In fashion retail, it takes two to tango. The Department of Fashion Merchandising partnered with the Center for Supply Chain Innovation and led 40 students to New York City for the National Retail Federation Student Program and the Big Show. 

The TCU College of Fine Arts and Neeley School of Business students immersed themselves in the heart of the retail and fashion industry during the intensive week, combining exclusive industry access, exposure to emerging technologies and career opportunities, seeing it all through their own eyes, as well as through those of their cross-campus peers.  

“It was especially valuable for our fashion students to further explore supply chain through this experience,” Rima Shrestha, fashion merchandising instructor, said. “While we do address these concepts within our program, seeing them applied at a deeper level reinforced that supply chain, while not always viewed as the ‘sexy’ side of the industry, is truly its backbone, and it was exciting to see several students’ interest noticeably sparked in this area.” 

Students participated in behind-the-scenes headquarters visits with leading fashion brands, including G–III, Golden Goose and LVMH, where executives shared insights on company strategy, career pathways and the evolving fashion industry.  

“The best way to exemplify the interdisciplinary concept was the experience for students to attend the G–III presentation, which focused on supply chain, and then those same students attended an afternoon session at Golden Goose, which was more focused on the fashion aspects of the business,” Nicole Bettinger, fashion merchandising instructor, said. “In order for fashion brands to be successful, all the functions and students’ areas of interest must collaborate for the common goal of fashion products being delivered to consumers. The creative design teams must work with the merchandise buying teams, who then must work with the supply chain teams to deliver the products in an efficient, timely manner.” 

AI and the Future of Retail 
A highlight was the NRF ’26 Retail’s Big Show, where students explored the world’s largest retail trade show and engaged with global brands, technology innovators and industry leaders. The scale of the event provided firsthand exposure to data-driven trends and emerging technologies shaping the future of retail.  

“Through interacting with corporate executives, supply chain students gained unique insights into the complexities of managing global retail supply chains,” said Morgan Swink, professor and Eunice and James L. West Chair of Supply Chain Management, as well as director of TCU’s Center for Supply Chain Innovation. “They learned about global trade tensions, regulatory constraints, sustainability concerns and other key drivers of change in supply chains.” 

Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme throughout the program. Discussions explored how AI is transforming the customer experience, including a session where executives from Gap Inc. and Daydream demonstrated how new AI-driven platforms are redefining shopping and personalization across the industry. The panel “Navigating the Early Talent Landscape in the Age of AI,” featuring executives from Walmart, PwC and the NRF Foundation, examined how AI is reshaping hiring, retention and early career development.  

Opening Eyes and Job Opportunities 
“The NRF Foundation Student Program offers students an exceptional and unforgettable experience,” Debra Proctor, assistant director of the TCU Center for Supply Chain Innovation, said. “Students in supply chain and business information systems gain vital industry insight, connect with peers nationwide, and often discover new career goals through interactions with leaders in supply chain and retail that they may not have previously considered.” 

This was true for the fashion merchandising students as well.  

“There is so much fluidity between roles in retail and even between industries,” said junior Isabelle Cosby, also a student in the John V. Roach Honors College. “Retail is such a good jumping off point for so many different career opportunities.” 

At the Young Professional Panel, emerging leaders shared personal career journeys and insights into building meaningful careers in retail and fashion. 

At the NRF Foundation Executive Mentor Experience and Career Fair, students engaged in small-group conversations with more than 100 retail leaders during mentor sessions and secured future opportunities at the career fair, which featured over 30 companies recruiting for internships and full-time roles. In addition, TCU hosted an alumni networking event with Horned Frogs currently working in the New York fashion industry.  

“I feel like the experience as a whole broadened my understanding of the industry,” said sophomore Ava Bratten, who is majoring in fashion merchandising and minoring in business. “I was provided with so much more context and feel much more prepared to start my job search.”