In an era where the global retail industry is rapidly transforming, there is a surging demand for retail leaders equipped with advanced management skills and digital innovation capabilities. Canada's top institution, McGill University, through its Desautels Faculty of Management, offers the Master of Management in Retailing (MMR) — a specialized degree program designed to meet this growing market need.
The McGill MMR is a flexible, professional graduate program offered in two formats: a 12-month full-time option or a 24-month part-time option. It primarily delivers instruction online with an optional in-person component. Taught in English, it provides specialized training for current retail professionals as well as students aspiring to enter the retail industry. The program focuses on developing strategic management skills specific to retail, digital innovation capabilities, and leadership, blending academic rigor with practical industry relevance to prepare graduates for the ever-evolving retail landscape.
A standout feature of the MMR program is its curriculum, closely aligned with industry needs and developed with input from retail leaders. The program emphasizes digital transformation and innovation in retail, offering experiential learning through the Bensadoun School of Retail Management’s Burt Retail Innovation Lab, and provides a global retail perspective. Courses are taught by world-class faculty with retail expertise, and students benefit from McGill’s extensive alumni network and strong industry partnerships with leading retail organizations.
Core areas of study include retail strategy and leadership, digital transformation in retail, consumer insights and analytics, supply chain management, financial analysis for retail decision-making, sustainability and ethics in retail, omnichannel retail experiences, and retail innovation and technology. Learning methods involve case studies, simulations, industry guest speakers, networking events, and applied projects. The program culminates in a capstone applied retail management project, carried out in collaboration with industry partners.
The Burt Retail Innovation Lab is a major highlight of the program, offering students the chance to experiment with cutting-edge retail technologies and strategies. Furthermore, partnerships with major retail organizations provide opportunities for guest lectures, case studies, and applied project collaborations.
From a career development standpoint, MMR graduates can pursue diverse career paths such as retail management leadership, digital retail strategy, omnichannel operations management, retail analytics, merchandise management, e-commerce management, retail innovation leadership, and retail consulting. Target industries include department stores and specialty retailers, e-commerce companies, luxury retail, consumer goods companies, retail tech firms, retail consulting, and retail startups.
Throughout the program, students will cultivate critical skills such as strategic retail management, digital transformation leadership, data-driven decision-making, omnichannel operations, retail innovation management, customer experience design, retail financial analysis, and retail technology implementation. Graduates occupy leadership positions in major global retail organizations, with strong representation across both traditional retail companies and digital retail innovators.
Founded in 1821 and located in Montreal, Quebec, McGill University consistently ranks among the top universities both globally and within Canada. The Desautels Faculty of Management is renowned for excellence in management education and boasts a strong alumni network across business, government, and various industries. The school enjoys an outstanding international reputation, a diverse student body, and specialized centers and faculty recognized for expertise in retail management education and research.
The MMR program is tightly aligned with the latest retail industry trends, including digital transformation, omnichannel integration, data analytics, sustainability, innovation, global perspectives, and experiential retail. It emphasizes digital skills and innovation to address rapid technological changes in retail, seamless integration of physical and digital retail experiences, consumer insights and data-driven operational decision-making, the importance of sustainability and ethical practices, exploration of emerging technologies and business models through the Burt Retail Innovation Lab, incorporation of international retail case studies, and a focus on customer experience design and innovative retail concepts.
For professionals aspiring to develop leadership careers in the fast-changing retail environment, McGill University's Master of Management in Retailing offers an ideal choice. It combines the academic rigor of a world-class university with industry-relevant practical training, fully preparing students for success in the retail sector.
