Phoenix, AZ – February 2022 – The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) recently recognized eight individuals who completed their Certified Retail Manager training and earned their certification at the 2022 PGA Show in Orlando, FL.
Prior to the soft launch of the Certified Retail Manager program in 2018, courses were initially offered only during the AGM’s annual Educational Retail Conference in Orlando, FL. In 2018, the program was expanded with sessions included in the PGA Show Education session series held in both Orlando and Las Vegas.
With the onset of Covid, and the rise in online educational content, the Certified Retail Manager Program found its footing in 2021 with the program transitioning to an online classroom environment held with meetings conducted over Zoom.
Students, encouraged to proceed at their own pace in the program, complete four Retail Strategies Courses and their accompanying tests. They must also attend a seminar on Visual Merchandising, a promotions seminar, and three additional AGM educational seminars of their choosing. A portfolio is then submitted to the committee for approval.
Over 50 students are currently working their way through the program.
On January 25, 2022, the following graduates were recognized at the annual AGM Educational Retail Conference and Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL:
Katie Camp, Director of Golf & Merchandise Operations Manager, Westfield Country Club – Westfield Center, OH
Wendy Cash, Golf Shop Supervisor, The Country Club of Virginia – Richmond, VA
Jacinta Courter, Retail Merchandise Sales Manager, Daniel Island Club – Charleston, SC
Tracy Edgemon, Merchandiser, Pelican Sound Golf & River Club – Estero, FL
Jodi Gascoigne, Golf Merchandiser and Buyer, Mizner Country Club – Delray Beach, FL
Erin McKenna, Merchandise Manager, Beechmont Country Club – Chagrin Falls, OH
Jennifer Morton, Marketing Manager, Association of Golf Merchandisers
Ken Morton, Jr., VP Retail & Marketing, Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop – Sacramento, CA
About the AGM Certified Retail Manager Program
Today’s golf shops are seeking more profitable retail operations that require a cohesive buying plan. Yet, many merchandisers, buyers, and golf professionals struggle to bring their big ideas to fruition. The real challenge lies in understanding retail metrics and applying key figures to improve sales, cost of sales, gross profit, inventory turnover, and dollar-per-round. The multi-level training program created by the Association of Golf Merchandisers aims to arm buyers with the knowledge and training necessary to maximize the revenues of their golf shop properties.
The AGM’s Certified Retail Manager Program takes buyers through the steps to become a successful and profitable buyer. In this program, they learn buying strategies, allowing one to:
- ADDRESS critical strategy questions such as:
- How to plan your merchandise mix
- How to calculate inventory levels
- How to buy with a focus on profitability
- EXPLORE the basic fundamentals of how to run a retail golf shop
- LEARN the importance of building and utilizing an Open-to-Buy and the importance of increasing turn rates and managing inventory levels
This program is designed for individual buyers and merchandisers or golf shop teams. Individual learners will work on projects specific to their unique business goals, while teams will accelerate the learning process by collaborating on business plans. The ideal candidate for this program includes:
– Director of Retail/Merchandiser/Buyer
– Merchandiser Assistant/Buyer Assistant
– Pro Shop Manager
– General Manager/Operations Manager
– Director of Golf
– PGA/LPGA/Head Golf Professional
– Assistant Golf Professional
– Retailing Student/Intern
– PGM Student/Intern
– PGA Associate
According to Katie Camp, Director of Golf & Merchandise Operations Manager and Certified Retail Manager from Westfield Country Club, the Certified Retail Manager Program “has elevated my skills and knowledge to a level that has afforded me more opportunity professionally.”
For more information on the AGM’s Certified Retail Manager Program, visit https://mailchi.mp/agmgolf/retail-strategies
To download a brochure on the program, visit: https://mcusercontent.com/b4873d3d8c44f0c7cf76083f5/files/dd8717e4-f9e9-4395-b7cd-0df70863098a/2_page_brochure_Certified_Retail_Manager_Program_final_WEB_042921.pdf
Ready to sign up for the Certified Retail Manager Program? Go to: https://form.jotform.com/210965855434160
About the Association of Golf Merchandisers
The Association of Golf Merchandisers is an international, professional organization of golf-related merchandisers and vendors. Members include buyers, merchandisers, golf professionals, students, club managers, owners and suppliers to the golf industry. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the AGM is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded in 1989 and governed by a 19-member volunteer Board of Directors. The AGM mission of education is to educate, elevate and enhance the golf retail experience.
More than 700 individuals representing private, public, resort and off-course golf specialty stores and students are active members of the AGM. Members of PGA of America and PGA of Canada comprise over 30% of the membership. AGM members are responsible for over 1,200 facilities and merchandise sales in excess of $800 million annually. Additionally, over 140 Vendor Partners participate and through their membership, they support AGM retail-related educational programs and networking events. Visit http://agmgolf.org/ for more information.
For details on joining the AGM, visit https://agmgolf.org/joinAGM/benefits/ or https://payhip.com/b/rjOG.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Morton, AGM Marketing Manager – jennifer@agmgolf.org– office: 916-871-2709
Desane Blaney, AGM Executive Director- desane@agmgolf.org – office: 602-604-8250
