Professionals need to upskill in retail management now because the industry is rapidly changing with advances in technology, evolving consumer expectations, and a shift towards data-driven decision making. Having enhanced skills in areas like customer targeting, operational excellence, and adapting to omnichannel retail is essential to thrive, differentiate, and remain competitive in today’s dynamic environment.

For those aiming to advance their careers, programs like the Advanced Programme in Retail Management at IIM Calcutta deliver targeted expertise and practical skills tailored to current industry needs—empowering professionals to take on strategic roles, respond to new market challenges, and create greater business value by mastering both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retail strategies.

This program prepares you for AI-powered retail growth by equipping you with the skills to leverage advanced analytics and AI tools for better decision-making across retail operations. It covers practical applications of AI in customer insights, inventory management, and personalized marketing, enabling you to harness data-driven strategies that drive efficiency and growth in the retail sector.

This programme is ideal for professionals looking to leverage technology, data and consumer insights in retail

The programme is led by IIM Calcutta’s renowned faculty, including Prof. Ramendra Singh and Prof. Avinash Kumar—experts in retail strategy, buyer - seller relationship etc.

You can apply online by submitting your application form and SOP. Eligible candidates (graduates with 2 years of experience) will go through a selection process before enrollment.

You will be learning alongside professionals with a minimum of 2 years of experience, including:

• Professionals from any domain looking to deepen their knowledge of retail management
• Retail professionals looking to leverage technology, data, and consumer insights in retail
• Aspiring leaders aiming to take on strategic and decision-making retail roles
• Entrepreneurs and founders looking to scale their business in an evolving retail landscape

The diverse peer group enhances cross-industry learning, network depth, and classroom discussion quality.

Upon successful completion, you will receive:

• A Certificate of Completion from IIM Calcutta, recognized across industries
• Certification will highlight your participation in a rigorous business analytics programme

Yes. You will be awarded Executive Education Alumni Status from IIM Calcutta, which includes:

• Access to the 32,000+ strong global alumni network
• Invitations to select IIMC alumni events and reunions
• Use of the IIM Calcutta Executive Education Alumni title and benefits

The programme offers structured and informal networking touchpoints throughout:

• 6 days on-campus immersions for in-person peer and faculty engagement
• Live online sessions and group work that foster collaboration
• Executive Education alumni status for continued connections post-programme
• Alumni groups and forums to stay in touch and exchange opportunities

All participants are required to execute, before the start of the program, an agreement that consists of the standard programme Terms and Conditions. It has the following components:

Part A:
1. Etiquette and Platform Rights
2. Classroom Etiquette & General Policy Guidelines
3. Tools and Platforms in Use
4. Tools and Platforms: Terms of Use

Part B: Honor Code

Part C: Certification

Part D: Programme Fee, Refund, and Termination Policy

Selection is designed to identify professionals who will benefit most from this leadership programme.

Candidates are evaluated based on:

• Professional experience (minimum 2 years preferred)
• Academic qualifications (minimum 50% in graduation/post-graduation)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) that outlines career goals and learning intent
• Fitment with the peer group to ensure meaningful cohort learning

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further discussion if required.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a graduate (in any discipline) with a minimum of 50% marks
• Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience

The application process is simple and entirely online:

• Step 1: Fill out the online application form
• Step 2: Submit your Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Step 3: Pay the application fee
• Step 4: Await selection confirmation and guidance on enrollment steps

You’ll be notified via email once your application is reviewed.

Module I – The Retail Marketing Mindset

• Perspectives on Retail Marketing
• Telling a Unified Brand Story with Integrated Marketing Communications

Module II – The Emergence of New Retail Frontiers

• The Evolution of Retail from Bazaars to Bots
• Understanding Key Trends and Drivers of Retail Environment
• Decoding Retail Formats from Hypermarkets to Pop-Ups
• Choosing the Right Strategy: Physical vs Digital vs Phygital
• The Rise of Omnichannel: Retail, E-tail, Social, and Beyond
• Redefining The Future of Retail Experience with Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) Model

Module III – Understanding the Retail Shopper

• Assessing and Influencing Store Format Patronage
• Decoding In-Store Consumer Behaviour
• Understanding the Online Consumer Journey
• Crafting Effective Shopper Marketing Processes
• Leveraging Social Media to Influence Shopper
• Making Sense of Retail Market Research and Analytics

Module IV – Cracking the Code of Retail Distribution

• Designing Smart Distribution Channels
• Logistics and Last-Mile Delivery in Retail
• Merchandising and Buying: Inside Channel Management
• Measuring the Right Channel Performance Metrics

Module V – Store Design as Strategy

• Choosing the Right Location: Science Meets Intuition
• Store Layout and Design: Creating Immersive Spaces
• Store Operations: Execution Excellence on the Ground

Module VI – Marketing Management for the Retail Era

• Understanding Consumer Behaviour and Creating Customer Value
• Marketing Strategy to Differentiate in a Crowded Retail Market
• Managing Products and Categories for Growth
• Pricing Strategies for Profit and Perception
• Managing Services to Create Memorable Experiences
• Building and Managing Retail Brands

Module VII – Retail Communications in a Hybrid World

• The Power of Retail Media: Owning the Shelf and the Screen
• Retail Communications Mix for In-Store Commerce
• Retail Communications Mix for E-Commerce and Quick Commerce
• Digital Marketing for Retail

Module VIII – Tech, Data & AI in Retail Decision Making

• Predictive & Prescriptive Analytics for Retail Leaders
• The Strategic Imperative for Digital Transformation in Retail
• Real-Time Insights into Shopper Behaviour
• AI in E-Commerce and Quick Commerce

Module IX – Leading Innovation in Retail

• Personalization at Scale: From Data to Delight
• Designing Immersive Luxury Brand Experiences
• Retail Financial Strategy & ROI: Measuring Innovation
• Innovation in Retail Supply Chains: Building Resilience
• Multi-platform Strategies (Digital and Social as Virtual Storefronts)

Start Date: February 2026

End Date: February 2027

Total Duration: 12 months

Blended format with on-campus and online learning

• 2 on-campus immersions (3 days each) at IIM Calcutta
• Live online sessions led by IIM Calcutta faculty
• Mix of case studies, quizzes and assignments

All sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing

However, full participation is recommended, especially for in-person sessions

Assessment will be based on:

• Participation in live sessions and discussions
• Group activities and simulations
• Assignments, case analyses, and capstone contributions

There are no written exams or coding tests.

Yes. You will need a laptop with:

• Reliable internet access
• Video conferencing capability
• Basic spreadsheet and presentation software

Reading material (pre/post session) will be shared regularly through the Online Learning Management System. The access will be available for 1 year from the date of the commencement of the programme.

Certificate of Completion from IIM Calcutta

You will also gain Executive Education Alumni Status, giving access to IIM Calcutta’s alumni network and events

The total programme fee is ₹3,60,000 (inclusive of all components):

• Application Fee: ₹2,000
• Registration Fee: ₹20,000 (part of the programme fee)
• Programme Fee: ₹3,60,000

This covers tuition, campus immersion sessions, learning materials, and certification.

Yes. The fee can be paid in three structured installments:

• Registration fee:₹20,000 – As per selection email
• 1st Installment: ₹1,20,000 – As per selection email
• 2nd Installment: ₹1,20,000 – Due by 31 May 2026
• 3rd Installment: ₹1,20,000 – Due by 30 Sep 2026

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

iPearl.ai (Interactive Platform for Experiential and Remote Learning) is created by TalentSprint. The platform integrates best-in-class open source technologies and SaaS services and perfected them over the last seven years.

When this platform was built, we intended to offer it to our partners and customers for digital learning and delivery. Since 2013, the platform has been extensively used by IIM Calcutta, Indian Institute of Sciences, IIT Kanpur, IIIT Hyderabad and IIT Hyderabad, and many more of our customers and partners. More than 300,000 students have used this platform, which is reputed for user experience, quality, and scale.

This feature-rich platform has become so popular that some of our partners are now using it for their academic needs.

The tried and tested direct-to-device platform enables 24 x 7 learning for its users. Some key benefits of the platform are:

• Intuitive student experience through a user-friendly LMS
• Seamless faculty experience through state-of-the-art Studios
• Highly Interactive Online Classes
• Effective group/peer learning/projects through Breakout Rooms
• Proctored Online Assessments with detailed analysis
• Insightful Reports on student engagement and performance
• Flexible integration with other components, as needed

A comparative study of iPearl.ai against Canvas, Impartus, Moodle, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom was conducted. Features in the following categories were compared:

• Instructor-led Learning
• Self-paced Learning
• Assessments/Evaluations
• User Experience
• Customer Support
• Scalability and Performance
• Integration and Customization
• Others

Do not worry. In case you miss a session, you will be given access to view the recorded version of the session soon.

• An internet-connected device, Computer/Laptop/Tablet/Smartphone, is enough to access the platform.
• Web camera and Mic with necessary power backup will be needed for proctored online assessments.

• EQUIS, AMBA & AACSB Accreditation
• #2 in Asia for B schools
• Ranked #65 in QS Global MBA Rankings
• Global Alumni Network

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta was established as the first national institute for Post Graduate Studies and Research in Management by the Government of India in November 1961, in collaboration with Alfred P. Sloan School of Management (MIT), the Government of West Bengal, The Ford Foundation, and the Indian Industry. Over the years, IIM Calcutta has grown into a mature institution with a global reputation, imparting high-quality management education. It has been playing a pioneering role in professionalizing Indian management through its Post Graduate and Doctoral level Programmes, Executive Training Programmes, and Research and Consulting Activities. For more information please visit the IIM Calcutta website.