P

PA n. 1. The STORE'S Public Address system. When not otherwise in use, a steady stream of MUS-ICK! issues forth, periodically punctuated by pre-recorded PROMOS. See also PAGE, below. 2. (Very rarely) a Performance Appraisal, or job review.

Pad n. The left-over cookie-sized punched-out center portion of a large circular FLOOR polishing or buffing machine insert used by the CLEANING CREW. See also CLEAN-UP.

NOTE: These things are mighty handy when used for various small cleaning jobs along with RED or BLUE JUICE. E.g., for the periodic cleaning the TAG rails fronting all of an aisle's bottom SHELVES, etc.

Page n. Any call or announcement made over the STORE'S Public Address system: "Did you hear that page?" —v. To make such a call or announcement: "Did you page me?"

Pallet n. A low, roughly table-sized platform that supports and is used to transport STACKED CASES of various PRODUCTS: "Drop those pallets under the mezz." See also CHEP PALLET.

NOTE: Pallets are typically made from either wooden ties with cross-laid slats or a single piece of heavy-duty molded plastic. Contents may be bound around the circumference in layers of wide plastic film WRAP to help add stability.

Paper PALLET n. One or more occasional, special PALLETS kept aside to hold CASES of paper towels, tissues, and other paper goods of various kinds and sizes. See also WATER PALLET.

NOTE: While technically BACK-STOCK, CASES on the Paper PALLET are typically not put in the GUN because they are high-turnover, and will not spend any appreciable time in INVENTORY. These PALLETS get worked every SHIFT or so, as often as necessary to keep the SHELF reasonably full.

Pick List n. A daily, computer-generated list of BACK-STOCK ITEMS to be gathered and THROWN to the SHELF: "I'm doing the Pick List."

Pick List CART n. A RUNNER of BACK-STOCK ITEMS that the computer "thinks" ought to GO to the SHELF: "Work the Pick List Cart next."

Pick of the Week n. 1. A weekly sales promotion of a usually small ITEM at the checkout registers. 2. CASES of the Pick of the Week ITEM received as part of the usual LOAD: "Where's my Pick of the Week?"

Pinwheel Fold v. To close a BOX or CASE by laying flaps down in a clockwise or counter-clockwise order, and folding the last flap under the first to hold them relatively secure. —n. Any closure made in such manner.

Plan-O-Gram n. A diagram or chart used by the RESET TEAM that shows the intended placement and arrangement of the HOLES for ITEMS on the SHELF.

Plexi n. Short for PLEXIGLASS. See GLASS.

Plexiglass n. See GLASS.

Plus, (+) v. To record on the SHEET the addition of one or more CASES put into BACK-STOCK: "Remember to plus that." Also PUT IT IN THE GUN.

Pop Shell n. The medium-sized shaped plastic tray used to support, move and stack groups of eight or so 2-liter soda pop bottles.

POP SHELLS Porch n. The outside area accessed via ALARMED perimeter door that is enclosed by a high chain-link fence where STACKS of empty POP SHELLS, PRODUCT-specific PALLETS, plastic BREAD RACKS, and other such weather-proof VENDOR-owned ITEMS are stored to await pick-up on their next RUN.

P.O.S. n. "Point of Sale." I.e., typically a small DISPLAY at the checkout registers. See also PICK OF THE WEEK.

Power JACK n. A large, mechanized JACK with rechargeable batteries which has motors to lift and move heavier PALLETS than can be managed with a HAND JACK. Contrast HIGH-LIFT.

Price n. The regular, OFF-SALE cost of an ITEM to the CUSTOMER. Compare SALE PRICE.

Price Check n. A request by a cashier at a checkout register or at the CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK to have an ITEM'S price verified by a STOCK CLERK visually inspecting the ITEM'S SHELF TAG: "I need a price check on (some item or other)."

Price Control n. The DEPARTMENT responsible for maintaining SHELF TAGS, 3-UPs and other DISPLAY SIGNS, along with the pricing and other information shown on them.

Price Discipline n. See PRICE CONTROL.

Priority Service n. An urgent call over the PA announcing that the checkout registers have become backlogged or crowded, and for all DEPARTMENTS to immediately send personnel to the FRONT-END to assist the cashiers by serving as baggers. A way to quickly increase throughput at the registers and increase CUSTOMER GOODWILL.

Product n. A tangible ITEM which can be sold. Compare SERVICE.

Product Line n. A collection of PRODUCTS, sometimes but not necessarily related or similar, from a single manufacturer; e.g., various kinds of bagged, salty snacks, or a family of soaps and detergents.

Promo n. A promotional message or advertisement. See PA.

Punch In/Out v. To enter your BADGE NUMBER into the TIME CLOCK in the BREAK ROOM when you start/finish your SHIFT.

Purple Tote n. A usually purple-colored plastic bin with two large, opposing and interlocking tabs for a lid. Typically used to transport and/or ship a collection of small or oddly-shaped ITEMS, such as spices, toothbrushes, etc. Purple Totes are mainly used by the GENERAL MERCHANDISE (GM) DEPARTMENT.

NOTE: Sometimes cigarettes or other ITEMS of special value may be shipped in red totes; sometimes not.

Put it in the GUN v. See GUN.