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Introduction

In an era where the retail landscape is rapidly evolving, professionals need more than traditional skills to stay relevant. The integration of physical stores, digital platforms, and consumer touchpoints has transformed how businesses attract and retain customers. To address this shift, IIM Calcutta has launched the Executive Programme in Integrated Retail Management (EPIRM)  a forward-looking executive education initiative designed to equip professionals with the strategic and practical expertise needed to lead in modern retail and consumer sectors.

Strategic planning is key to success in modern retail ecosystems

Why This Programme Matters

Retail today is no longer defined by brick-and-mortar stores alone. Instead, it operates as a connected ecosystem that blends physical presence, online channels, mobile apps, customer services, and analytics-driven engagement. As consumers move seamlessly between these touchpoints, retail businesses must rethink their strategies to remain competitive. EPIRM prepares professionals to navigate this complex landscape with confidence and agility.

Programme Overview and Structure

The Executive Programme in Integrated Retail Management is a 9-month executive education course tailored for working professionals, entrepreneurs, and managers looking to expand their expertise in retail. It blends online learning with immersive campus modules to provide both flexibility and real-world exposure.

Key elements include:

• Live online sessions delivered by distinguished faculty from IIM Calcutta and industry experts.

• Two mandatory on-campus immersions, each spanning three days, for face-to-face interaction, networking, and deeper engagement with complex retail concepts.

• Capstone project focused on solving real business challenges in retail and consumer markets.

This blended delivery approach allows professionals to upgrade their skills while continuing to work.

Who Should Enroll

The programme is ideal for:

• Retail professionals and managers seeking leadership roles.

• Marketing and sales executives in consumer-facing companies.

• E-commerce and omnichannel specialists aiming to deepen strategic competencies.

• Entrepreneurs and business owners building or scaling retail and direct-to-consumer (D2C) ventures.

To be eligible, candidates should hold a graduate or postgraduate degree with at least two years of full-time work experience.

What You Will Learn

EPIRM offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the full spectrum of modern retail management:

• Fundamentals of retail marketing and operations.

• Strategic planning across omnichannel, digital, and physical retail formats.

• Understanding shopper behaviour and designing outstanding customer experiences.

• Applying AI, analytics, and data-driven tools to enhance pricing, inventory, and merchandising decisions.

• Retail communications and brand engagement in hybrid environments.

Participants learn through real-world case studies, interactive sessions, and group projects that mirror the complexity of today’s consumer markets.

Benefits of Completing the Programme

By the end of the course, participants will have:

• Strategic frameworks to drive retail innovation and growth.

• Digital and analytical competencies needed in omnichannel environments.

• A capstone project demonstrating practical problem-solving abilities.

• Executive Education Alumni Status from IIM Calcutta, enhancing professional credibility and network access

  
  

Conclusion

As retail continues to evolve driven by consumer behaviour, technology, and changing market dynamics professionals who expand their skills will be better positioned to lead strategic initiatives. IIM Calcutta’s Executive Programme in Integrated Retail Management offers a unique blend of academic rigor, practical application, and industry relevance to help participants excel in this dynamic environment.