The Salling Foundations donate DKK 1.7 million more to unique research and degree programme in retail management

Last year, Aarhus BSS introduced a new Master’s degree programme in Commercial and Retail Management - a track on the MSc in Economics and Business Administration. The new programme was the result of a close collaboration between companies and the university, and it was the first of its kind in Denmark.  

Salling Group and the Salling Foundations, which own Salling Group, have been key drivers behind the new programme. They initiated the programme and have also provided the largest financial contribution. Now Købmand Ferdinand Sallings Mindefond ((the late founder’s memorial foundation) is donating an additional DKK 1.7 million to promote the programme and the research that forms the basis of the new retail management track on the MSc in Economics and Business Administration.

With the new donation, the Salling Foundations have donated a total of DKK 5 million. Thomas Pallesen, dean at Aarhus BSS, is delighted with the close collaboration:

“Salling Group is the largest retail chain in Denmark, and it is of invaluable importance to us that we are able to launch a new programme and support the research in the field with the help of some of the largest companies in the business and backed by a significant contribution from the Salling Foundations. With their knowledge and competences, we are able to offer our students a research-based degree programme within a rapidly developing field.

There are many possibilities within the retail sector, and the Salling Foundations are pleased to be able to help develop and create the talents of the future. They are ones who will be contributing to creating growth and running successful and responsible businesses in some of the largest and most talented Danish companies.

“For us, it is entirely natural to take responsibility in the business that we are part of. The new talents are now demonstrating their willingness to join the retail business of the future, and they deserve that we show them how to get the best start to their retail career. We look forward to following the programme from the sidelines and to sharing the knowledge of our experts with the students on the new Master’s degree programme,” says Per Bank, chair of Købmand Ferdinand Sallings Mindefond and President and CEO of Salling Group.

Massive support for the new programme

The new Master’s degree programme in Commercial and Retail Management has been well-received by the students. The applications are still being processed, but Aarhus BSS is expecting to welcome approximately 100 students to the programme on 1 September 2020.

“In terms of the number of applicants, things are looking very promising. In fact, no other track has ever seen such huge support and student interest,” says Thomas Pallesen.

Salling Group is also pleased with the high number of applications:

“We are delighted that so many students would like to immerse themselves in our industry. Today, working in retail demands highly specialised knowledge and an in-depth insight into anything from strategies, consumer behaviour and responsible procurement. The graduates will gain all of these competences. For this reason, we also look forward to welcoming many of the students to Salling Group - either during their studies as interns, Master’s thesis students or student workers or as graduates,” adds Louise Gade, Executive Vice President of HR in Salling Group.

The commercial and retail management research group consists of Professor Sacha Steinmann, two assistant professors and two PhD students. The other project partners are Arla, Bestseller, Danish Crown, Dagrofa, JYSK, KFI Industrial Foundation, the Branded Manufacturers Association – MLDK.dk, and REMA 1000.

For more information, please contact:

Aarhus BSS
Thomas Pallesen, dean
Email: pallesen@au.dk
Mobile: 20373932

Salling Group & the Salling Foundations:
Email: press@sallinggroup.com

Phone: 87 78 50 02