Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing

What Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing does

The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing is an academic center within the University of Arizona's Norton School of Human Ecology, founded in 1993 as the Southwest Retail Center and renamed in 2005 after former Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren. It serves University of Arizona students pursuing retail and consumer science careers and connects them with industry employers through a portfolio of programs including the Global Retailing Ideas Summit (25+ years running), Student Global, Retail Fuse career events, study tours, Brand Storm and Sustainable Design Challenge competitions, Student Advisory Board leadership development, and TREND and NRFSA student organizations. The center also delivers customized Executive Education programs to enterprise clients (CBRE, PetSmart, Category Management Association) and recently launched the NielsenIQ Retail Measurement Systems Microcredential.

The center's core technology asset is the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab, a state-of-the-art learning environment featuring a Health & Beauty Digital Twin (a fully immersive virtual replica of a retail space), a Digital Makerspace with photogrammetry and Adobe Creative Cloud tooling, touchless POS systems (Mashgin), in-store tracking technology, and back-office software from Nielsen and Adobe. The center's business model is non-revenue-generating by design: it is funded through charitable donations — most notably a $5M gift from Terry and Tina Lundgren in April 2022 — and ongoing contributions from a Corporate Advisory Board that includes Macy's, Walmart, Nike, Winston Retail, Victoria's Secret, SAP, Braze, Planalytics, and Supima. Customized Executive Education and the NielsenIQ Micro-Credential constitute the modest service-based income streams. The center operates with a 1-10 person staff and serves a regional (Tucson/Southwest U.S.) student base, with limited international reach through its CBRE global program delivery.

Name

Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing

Legal name

Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing

Website

https://terryjlundgrencenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing is a University of Arizona academic center that develops future retail leaders through events, executive education, and a state-of-the-art Consumer Science Lab, funded by donations and corporate advisory partnerships including Macy's, Walmart, and Nike.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tucson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Corporate Advisory Partner Donations: The center is funded through partnership donations from participating retail and consulting firms represented on the Corporate Advisory Partners board. These partnerships fund student programming, scholarships, and center operations.
2. Philanthropic Gifts: Supported by major retailing, technology and consulting partners. Terry and Tina Lundgren made a $5M gift in April 2022 to fund collaborative research and education opportunities.
3. Professional Services / Executive Education: Customized training programs for retailers and industry professionals. Programs developed for CBRE, Category Management Association, PetSmart and others. Pricing is customized per organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing is an academic center within the University of Arizona that connects students with the retailing industry through signature events (Global Retailing Ideas Summit, Student Global, Retail Fuse), competitions (Brand Storm, Sustainable Design Challenge), customized Executive Education for corporate clients, a state-of-the-art Consumer Science Lab featuring VR and Digital Twin retail environments, an online NielsenIQ Micro-Credential in retail measurement, and academic programming in the Retailing and Consumer Science (RCSC) program. The Lundgren Retail Collaborative produces research and white papers bridging academia and industry.

Product overview

The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing operates as a comprehensive educational ecosystem at the University of Arizona, offering a unified portfolio of programs designed to develop future retail leaders. The Center's offerings span five interconnected pillars: (1) Signature Events including the Global Retailing Ideas Summit and Student Global for industry-student connection; (2) Career Development through Retail Fuse networking events, the Student Advisory Board leadership program, and the NielsenIQ Micro-Credential certification; (3) Experiential Learning via the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab with VR and digital twin capabilities, Study Tours, and Pop-Ups with Purpose student-led events; (4) Professional Development including Executive Education, Seminars & Workshops, and mentorship; and (5) Competitions including Brand Storm and Sustainable Design Challenge. The Lundgren Retail Collaborative serves as the research arm, producing white papers on retail innovation. All programs are coordinated through the Norton School of Human Ecology and leverage corporate partnerships for real-world relevance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lundgren Retail Collaborative: A groundbreaking initiative between the Norton School of Human Ecology and the Eller College of Management, dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry through cutting-edge research, insights, and innovative solutions for the retail sector.
• Lundgren Consumer Science Lab
• Executive Education
• Brand Storm
• Student Global
• Retail Fuse
• Global Retailing Ideas Summit

Products and services

• Global Retailing Ideas Summit Annual flagship summit bringing together retail industry leaders, innovators, and students to discuss trends, innovation, and strategies in retail through keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking.
• Student Global Student-focused component of the Global Retailing Ideas Summit offering professional development, keynote speakers, and collaborative roundtable discussions specifically for retailing and consumer sciences students.
• Retail Fuse Semi-annual career-focused networking event connecting students with retailers, brands, and industry leaders through panel conversations, guided discussions, and networking activities to facilitate internship and job opportunities.
• Executive Education Customized training programs for retail executives and industry professionals developed in partnership with University of Arizona faculty and industry experts; programs have been developed for CBRE (four-month immersive program expanded globally), PetSmart, and the Category Management Association.
• Seminars & Workshops Professional development sessions covering topics including LinkedIn and resume development, personal goal setting, retail technology, and effective collaboration, featuring industry leaders from major retailers.
• Study Tours Industry immersion trips visiting retailers, headquarters, and distribution centers in cities including Phoenix, San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, and Las Vegas, including visits to the MAGIC Fashion Trade Show and NRF Student Program.
• Brand Storm Competition Four-hour brand innovation competition where University of Arizona teams develop creative solutions to real-world brand challenges, with total prizes of $6,000 and a first-place prize of $3,000 in the Sustainable Design Challenge component.
• Sustainable Design Challenge Two-day sustainability-focused design competition where interdisciplinary teams create solutions to specific sustainability design challenges, with awards totaling $5,500 for top teams.
• NielsenIQ Retail Measurement Systems Micro-Credential 100% online certification teaching how to analyze real retail data using NielsenIQ tools, covering six self-paced modules on sales and market share analysis, pricing, promotions, category performance, and geographic analysis; includes hands-on exercises with real market data from over 72,000 U.S. stores and takes about 10 hours to complete.
• Lundgren Consumer Science Lab (LCS Lab) State-of-the-art retail learning environment featuring virtual reality, digital maker tools, in-store tracking technology, digital twin capabilities, photogrammetry, advanced display systems, and touchless POS technology for hands-on retail education and research.
• Lundgren Retail Collaborative Research initiative bridging academia and industry through collaborative research, insights, and innovative solutions for retail challenges, housed jointly within the Norton School of Human Ecology and Eller College of Management.
• Industry Mentorship Program Mentorship initiative connecting students with retail executives through the Global Retailing Ideas Summit, providing one-on-one or small group sessions, career panels, and weekly office hours with the Executive in Residence.
• Research and Publications Academic white papers and research publications addressing retail industry challenges including AI strategy and future of workplace topics, produced by the Lundgren Retail Collaborative for industry and academic audiences.
• Student Advisory Board (SAB) Leadership development program where student ambassadors coordinate programs, events, and networking opportunities while serving as liaisons between industry partners and the campus; current SAB has 15 members.
• Student Organizations (TREND Fashion Events Board and NRFSA) Student-led organizations supported by the Center: TREND Fashion Events Board plans campus fashion events and attends MAGIC/Phoenix Fashion Week; the National Retail Federation Student Association provides networking, case competitions, scholarships, and trips to the NRF Big Show.
• Pop-Ups with Purpose Student-led experiential learning events focused on social impact and community engagement, where students plan, promote, and execute pop-up shops featuring brand or nonprofit partners, including the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona partnership.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% of 2025 Global Retailing Ideas Summit attendees reported having a great experience
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Norton School of Human EcologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe center is housed within the Norton School of Human Ecology at the University of Arizona and works closely with the Retailing and Consumer Science (RCSC) academic program. Faculty from Norton School collaborate on center programming and student mentorship.
• Eller College of ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Lundgren Retail Collaborative is a joint initiative between the Norton School of Human Ecology and Eller College of Management, combining retail and consumer science expertise with business management education.
• NikecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDave Schechter, VP for Air Max at Nike, participates in center workshops and seminars, sharing industry expertise with students. Nike provides executive speakers and recruiting access.
• Winston RetailcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO Jan Croatt serves as Corporate Advisory Partner. Winston Retail participates in study tours and provides industry insights to students. She is also CEO & Founder of Winston Retail.
• Macy'scoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlake Witters, Professional Recruiting and College Relations at Macy's, serves as Corporate Advisory Partner. Macy's recruits students for internships and full-time positions through center events and Beyond the Brand program.
• SupimaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarc Lewkowitz, President and CEO of Supima, serves as Corporate Advisory Partner. Supima, a premium cotton brand, supports retail education initiatives.
• Victoria's Secret & Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBriana Edmonds, Recruiter, University Relations at Victoria's Secret & Co., serves as Corporate Advisory Partner. VS&Co. recruits students through Retail Fuse and other center events.
• Braze Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJen McIssac, VP of Customer Success at Braze Inc., serves as Corporate Advisory Partner. Braze provides customer engagement technology expertise to center programs.
• NielsenIQcoreTechnology or IntegrationNIQ provides the Retail Measurement Systems Microcredential program through the center, teaching students to analyze real retail data using industry-standard tools. Also provides Byzzer retail measurement services platform for Digital Twin applications.
• UA Campus StoreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with the center on the staged retail space in the Consumer Science Lab, providing real-world retail environment for student learning.
• CBREcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWorld's largest retail estate management firm engaged the center for a customized four-month executive education program covering product assortment, customer engagement, supply chain, merchandising and sourcing. Program expanded to global offices including Hong Kong, Japan, France, Spain, Italy, and Czech Republic.
• Category Management AssociationminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIndustry association engaged the center for customized executive education programs on category management topics.
• MAGIC Fashion Trade ShowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest fashion trade show in the US held in Las Vegas. TREND student organization attends annually, with students meeting industry leaders including Kelly Helfman, president of WWDMagic.
• National Retail Federation (NRF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNRFSA student club coordinates with NRF Foundation's annual Big Show in NYC. Students attend NRF Foundation Student Program and visit center Corporate Partners. NRF Foundation offers competitive scholarships.
• Shelley HuffminorStrategic or Co-development Partner2005 RCSC graduate, former CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding, former Global Officer at Walmart. Serves as Executive in Residence, providing weekly office hours for student mentorship including career coaching, interview prep, and industry insights.
• ZapposminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudy tour destination where students visit headquarters and immerse themselves in company culture. Part of Las Vegas MAGIC Fashion Trade Show and Study Tour itinerary.
• Girl Scouts of Southern ArizonaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner participating in Retail Fuse 2026 events, connecting students with community engagement opportunities in retail and consumer science.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wharton Baker Retailing Center (University of Pennsylvania): Premier university-affiliated retail research and education center with student programming, executive engagement, and corporate partner network — closely comparable in mission and structure.
• University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business: Hosts one of the most prominent retail-focused programs in the U.S. with a named retail center, executive engagement, and corporate advisory partners — closely mirrors the Lundgren Center model.
• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Specialized institution providing fashion and retail education, industry partnerships, and experiential learning — comparable retail-focused higher education model.
• Texas A&M University Center for Retailing Studies: University-anchored retail education and research center offering student programs, executive education, and corporate partnerships — directly comparable model to the Lundgren Center.
• LIM College: Specialized college focused on the business of fashion and retail, providing degree programs, industry partnerships, and career placement — directly comparable to the Lundgren Center's student development mission.

Emerging players

• Santa Clara University Retail Management Institute (Leavey School of Business): University-based retail education initiative with a curriculum and industry engagement focus, comparable in academic-talent-pipeline model though more focused on the West Coast.
• Bentley University (retail and marketing programs): Business-focused university with marketing and retail-related programs and corporate partnerships — comparable in student industry engagement but smaller retail-specific footprint.

Broad incumbents

• National Retail Federation Foundation: Industry-wide foundation focused on retail talent development, scholarships, and the NRF Big Show Student Program — comparable in industry talent pipeline mission, though larger and trade-association-affiliated.
• Babson College (Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship / retail programs): Broader business school with strong retail and consumer entrepreneurship offerings, executive education, and corporate partnerships — overlapping scope but broader mission than Lundgren.
• Columbia University (Columbia Business School retail programs): Elite business school with retail and consumer-focused electives, executive education, and corporate partner engagement — adjacent programmatic peer with broader scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/tjlcenter
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/UATJLCenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/the-terry-j--lundgren-center-for-retailing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing