India’s retail industry is on an unprecedented growth path—valued at $1.6 trillion by 2030, and expected to create 50M+ new jobs. Professionals who upskill today will be best placed to seize tomorrow’s leadership opportunities.

• Master omnichannel and digital-first retail strategies
• Adapt to rising consumer expectations and tech-led disruption
• Gain the IIM Calcutta edge to accelerate your career in a booming sector

This programme bridges strategy with technology, equipping you to lead in a digital-first, AI-powered retail environment.

• Gain mastery across retail formats, distribution channels, strategy, communication, finance, and the use of technology, digital, and AI
• Deep dive into the transformative role of digital and AI in reshaping the retail ecosystem
• Hands-on learning through group work, projects, and real-world assignments
• Apply knowledge via a Capstone Project focused on solving retail and innovation challenges

Retail today demands expertise who can think strategically and act digitally. This programme is ideal for:

• Retail and e-commerce managers seeking leadership roles
• Marketing, sales, and operations professionals aiming to leverage tech and AI
• Entrepreneurs looking to scale their retail ventures through innovation and omnichannel strategies

At IIM Calcutta, you’ll learn from the best of both worlds:

• Renowned IIM Calcutta faculty—experts in retail strategy, buyer–seller relationships, and consumer behavior
• Industry leaders—sharing cutting-edge practices, case studies, and digital-first insights

Getting started is simple:

• Submit your online application form and Statement of Purpose
• Eligibility: Graduate degree + minimum 2 years of professional experience
• Shortlisted candidates will undergo a selection process before enrollment

Unlike generic retail courses, this is the only executive retail management programme for professionals offered by an IIM or top management institute. It stands apart with:

• 100% live interactive sessions with IIM Calcutta faculty and industry experts
• A future-ready curriculum infused with tech, digital, omnichannel, and AI
• Hands-on learning through projects, assignments, and group work
• An IIM Calcutta Executive Education Certification that sets you apart in the industry
• Executive Alumni Status from IIM Calcutta for lifelong networking and credibility

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

• 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

Professionals with minimum 2 years of experience can join the program.

Upon successful completion, you will receive:

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

Yes. You will be awarded Executive Education Alumni Status from IIM Calcutta along with:

• Get an IIM Calcutta email ID after course completion
• Access the IIM Calcutta Alumni Portal
• Join a 33,000+ Executive Alumni Network
• Network with all IIM Calcutta Exec Ed alumni
• Receive updates on jobs, projects, and alumni news
• Avail 5% fee discount on other IIM Calcutta executive programs

The programme offers structured and informal networking touchpoints throughout:

• 2 on-campus immersions of 3 days each at IIM Calcutta 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: November 2026

Total Duration: 9 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, capstone project 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

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.

A certificate of successful completion is provided upon completion of all requirements of the program by 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:

• Application Fee: ₹2,500
• Programme Fee: ₹3,60,000

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

Yes the fee can be paid in installments, you can find the details here.

No, the application fee is non-refundable.

No. The programme fee is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

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.