CAS in International Retail Management

Retail excellence is essential in today's competitive market and stagnant revenue growth. The CAS (Certificate of Advanced Studies) program of the Institute of Retail Management at the University of St. Gallen provides the skills needed to succeed globally. Watch the video below to learn how this program can help you excel.

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Master the Retail Industry!

  • 4 Retail Excellence Moduls

    Our program has four dynamic retail excellence modules, offered twice in St.Gallen and once each in Berlin and Barcelona. These retail excellence Modules are designed to stand alone, allowing you to choose the best suits your needs.

  • State-of-the-Art Research

    Each Retail Excellence Module delves deep into different aspects of retail management, offering cutting-edge insights and strategies. Each Retail Excellence Module offers engaging discussions and access to our latest books and state-of-the-art studies.

  • Exceptional Speakers

    Each Retail Excellence Module presents an opportunity to connect with exceptional figures from the retail realm, engaging in insightful discussions and gaining perspectives from industry leaders.

Strive for Excellence!

START.LEARN.LEAD

Online Preparation

Each participant completes a REDx online course that thematically explains the basics of the upcoming module.​

Retail Safari

On the arrival day of the Retail Excellence Module, 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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Retail Excellence Module

Participants meet for the Retail Excellence Module (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.

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. 

learning is a continuous process

Structure of the Program

The Certificate Requirements include Compulsory Subjects, Core Electives, and a Final Exam.

The most extraordinary sessions are the Retail Excellence Modules. Additionally, participants must attend a minimum of 3 out of 6 Research Workshops offered annually. The final exam evaluates participants' knowledge through a written essay, focusing on applying the acquired knowledge to their respective companies.

Discover our current Research Workshops!

The Retail Excellence Modules

University of St.Gallen HSG Square Building

Retail Excellence Module I

St.Gallen

Retail Strategy & Business Model Transformation

11 - 13 February 2025

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Berlin cityscape with Fernsehturm TV Tower, Red Town Hall, and Spree River at sunset

Retail Excellence Module II

Berlin

Retail Technologies & Innovation

18 - 20 June 2025

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La Sagrada Família in Barcelona skyline with city rooftops and mountain backdrop

Retail Excellence Module III

Barcelona

Omnichannel Management

3 - 5 September 2025

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Hauptgebäude Main Building University of St.Gallen HSG

Retail Excellence Module IV

St.Gallen

Leadership & the Future of Retailing

19 - 21 November 2025

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Dates for 2026

Retail Excellence Module I in St.Gallen: 30 March - 01 April 2026

Retail Excellence Module II in Berlin: 17 - 19 June 2026

Retail Excellence Module III in Barcelona: 02 - 04 September 2026

Retail Excellence Module IV in St.Gallen: 18 - 20 November 2026

Let our Graduates speak for us:

  • Stephan Schenk CEO Founder of Stapelstein

    "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."

    Stephan Schenk

    Founder & CEO @Stapelstein

  • Carol Berger-Renfer Chief Marketing Officer Möbel Pfister AG

    "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."

    Carol Berger-Renfer

    CMO @Möbel Pfister

  • Felix Jostarndt OBI Bain

    "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."

    Felix Jostarndt
    Former Country Manager     @Obi

  • Raluca Hartmann Cluster Manager KiK Eastern Europe

    "The CAS in International Retail Management program provided invaluable insights that transformed my strategic approach to retail. The combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience enabled me to implement innovative solutions in my role immediately."

    Raluca Hartmann

    Cluster Manager @KiK

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Questions? We have Answers

FAQ - Frequently asked Questions

When are the dates for 2026?

  • Retail Excellence Module I in St.Gallen: 30 March - 01 April 2026
  • Retail Excellence Module II in Berlin: 17 - 19 June 2026
  • Retail Excellence Module III in Barcelona: 02 - 04 September 2026
  • Retail Excellence Module IV in St.Gallen: 18 - 20 November 2026

Can I attend the Retail Excellence Modules individually, or do I need to complete all of them?

The Retail Excellence Modules are designed as stand-alone courses, so you can attend them individually according to your needs. However, to obtain the CAS certificate, participation in all Retail Excellence Modules is required.

What is the timeframe for completing the program?

The program can be finished within one or two years.



Which topics are covered in the research workshops?

The research workshops address current issues in retail management. They present cutting-edge research in a practice-oriented format, giving participants the opportunity to explore key topics, engage in discussion, and contribute their own perspectives. The list of current research workshops can be found here.



What is the program's language?

The Retail Excellence Modules are taught in English. The research workshops are offered either in English or in German, depending on the topic.

Are ECTS credits awarded, and is the program recognized by the University of St.Gallen?

Yes. The CAS in International Retail Management is a continuing education program of the University of St.Gallen and is officially recognized. Participants who successfully complete the program are awarded 10 ECTS credits.

What are the admission requirements for participants?

When selecting participants, we value diversity in professional background and experience. Key criteria include your career track record, completed education or training, and a clear connection to the retail industry.

What is included in the tuition fee, and what is the total investment?

The tuition fee for the CAS in International Retail Management is CHF 17,900. This includes all course materials, examination fees, culinary highlights during the module days, and participation in the program's evening events. Members of the Retail Lab Partnership Program of the Institute of Retail Management (IRM-HSG) benefit from a discount of up to 15%.



How can I apply for the CAS?

To apply, please submit the contact form, and we will send you the registration documents. As places are limited, admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is online participation possible?

No. The CAS thrives on active engagement and personal interaction among participants, which also creates valuable networking opportunities. These aspects can only be ensured through on-site participation.

Book the whole Certificate or individual Retail Excellence Modules!

Please get in touch with us now for further information on our upcoming program!

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