
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in International Retail Management
In times of fierce competition and stalled revenues, retail excellence becomes imperative. The CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) program of the Institute of Retail Management of the University of St. Gallen supports comprehensive preparation for competing successfully in the dynamic global market.

Why should you participate in the CAS in International Retail Management?
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"The CAS in International Retail Management program was a game-changer for my career. The program's focus on practical applications of retail management concepts helped me to apply what I learned immediately in my work."
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"The program's retail safaris were an incredible opportunity to see retail innovation in action. Observing how some of Europe's leading retailers operate was a truly unique experience that I will always value."
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"The program's emphasis on leadership development and collaboration was a highlight for me. The workshops and seminars helped me to develop skills that are essential for success in today's team-based retail environment."
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
The flagship CAS in International Retail Management consists of four retail excellence modules that provide state-of-the-art expertise in contemporary retail management. It was designed by renowned academics in cooperation with CEOs of our Retail Lab founding members, setting a foundation for comprehensively combining theory and practice.
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The program helps managers stay competitive in today’s fast-paced retailing environment by teaching the most up-to-date knowledge of modern retailing. Participants will be able to:
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Gain new insights into retail and relevant expertise
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Discuss best practices for real-world application
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Analyze the retail process from cutting-edge yet theoretically sound and proven perspectives
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Expand and strengthen their executive network
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STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM
Four retail excellence module are the core of our program. Each module on retail excellence, as a sub-area of retail management, lasts three days. The retail excellence modules are independent of each other in terms of content. Thus, they can also be attended as stand-alone courses. After successfully completing each retail excellence module, participants receive a certificate of participation from the University of St. Gallen.
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Participants who attend all four retail excellence modules and visit three research workshops on current management challenges in the retail sector within two years can obtain a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS). To achieve the CAS, the managers must complete a written final paper that synthesizes the content of all the modules. In the exam, participants will apply the learned concepts to their company.

Each retail excellence module consists of four parts:
Online Preparation: Each participant completes a REDx online course that thematically explains the basics of the upcoming module.​
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Retail Safari: On the arrival day of the seminar, we will conduct a Retail Safari. We will visit retail formats that fit thematically to the module. Guided by workshop questions, the participants work out their first insights in teams.
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Seminar: Participants meet for the seminar (2 days) after the digital preparation and the retail safari. In addition to discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches, the module is accompanied by a social program to foster informal exchanges with peers.
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Exam: During the retail excellence modules, participants must apply the conveyed concepts to their own company in an interactive group task and present it in front of their peers. The task must respond to a challenge in one's own company to generate meaningful insights for the participants and their companies.




ST.GALLEN
RETAIL STRATEGY
& BUSINESS MODEL
TRANSFORMATION
14 - 16 February 2024
BERLIN
DATA-MANAGEMENT
& CUSTOMER CENTRICITY
19 - 21 June 2024
BARCELONA
OMNICHANNEL MANAGEMENT
4 - 6 September 2024
ST. GALLEN
LEADERSHIP & THE FUTURE OF RETAILING
20 - 22 November 2024
COST AT A GLANCE
CAS International
Retail Management
CHF 17'900
Retail Excellence Module
CHF 4'900
Partner companies of our chair in the Ambassador Programme receive a 15% discount on the CAS programme and on the prices for the intensive seminars for their employees.
Content of the
Retail Excellence Modules
ST.GALLEN
RETAIL STRATEGY & BUSINESS MODEL TRANSFORMATION
Learning Objectives:
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Rethinking strategic plans in disruptive times and applying new approaches.
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Learn from best practice examples how to successfully plan and implement a transformation.
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Discuss transformation experiences with course participants to move your own company forward.
Core Topics:
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Core challenges in Swiss and European retailing.
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Strategy analysis of successful retail companies (USA, Asia, Europe).
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Strategy approach "High-Five" and profiling methodology.
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Business model transformation.
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Case studies: Alibaba, Amazon and Kohl's, IKEA, Inditex, Decathlon, Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Mercadona and others.


BERLIN
DATA MANAGEMENT & CUSTOMER CENTRICITY
Learning Objectives:
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Learn the basics of data management, privacy and security.
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Understand and learn about different data sources, basic interrelationships of IT systems and tools for data aggregation (Customer Data Platform).
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Understand AI/ML and trends in analytics.
Core Topics:
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Data security
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Data privacy / data protection
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Data sources in retail
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Interrelationships of IT systems
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Data management and analytics
BARCELONA
OMNICHANNEL MANAGEMENT
Learning Objectives
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Apply tools and strategies for successful omnichannel management.
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Understanding drivers of omnichannel profitability.
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Learn from best practice omnichannel retailers.
Core Topics:
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Customer journey
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Communication and branding
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Logistics processes
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Key performance indicators (KPI)
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Omnichannel-Strategy planning


ST.GALLEN
LEADERSHIP & THE FUTURE OF RETAILING
Learning Objectives
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Successfully lead retail companies with shared, digital and positive leadership as well as agile methods.
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Understand social commerce and virtual commerce (metaverse retail) as modern distribution models.
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Experience and understand Metaverse Retail in our immersive Metaverse Space.
Core Topics:
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Shared, digital and positive leadership
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Agile management
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Social commerce
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Virtual commerce
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Generative AI & Metaverse
SOME OF OUR SPEAKERS
Extraordinary speakers teach in our program. Our exceptional lecturers make our seminar unique from other executive education programs.
Application
Please complete the form to register for our CAS in International Retail Management.
CONTACT US

Andreas Hauschke
Seminar Coordinator
IRM-HSG
Office 2-210
Dufourstrasse 40a
9000 St.Gallen
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+41 71 224 28 56