Santa Clara University

Retail Studies Program Activities

The RSSA (Retail Studies Student Association) sponsors numerous student activities that heighten the awareness of students in the Retail Management program and in the university. In doing so, more students become aware that retailing involves more than the traditional aspect of buying and selling. Successful retailers carry out current business practices in advertising, marketing, finance, distribution, production, etc.

• Speakers from Retail Industry

During retail weeks, various speakers from the industry visit the classroom and talk about a specified subject in the retail context. This past year the advanced senior seminar classes and industry executives shared their insights on mobile commerce, search engine optimization, global sourcing and localized assortment planning. Speakers in the past, have talked about issues on advertising, marketing, production and international business.

• Interviewing Skills

In order to prepare the juniors for their summer internship, RSSA sponsors interviewing workshops and forums where seniors can help mentor juniors preparing for upcoming internship interviews.. The seniors usually give the juniors the "do's and don'ts" of the interviewing process through mock interviews. Resume workshop helps students create a resume that grabs the readers attention.

• Field Trips to Retailers in the Bay Area

The program allows students to do numerous events, depending upon how many things RSSA wants to sponsor. In 2011, RSSA organized a field trip to visit Levi Strauss & Co. headquarters in San Francisco where they met with merchandising, production and marketing executives. Students also visited the messenger bag manufacturer, Timbuk2, and learned about the company's highly innovative mass customization e-commerce business model. This year we have a corporate tour scheduled with GAP, Inc.

• Quarterly Meeting and Dinner (three per school year)

Students of the program gather together and discuss upcoming events in the quarter. The director, associate director, RSSA president and retail studies faculty join students.

• RSSA Executive Board

The RSSA Executive Board enables students in the program to hold leadership positions during the course of the school year. Leadership positions include president and seven committee chairs: fundraising, newsletter, community outreach, publicity, recruiting, mentor program, and corporate liaison. 

• Christmas Gift Giving

This is definitely one of the best RSSA sponsored events of the year. The Christmas Gift Giving is RMI's way of giving back to the community. The program donates $300 worth of toys for needy kids. Students are asked to bring a toy to the event for a donation.

• Fundraising Event

Every year, RSSA is responsible to raise funds for sponsored events. Usually, a spring raffle is held. The program receives generous donations from major retailers for the event. Money collected goes toward student activities on and off campus.