Common Retail & Merchandising Terms

Merchandising projects often use retail terms that may be unfamiliar, especially if you’re new to resets, audits, or in-store work. This article explains the most commonly used retail and merchandising terms you’ll see in Survey projects, using plain language and real examples.

Use this as a quick reference while in store.

Most Common Terms You’ll See

POG (Planogram)

A visual layout showing exactly where products should be placed on shelves.

Why it matters:
Following the POG correctly helps prevent revisions and invalidations.

MOD (Important – Two Meanings)

MOD can mean different things depending on the question:

• Manager on Duty – The store manager or supervisor working during your visit
  Example: “List the MOD you spoke with.”

• Modular / Shelf Section – A 4-foot section of shelving shown in a planogram
  Example: “Complete photos for each MOD.”

Tip: If the question asks for a person, it means Manager on Duty. If it refers to shelves or footage, it means Modular.

Facing

One product position on the front of a shelf. Pulling items forward is also called “facing.”

OOS (Out of Stock)

A product is missing from the shelf, even if the label or space is still there.

Store & Environment Terms

Big Box Store

A large-format retail store with wide aisles and high product volume
(Example: Walmart, Target, Home Depot)

POS (Point of Sale)

The checkout area where customers pay (register or self-checkout).

Inventory & Stocking Terms

Back Stock

Extra inventory stored in the back room for replenishment.

Top Stock

Inventory stored above shelves for quick restocking.

Phantom Inventory

Inventory shown in the system but not physically found in the store.

Display & Shelf Terms

Endcap

A display at the end of an aisle.

Gondola

The main shelving unit that runs down an aisle.

Sidekick

A small display hanging off a shelf or endcap.

Sky Shelf

A shelf located above the main selling shelves, often near the top of a cooler or fixture. Products stored here may be for display only or extra stock, depending on the store.

Why it matters:
Some projects require photos or checks of sky shelves, while others do not. Always follow the survey instructions.

Side Cap / FEM

A Side Cap (sometimes called a FEM – Front End Merchandising display) is a display attached to the side of an endcap or positioned near the front end of the store, often close to registers.

Why it matters:
Side caps are high-visibility locations and are often included in display audits or reset projects. 

MFG (Manufacture Date)

The date the product was manufactured, not the expiration date. It is usually printed or stamped on the package.

Why it matters:
Some projects require reps to record or photograph the MFG date to verify freshness or product rotation.
Do not confuse MFG with EXP (expiration date) unless the survey specifically asks for expiration.

Merchandising & Project Terms

Reset

Reorganizing shelves or displays according to a new planogram.

Pack Out

Filling shelves using back stock inventory.

Audit / Photo Audit

Collecting photos and verifying conditions without changing products.

Product & Pricing Terms

SKU

A unique product identifier (each size or flavor is a different SKU).

UPC

The barcode printed on products.

MSRP

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.

Quick Tip

If a term isn’t clear in the survey, pause before answering.
Re-read the question, often times the visuals and answers are directly detailed in the survey and may be missed. USE the images available in each survey. 

If you still need help, reach out via Chat with Steve.