s business model for producing women’s undergarments.

First place winners of the Oral Presentation, Neutral’s Child. Group members include Alexander Speights, Brittney Gray, Kala Stinson, and Toni Swain.

Panel judge, Edmir Silva, giving feedback on oral and poster presentations.

Members of Elysian presenting their poster to judges.

Members of Unity presenting their poster to judges.

Members of Perennial presenting their poster to judges.

Second place winners of the Oral Competition, EmpowHer, alongside the panel of judges. Members include Anna Funk, Kathryn Keehne, Sara Krites, Sarah McPherson, Hope Rogers, and Daniel Shinaman.

Panelist, Tim Cole, answering questions from the audience.

Panelist Teresa Nasrallah, answering questions from the audience.

Third place winners of the Oral Competition, NeUtral, alongside the panel of judges. Members include Ciara Dorante, Nhandi Hines, Dallas Jackson, Seyla Kim, and Vashti Usry.