Stock Clerk / Glossary :

Sale Price

n. The reduced or discounted PRICE of an ITEM that's ON SALE.

Sales Floor

n. Any public area where CUSTOMERS may tread (with restrooms possibly excepted). Often simply FLOOR.

n. 1. A laser-based device for reading UPC BAR CODES, including devices embedded in the checkout registers as well as hand-held register-specific devices for pricing objects that are large, awkward, or otherwise cumbersome to place on the checkout register's conveyor belt. 2. An remote, fixed-location in-AISLE WI-FI connected PRICE CHECK, UPC BAR CODE and BONUS CARD reader available for CUSTOMER use. 3. A special hand-held, WI-FI connected remote device used by DEPARTMENT MANAGERS and PRICE CONTROL for managing INVENTORY, ordering PRODUCTS, verifying PRODUCT status and PRICES, etc. See GUN.

Schedule

n. A weekly timetable showing what days and hours an EMPLOYEE is expected to WORK. Compare NOT SCHEDULED. —v. To follow, prepare, provide input to or modify such timetables: “Please don't schedule me next Wednesday.” See also CLOCK.

NOTE: Schedules are posted weekly by DEPARTMENT, and are supposed to be up no later than noon on Friday for the week following.

Scrape-Off

n. If you're not careful, what can sometimes happen to things that are piled too high on the SPECIALS RUNNERS when you pull them out of their BAYS.

Scratcher

n. A scratch-off, “instant-winner” lottery ticket. See also LOTTO.

NOTE: A popular way for many employees to gamble away some of what little money they've earned.

Second FRONT

n. See EXTRA VALUE ZONE. Also 2^nd FRONT.

Security

n. The DEPARTMENT with oversight responsibilities for the lawful behavior of all EMPLOYEES and CUSTOMERS.

NOTE: The STORE'S Security force operates mainly under cover, and works in cooperation with local law enforcement. I have seen several people arrested for SHOPLIFTING over the years, as well as seen EMPLOYEES terminated for inappropriate behavior.

WARNING: Some people can be very dangerous when confronted. So, observe, yes, but then immediately notify a MANAGER of anything unusual or suspicious. Don't ever take it upon yourself to attempt to apprehend anyone.

Security Camera

n. For safety and security purposes, video cameras monitor and tape activity throughout the STORE and its environs, including the parking LOT, LOADING DOCKS, DEPARTMENT BACKROOMS, and so on.

NOTE: Upon walking into the STORE, you can see yourself on a video monitor. This is known as sending folks a message. However, there are some who still don't get it. A few have learned the hard way that the STORE'S video tapes can and have been used for criminal prosecutions as well as internal disciplinary actions.

Service

n. An intangible activity that assists a CUSTOMER to accomplish a task or purpose. Compare PRODUCT.

Service Desk

n. See CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK.

Service Operations Manager (SOM)

n. (* DEFINITION GOES HERE *).

NOTE: As it happens, I'm told my STORE doesn't presently have anyone in the SOM role. It's been subsumed into the COM, or CUSTOMER OPERATIONS MANAGER'S position. Thus, your constructive input would be appreciated!

Shadow Box

n. See Backdrop.

Shark-Cut

v. To open a CASE or BOX by closely cutting three sides of the top using an upward diagonally-angled blade so that just the corner triangular bead of CARDBOARD joining the lid to the sides is separated or removed, and the interior of the CASE or BOX is just barely penetrated without touching any of the contents inside. So called because the tip of the BOX CUTTER BLADE is seen to move along the BOX'S upper edge just above or slightly below the surface, akin to a shark's fin cutting through water. —n. Any CUT so made. See also BASE-CUT, BOX CUTTER, H-CUT, LIFT-CUT, PEEK-CUT, STACK-CUT, TAPE-CUT, TOP-CUT, TRAY-CUT, WINDOW-CUT, X-CUT.

NOTE: A Shark-Cut is an angled variation of a regular TOP-CUT. Don't attempt one with a dull blade; it has to be new and sharp. Not the fastest (See X-CUT), but perhaps the best way to open difficult CASES that would otherwise not provide a nicely STACKABLE remnant if you followed the so-called “Easy Opening” method suggested on the packaging by the manufacturer.

Candidates? CASES of pudding and gelatin cups come to mind. Likewise some cake and brownie mixes, where the CASE is supposedly a DISPLAY unit. Yet, if you open the sides where they're glued, either the CASE falls apart, or stuff falls out the next time your CART goes over a bump. Or maybe, if you open that Zip tab on top, you have an awkward hole to deal with, and a not-so-great floppy lid.

Forget it. When you think there's going to be some leftover to go back into the BACK ROOM, cut your own lid and there's much less muss and fuss in the long run. The little bit of extra trouble can be well worth it.

Exceptions? For one, those small cases of Gerber® baby food in plastic twin-packs of plastic cups. The unglued sides fall open if you Shark-Cut the case. Problematic.

Sheet

n. 1. See NEGATIVE ORDER WORKSHEET: “Have you seen the sheet?” 2. See ASSET TRACKING WORKSHEET: “Don't forget to put that on the sheet!”

NOTE: Context—where you are and what you're doing—generally tells you which Sheet they're talking about. In the GROCERY BACK ROOM it's Sheet1, the NEGATIVE ORDER WORKSHEET, and on the LOADING DOCK it's Sheet2, the ASSET TRACKING WORKSHEET.

Shelf

n. 1. By shortening, representative of any and all shelving in the public areas of the STORE which is used to support and DISPLAY ITEMS for sale: “Is that on the shelf?” 2. The specific SPOT or HOLE where an ITEM belongs: “Be sure that goes to the shelf.” 3. The long, narrow, silver-colored metal, angled shelf that fits between the slats of a BACKDROP, as on an END-CAP: “You'll need a shelf.” See BACKDROP. —v. To put an ITEM into it's proper SPOT on the SHELF: “Shelf this.” See WORK. See also SHELF OUT.

NOTE: By implication, the expectation when you're told to Shelf something is that it should all GO. However, if not, the remainder goes to the BACK ROOM as either SPECIALS or BACK-STOCK, as appropriate.

Shelf Clip

Shelf Clips

Shelf Clip

n. A small, clear, more or less C-shaped narrow plastic strip that has a friction grip near one end for holding DISPLAY SIGNS by their edges and which can be gently squeezed to make it slip into a track that runs along the entire length of the front edge of a standard STORE SHELF. Typically used in pairs to hold 3-UPs on END-CAPS and WINGS.

NOTE: A special BLACK RACK CLIP variant with curved hook is required to hold 3-UPs on BLACK RACKS. See BLACK RACK CLIP.

Shelf Dividers

n. Thin, upright organizational aids, usually CARDBOARD or PLASTIC, used to help clearly separate similar ITEMS, as between tiny stacked jars of baby food, or boxed packets of gravy mixes, etc. May or may not protrude beyond the SHELF FACE. Usually has manufacturer's BRAND and/or PRODUCT decorations.

Shelf Out

v. To remove a quantity of PRODUCT from a DISPLAY and, to the fullest extent possible, refill its regular SPOT on the SHELF: “Shelf Out the foil shipper near the front of 13.”

TIP: Shelf Out 1's & 2's. After you've filled the HOLE, yet have one or two pieces left over, don't bring them back! Instead, try to either gently JAM them into the HOLE or gracefully HIDE them nearby. The idea is to save your team time by reducing unnecessary handling. As for three extras, um, maybe. But, four or more should usually either stay on the SPECIALS CART or go into BACK-STOCK, as appropriate. Likewise, there are some single ITEMS that are so bulky, they just have to come back.

Shelf Tag

n. An ITEM'S PRICE TAG, affixed to the shelf supporting it, at the leftmost edge of the ITEM'S HOLE. See also DANGLER.

NOTE: There are many different types of Shelf Tags, including the REGULAR PRICE tag, SALE PRICE tag, DISCONTINUED tag, and so on.

If the Shelf Tag you need to look at is missing, take the ITEM in question to PRICE CONTROL to SCAN its UPC with a GUN in order to get the STORE CODE, and to perhaps also learn whether or not the ITEM is currently ON SALE (although one of the STORE'S in-AISLE PRICE CHECK SCANNERS may be able to tell you that). You may or may not be instructed to leave the ITEM you brought, in order for PRICE CONTROL to make a replacement Shelf Tag.

Moving Shelf Tags is a no-no. You only do it if you've previously gotten instructions and/or permission to CUT IN a new PRODUCT or to expand one HOLE at the expense of another.

DETAILS: Shelf Tag ANATOMY. OK. Fair warning: this is the deep end of the pool. At one time I wondered what are all of the things that make up a Shelf Tag, or, what would the definition of a Shelf Tag look like? So, I tried to write one. And that's what you see below: the results of my research at one particular point. (Doubtless Shelf Tags will continue to change over time, so please just take this as a demonstration of principle.)

Now, if the definition happens to look a little strange, that's because it's written in computer-ese. More specifically, I used what one might call a loosely written modified Extended Backus-Naur (BNF) form with POSIX and GREP extensions.

Say, “Eh?” Well, the overall idea is simply that you have to define things as you go, taking absolutely nothing for granted. For instance, as you'll see below, even a single “LETTER” must be defined, here as one thing selected from the list “[ ]” of capitals and lower-case A through Z. Likewise, “*” means “zero or more;” “+” means “one or more;” “|” means “or,” and so on. In just a few moments, you can probably get the hang of it.

Shelf_Tag =
- , Retail_Price_Info =
  - , Item_Name = Manufacturer_Name, Blank, Product_Name ;
    - Manufacturer_Name = Character_String ;
      - Character_String = [ Letter* | Symbol* | Digit* | Blank* ]+ ;
        
        Letter = [A-Za-z] ;
        Symbol = [!"#$%&'()*+,-./:;?@\[\\\]_`{|}~^=<>] ;
        Digit = [0-9] ;
        Blank = [ \t] ;
    - Product_Name = Character_String ;
  - , Size_or_Quantity =
    - , Quantity = Integer {, ".", Integer }? ;
      - Integer = Digit {, Digit }* ;
    - , Units =
      - [ ( "CT" | "COUNT" )
      - | ( "OZ" | "OUNCE"{"S"}? )
      - | ( "FOZ" | "FLUID OUNCE"{"S"}? )
      - | ( "LB" | "POUND"{"S"}? )
      - | ( "SQF" | "SQUARE ", ("FOOT" | "FEET") )
      - ] ;
    - ;
  - {, Count_per_Case}? = Integer ;
  - {, UPC_Numeric_Code}? =
    - , Digit
    - , "-"
    - , Digit{5}
    - , "-"
    - , Digit{5}
    - {, "-", Digit}?
    - ;
  - {, Week_Number_Tag_Posted}? = [1-52] ;
  - {, Retail_Code = Commodity_Code, " - ", Store's_Stock_Code}? ;
    - Commodity_Code = Digit{2|3|4|5} ; (* For ordering TAGS by an entire section *)
    - Store's Stock Code = {Digit,}? Digit{5} ; (* Usually 6, but 5 digits if omit leading 0. *)
  - {, [ UPC_Bar_Code | "DSD" | (Discontinued_Date, Pull_Date) ]}? ;
    - UPC Bar Code = (* Pattern of Thick and Thin Vertical Bars *)
    - Discontinued_Date = Month_Number,"/",Day ;
      - Month_Number = [01-12] ;
      - Day = [01-31] ;
    - Pull_Date = Month_Number,"/",Day ;
  - , Retail_Unit_Price =
    - , ["UNIT PRICE" | "Unit Price without Bonus Card"]
    - , Price = [ Dollar_Price | Cents_Price ] ;
      - Dollar_Price = "$", Integer {, "." Digit{2}}? ;
      - Cents_Price = Digit {, Digit}?, "¢" ;
    - , "PER"
    - , [ Units | Quantity ] ;
  - , Retail_Price =
    - , ["RETAIL PRICE" | "Price without Bonus Card]
    - {, Quantity, ("FOR" | "/")}?
    - , Price
    - ;
  - ;
- {, Dangler_Info}? =
  - | On_Sale =
    - , Sale_Price_Info =
      - , Sale_Unit_Price =
        
        , ["UNIT PRICE" | "Unit Price with Bonus Card"]
        , Price
        , "PER"
        , [ Units | Quantity ] ;
      - , Date_Sale_Ends = "Thru:" Month, " ", Day, {" TPS"}? (* TPS = “Temporary Price Savings”*);
        
        Month = [JAN-DEC] ;
        Day = [01-31] ;
      - {, "WITH BONUSCARD"}?
      - , [ Sale_Price | Deal] ;
        
        Sale_Price = Price (* < Retail_Price *)
        Deal = "BUY ONE GET ONE FREE OF EQUAL VALUE" (* E.g. *)
    - , Savings_Info = "Bonus Buy Savings", "Save", Savings_Amount {, Requirements}? ;
      - Savings_Amount = Price (* I.e., = Retail_Price - Sale_Price *) ;
      - Requirements =
        
        [ "WITH BONUSCARD"
        | "ON", Quantity {,"WITH BONUSCARD"}?
        | "Must Buy ", ["Quantity" | Quantity]
        ] ;
  - | New_Item = "New Item", "GOOD THRU", Date
    - Date = Month_Number, "/", Day, "/", Year = Digit{2}
  - | New_Low_Price = "New! Low Price"
  - | Extra_Rewards = "EXTRA REWARDS"{4}, Message, "EXTRA REWARDS Savings!"
    - Message = "Buy 2 THRU ", Date," GET A CHECKOUT COUPON FOR $1.00 OFF YOUR NEXT SHOPPING ORDER", "MINIMUM $1.00 PURCHASE REQUIRED" (* E.g. *)
  - | Store_Brand =
    - | Tout = ((* Store_Logo *), "Top Quality, Lower Price.")
    - | Generic = ("GV", "Guaranteed Value", "Good Quality.", "Everyday Low Price.", ("Exclusively at", (* Store Name *) ) ;)
    - | Health_&_Beauty = ("CareOne(TM)" ;)
    - | Laundry_&_Cleaning = ("Pure Power" ;)
    - | Pet_Products = ("Companion(TM)", Pet", "Your Trusted Friend(TM)" ;)
    - ;
  - | Compare_and_Save =
    - , "SAVE UP TO", Price, "Compared To"
    - , {STORE, Price, "Price Checked on ", Date }+
      - STORE = Character_String ;
    - , "GOOD THRU " Month_Number", "/", Date ;
  - | Discontinued = "Discontinued Item", {"SALE Clearance SALE"}?, "While Supplies Last"
  - ;
- ;

For more about BNF, see for example:

^{^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backus-Naur_form#Variants}}

Shelf Tag Notations

n. Any marks or other notes that the PRICE CONTROL DEPARTMENT writes on SHELF TAGS. See also CASE NOTATIONS.

NOTE: Needless to say, STOCK CLERKS do not in any way mark or alter SHELF TAGS. That's strictly the job of PRICE CONTROL. Examples of their notations include:

Mark	Meaning
B	B-ITEM (i.e., soon to be DISCONTINUED)
DBL	“Double” (i.e., ITEM is in two SPOTS; don't double ORDER)
DISC.	DISCONTINUED ITEM
NOF ISP	“Not On File; In-Store Price”
(Red Line Strike-Out Through Description)	Do not ORDER

B - See B-ITEM.

DBL - The classic example of a legitimate doubled ITEM—that is, one that appears in two different SPOTS on the SHELF—is organic peanut butter. You'll find it in the peanut butter AISLE, and you'll also find it in the organic ITEMS AISLE. Parmesan cheese, same thing: both in the pasta section and in Dairy. In each case, one of the two TAGS may be marked DBL to alert the person holding the GUN that there's another SPOT to check before ORDERING more. STOCK CLERKS must remember to THROW the ITEM to both SPOTS. Thus it's a good idea to jot down the two locations on the CASE if it's going onto a SPECIALS RUNNER or into BACK-STOCK, to help others MAKE IT GO later on.

DISC. - See DISCONTINUED.

NOF ISP - (“Not On File; In-Store Price”) is the rarest of these notations. I've only seen it once in 3-1/2 years. It's an ad hoc TAG, created as a temporary measure to expedite the sale of what is essentially a remaindered, non-orderable, non-replenish-able ITEM that's otherwise not a candidate for the DISCOUNT RACK. PRICE, weight, size, BRAND and PRODUCT name are all accurate on the TAG, and the ITEM will SCAN properly at CHECKOUT, which is what counts.

(Red Line Strike-Out...) - Reasons to cease or delay ORDERING additional STOCK vary. One might be in anticipation of a known rebranding or packaging change. In each case, check with the DEPARTMENT head if you want to know the specific reason. Meanwhile, THROW to the SHELF as usual.

Shelving

n. Heavy-duty individually removable and relocatable horizontal support units of various standard widths and depths, used to DISPLAY PRODUCT in the AISLES and on END-CAPS and 3-WAYS.

NOTE: Additional Shelving is stored up in the MEZZ.

Shift

n. An contiguous period or work ON THE CLOCK, and, depending on length, including BREAKS and LUNCH, as appropriate. See also DAY-SHIFT and NIGHT-SHIFT.

Shipper

n. A self-contained, free-standing CARDBOARD DISPLAY stand and its PRODUCT contents, assembled on-site and placed in an AISLE to draw attention to an ON SALE PRODUCT.

NOTE: Shippers typically get a GOOSE-NECK SIGN HOLDER inserted at their base.

Shoplift

v. To steal. A type of theft.

NOTE: As a general rule, an abandoned or empty SHOPPING CART found in an AISLE is taken as after-the-fact evidence of a shoplifting event.

Shopping Basket

n. A picnic-sized plastic basket with wire or plastic handles that is supplied by the STORE and which CUSTOMERS are free to use to hold ITEMS they collect while shopping. Unlike SHOPPING CARTS, Shopping Baskets are not generally removed from the STORE to transport groceries to CUSTOMER'S vehicles, but are instead left at the checkout registers. Also simply BASKET.

Shopping Cart

n. A sturdy, large wire basket supported on a frame, and having a handle and wheels, that is supplied by the STORE and which CUSTOMERS are free to use to hold the ITEMS they select while shopping. Typically unloaded at checkout to SCAN all ITEMS, then reloaded to transport ITEMS to CUSTOMER vehicles in the LOT, after which the empty CARTS are collected by CART BOYS and returned to the STORE'S foyer or lobby for reuse. Also simply CART.

Shop Steward

n. A designated EMPLOYEE who represents all other STORE EMPLOYEES at UNION meetings, and who can provide additional information about that organization, as well as supply a booklet detailing all terms of the employment contract.

Shrink

n. Any loss due to STORE DAMAGE, THEFT, or any other cause.

Shrink Wrap

n. See STRETCH FILM, WRAP.

Sign Holder

Sign Holders:
(L to R) Goose-Neck,
Swan-Neck, Duck-Foot

Sign Holder

n. A rectangular support frame with a slot on top for inserting the largest, DISPLAY-sized sign, and which has a foot and an optional, and in some cases adjustable, supporting column. There are three standard sizes. In order of increasing height, see DUCK-FOOT, GOOSE-NECK, SWAN-NECK.

Sink

n. A large and deep slop-sink in the RECEIVING DEPARTMENT, and the only appropriate destination for any (even potentially) “wet” STORE DAMAGE, such as bottles with broken caps, etc.: “Put that in the sink.”

Skyline

n. The top or uppermost profile of a DISPLAY (typically not including SHADOWBOX, if any). —v. To STACK ITEMS on the top SHELF in the AISLE higher than usual, sometimes by using scrap CARDBOARD to create additional layers: “Don't skyline aisle 4.”

NOTE:

TIP: Top Shelf Terrace? If you're desperate to make all of a top SHELF ITEM GO, consider SKYLINING the extra by laying down a solid scrap of CARDBOARD on top of what's already there and building upwards.

CAUTION: The extra top layer must be set well back, so at least two FACE ranks underneath it can be taken out without risk of toppling PRODUCT onto anyone's head.

Piling PRODUCT on the top shelf above a first or second layer is sometimes viewed as Not A Good Thing. Thus, seek case-by-case guidance from the GROCERY MANAGER if you think you need to do this. And of course, having any PRODUCT topple on to a CUSTOMER would be A Very Bad Thing!

UPDATE: Recent policy changes do not permit the Skyline to extend above the back of the topmost shelf.

Slot

n. Starting closest to the STORE'S main entrance, a designated position in the FAST-WALL or EVZ DISPLAY: “That's up in the Fast-Wall, 3rd slot.” Compare SPOT. See FAST-WALL.

Solid

adv. Refers to a DISPLAY that is densely packed, without excess intervening spaces: “Build it solid.” Contrast DUMMY UP.

SOM

n. See SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGER.

Special

n. An ITEM that's ON SALE for a reduced PRICE. Often advertised in a multi-page insert in the local Sunday newspaper.

Specials RUNNER

n. A RUNNER or CART kept in the BACK ROOM and dedicated to holding up to a CASE or two of extra STOCK of some ON SALE ITEMS, from which the SHELF from time to time may be replenished: “Work the aisle 1 through 4 Specials Runners.” See also SPECIALS WALL, THROW, WORK.

Rollout Flowchart…

NOTE: At one point as I was pulling out yet another Specials Cart to WORK it, I happened to wonder, “Hey—Just what exactly am I doing?” I knew I was doing a lot of thinking and judging, so—just for fun—I thought I'd try to write down everything, just to see what I got. And the answer is...

DETAILS: Specials Runner ROLLOUT. Yep: once again, this is the deep end of the pool. The result of my ruminations was actually a flowchart, with diamonds for decisions, rectangles for process steps, and ovals for the start and stop terminals. Click on the thumbnail at right for a much larger view. Here's the condensed, text-only version:

(Start)
- [ Inspect cart in bay, before moving it ]
  - < Any items toppled/leaning on other carts? >
    - [ Carefully move non-involved cart(s) to gain access ]
    - [ Temporarily off-load items at risk of falling ]
  - < Any items stacked too high? >
    - [ Move adjacent cart(s) to gain access ]
    - [ Temporarily off-load items at risk of "scrape off" ]
  - < Wide items snagged on other carts? >
    - [ Jockey other cart(s) in bay to free snags ]
    - [ Withdraw interlocked carts together, then separate ]
  - < Precarious, unbalanced items? >
    - [ Move adjacent cart(s) to gain access ]
    - [ Reposition items for maximum safety ]
- [ Pull cart out of bay ]
  - < Any other moved carts? >
    - [ Return other carts to proper slots in bay ]
- [ Re-inspect cart ]
  - < Any leaks, spills, or damaged items? >
    - [ Casualties to damages rack, sink or trash, as appropriate ]
    - [ Clean up ]
  - < Any empty boxes, waste plastic, etc.? >
    - [ Recycle or dispose of properly ]
  - < Anything belong on other cart(s)? >
    - < Space available on proper cart(s)? >
      - [ Move hitchhiker item(s) to proper cart(s) ]
  - < Any temporarily off-loaded items? >
    - [ Return off-loaded items to cart ]
  - < Any items on other carts belong on this cart? >
    - < Space available? >
      - [ Move fugitive items back onto cart ]
  - < Precarious, unbalanced items? >
    - [ Reposition items for maximum safety ]
- [ Put footstool onto cart ]
  - < Cart very full, too many items? >
    - [ Get shopping cart to hold cardboard, plastic ]
  - < Expect lots of waste plastic? >
    - [ Put milkcrate onto cart to hold plastic ]
- [ Pull cart out to designated aisle(s) ]

(etc...)

The description above may seem daunting, but the actual task is pretty straightforward and more often than not, downright easy. I don't recall the listed contingency inspections ever requiring action all at the same time. Usually it's just pull out the CART, grab a footstool (they help a lot when you're WORKING the top SHELF), and go!

For more about flowcharts, see for example:

^{^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowchart}}

Specials Wall

n. An area under the MEZZ in the BACK ROOM set aside to hold larger quantities of CASES of ON SALE ITEMS than would conveniently fit on the SPECIALS RUNNERS.

Spinner Rack

n. A free-standing DISPLAY which can potentially turn freely about a vertical axis, allowing the inspection of various ITEMS typically affixed to columns of clips, somewhat like a carousel of J-HOOKS or CLIP STRIPS.

Spitfire®

n. The brand name of a red-colored, heavy-duty cleaning solution supplied in labeled trigger spray bottles and larger quantity refill bottles. Also RED JUICE. Compare BLUE JUICE. See CLEAN-UP.

NOTE: Usually used by CLEANING CREW, but occasionally by STOCK CLERKS when directed to, e.g., get stubborn, dried spills off of SHELVING.

CAUTION: This stuff is so strong it takes wax off the FLOOR, so be careful!

Split

v. 1. To use the HIGH-LIFT to remove one loaded PALLET from its position as shipped piggy-backed one on top of another: “Split those pallets and work the bottom one.”. 2. See TAPE SPLIT.

NOTE: Naturally, before you Split them, you should CUT and separate any encircling WRAP that may be stabilizing the two piggy-backed PALLETS.

Spot

n. 1. An ITEM'S HOLE; i.e., its assigned location on the SHELF: “Where's the spot for this?” “Make a spot.” 2. See SLOT.

Spring-Tray

n. A spring-loaded tray that serves as an automatic BLOCKING device by keeping PRODUCT pushed forward, up to the front, or SHELF FACE. Typically used for things like bagged coffee, bagged rice and pasta side dishes, etc. Compare BOTTLE-RACE, CAN-RACE.

TIP: Squeeze 'n Shake. The contents of free-standing or SPRING-TRAYED bags like cookie mixes or rice and pasta side dishes tend to settle down to the bottom, turning the bags into little pyramids—wide on the bottom, skinny on top. By turning the bags over and giving them a quick squeeze or shake, you can sometimes flatten them out enough to fit a lot more on the SHELF.

Stack

n. A vertical pile of PRODUCT or CASES of PRODUCT. —v. To make such a Stack. See also AISLE STACK, STACK OFF.

TIP: Cross-Tie Tall Stacks. Taking a cue from bricklayers, you can lay in a strip of CARDBOARD as a cross-tie part of the way up between pairs of tall STACKS and they'll be a lot more stable.

TIP: Bottom Bags are a Better Base. Speaking of stable, are you stuck STACKING slippery bags, like extra-wide pasta or powdered sugar? You'll find that those from the bottom of the CASE often have more of that annoying, air-bag puffiness squeezed out of them. So, use those flatter ones to form a kind of “sandbag dike” at the FRONT of the SHELF, and toss the top layers of puffiest, slipperiest bags to the back.

Stack-Cut

v. To make multiple BASE-CUTS all at once on a STACK of plastic-wrapped CASES containing CARDBOARD TRAYS, in order to save time. —n. Any such multiple cuts. See also BASE-CUT, BOX CUTTER, H-CUT, LIFT-CUT, PEEK-CUT, SHARK-CUT, TAPE-CUT, TOP-CUT, TRAY-CUT, WINDOW-CUT, X-CUT.

NOTE: Candidates? Stack-Cuts are most often used when THROWING LOAD, because, except for SPECIALS, the presumption is it will all GO. So, multiple, non-identical CASES containing jars of spaghetti sauce, jars of baby food, cans of cat or dog food, and so on are a pretty safe bet.

On the other hand, multiple identical CASES of any ITEM should be investigated before you cut! They are likely to be a SPECIAL, ON-SALE ITEM, where the extra CASES are to be held in reserve on the SPECIALS RUNNERS or STACKED OFF on the SALES WALL in the BACK ROOM in order to periodically replenish DISPLAYS and/or the SHELF.

So, your goal is to save time, yes, but it's also to keep all unused and partial CASES as intact as possible in order to minimize STORE DAMAGE while PRODUCT gets moved around. See also H-CUT.

Stack Off

v. To neatly STACK a quantity of CASES of a single ITEM in a particular place, usually in the BACK ROOM, such as on an OVERSTOCK PALLET or against the SPECIALS WALL: “Stack it off on the Specials Wall.”

Stock

n. The available supply of a particular ITEM, or of all ITEMS in general. —v. To place ITEMS on the SHELF, so CUSTOMERS will be able to purchase them.

Stock Clerk

n. A STORE EMPLOYEE who works for the GROCERY MANAGER and whose principle responsibility is to STOCK the SHELF.

Stock Number

n. A unique 6-digit code found on an ITEM'S SHELF TAG which is used for tracking and ordering INVENTORY of that ITEM.

Stock Rotation

n. See ROTATE.

Store

n. 1. The specific place of enterprise where you work. 2. The entire chain of STORES, or the company that owns them: “Store policy says...”

Store Brand

Store BRAND

n. “Me too” products or product lines which the STORE commissions manufacturers to produce and then offers along side the manufacturers' and others' better-known BRANDS, but for which the STORE reaps higher profit MARGINS, e.g., by minimizing advertising costs, etc. Also PRIVATE LABEL. See also BRAND.

NOTE: Like they say about beauty, I think CUSTOMER SATISFACTION is also in the eye of the beholder. Some folks seem to think all Store Brands are inferior to their national Brand counterparts. I don't know about that, but I do know Store Brands are generally a lot less expensive! Where I work they currently include:

Store Brand	Category
CareOne®	Health & Beauty
Companion®	Pet Food and Care
Guaranteed ValueTM	Various; Bargain Items
JaVaNa®	Coffee
KaPop®	Popcorn
Nature’s Promise®	Organic Foods
Smart LivingTM	Household, Entertainment, etc.
(Store Name)®	Various; Canned Goods, Cookies, Crackers, etc.

Store Card

n. A generic BONUS CARD not associated with any individual CUSTOMER that is available for use by anyone at the checkout registers and allows them to obtain ON SALE DISCOUNT PRICES, albeit without the accrual of any personal BONUS POINTS.

Store Code

n. 1. A 3-digit prefix on the EMPLOYEE NUMBER which identifies the particular STORE where they work. 2. See STOCK NUMBER.

Store Damage

n. Any ITEM that is—regardless of cause—broken, open, crushed, dented, partly missing or otherwise so damaged in any way that it's probably unsaleable.

NOTE: Any and all Store Damaged ITEMS go to the appropriately labeled shelf on the RACK in RECEIVING, unless they're leaking, in which case, they go into the SINK. The RECEIVER accounts for such losses as part of SHRINK.

Store Directory

n. A bi-fold sheet of printed paper that opens to show both a pictorial map of the general layout of the STORE and an index listing key PRODUCTS and the AISLES where they may be found. See also PHONE LIST.

NOTE: The layout from one STORE to the next varies widely, so each Store Directory is unique to that particular STORE.

Store Manager

n. The most-senior person in charge of the whole STORE. See also MANAGER-ON-DUTY.

Store Supply

n. Any ITEM sold by the STORE that has been requisitioned for use within a DEPARTMENT: “I need to ‘supply’ this, please.”

NOTE: Requires prior approval by the M.O.D. and is logged and signed for at the CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK, where a special sticker is affixed to the merchandise. Examples might include footstools, cellophane tape, rope, etc.

Stretch Film

n. The proper name for what's commonly called “SHRINK WRAP” or just plain “WRAP.”

Supply

n. Consumable ITEMS required by various DEPARTMENTS that are typically received mixed in with the regular LOAD. E.g., bags of flour and tubs of frosting for the Bakery, stacks of large circular pizza CARDBOARD for the Deli, and so on. —v. See STORE SUPPLY.

Swan-Neck

n. The tallest free-standing DISPLAY sign holder, having an adjustable white column. Compare DUCK-FOOT, GOOSE-NECK. See photo at SIGN HOLDER.

Swell Allowance

n. A VENDOR-issued credit to the STORE, which is issued in advance as a percentage of each ORDER, and against which the STORE may internally deduct losses for such things as goods received in damaged condition, goods which go OUT-OF-DATE before they're sold, and so on. Compare RECLAMATION.

NOTE: This is not an issue that STOCK CLERKS normally deal with. RECEIVERS do. But it's interesting, nonetheless.

VENDORS like a Swell Allowance, because they issue the fixed percentile credit based on the size of the ORDER, and that's that. They don't have to worry about any further niggling. From the point of view of the STORE, however, a Swell Allowance isn't really all that “swell.” That's because the STORE would much prefer to receive full credit for any such losses. On the other hand, such a carte-blanche credit issued in advance does pose an opportunity for the STORE to make additional profit—for instance, should an entire LOT be received in good condition, and then MOVE before any of it goes OUT-OF-DATE. Plus, it does mean less paperwork (i.e., time, trouble, and expense) for both parties. So, a Swell Allowance is a compromise, and represents a delicate balance among and between the various cooperative and competing interests of both parties.

Swipe

v. 1. To pass a mag-stripe card, such as a credit card, through a suitable card reader, or a bar-coded card, such as a STORE BONUS CARD across an optical checkout SCANNER. 2. To SCAN any ITEM at checkout. 3. To SHOPLIFT or steal.

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