Retailers Association of India (RAI), the unified voice of Indian retailers, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM), Hyderabad, to jointly design and deliver a Bridge Course in Functional Retail Management, alongside extending Academic Membership benefits for students and faculty.
This MoU marks a significant step in strengthening industry-academia collaboration, aiming to build next-generation retail professionals equipped with both managerial competencies and practical operational insight. The program is designed to bridge the knowledge gap between management education and the evolving needs of the retail sector.
Under the agreement, RAI will spearhead the delivery of the Bridge Course through 30 hours of classroom training, along with industry outreach activities such as live projects, guided store visits, and mentorship by senior industry experts. The curriculum covers key functional areas including Customer Experience Management, Store Operations, Merchandising, Shopper Behavior, Retail IT and CRM, and Retail Marketing, blending theoretical foundations with hands-on exposure.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI, said:
“With the Indian retail sector evolving rapidly, there is a growing demand for professionals who have both management acumen and a practical understanding of retail dynamics. This partnership with VJIM enables us to prepare students not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers in modern retail.”
As part of the Academic Membership, RAI will provide VJIM students access to internships, short-term industry projects, and placement assistance through RAI’s member network. The institute will also receive complimentary invites to RAI’s regional and national events, access to STOrai magazine, industry insights, and legislative updates. Additionally, five students will gain the opportunity to volunteer and support operations at RAI’s retail summits and conventions.
VJIM, with over 30 years of academic excellence, strong industry interface, global immersion programs, modern curriculum, and 500+ corporate tie-ups, brings a robust academic foundation, experiential pedagogy, and leadership in management education to this collaboration.
Commenting on the partnership, Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Bhushan Singh, Director, VJIM, said:
“Retail is no longer just a sector—it’s a career landscape with enormous potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. This MoU enables our students to better understand the industry’s realities, build employability, and solve real-world retail challenges.”
This collaboration aligns with VJIM’s mission of preparing students for careers in business management and entrepreneurship through innovative learning, industry mentorship, and experiential programs.
The Bridge Course will commence with a batch of 48 students, hosted at VJIM’s campus in Bachupally, Hyderabad. VJIM will facilitate programme logistics, student enrollment, and provide campus infrastructure and lodging for trainers.
The agreement is valid for one year from November 27, 2025, with the option to extend by mutual consent.
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