S

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.

Scanner 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.

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

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

Service Desk n. See CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK.

Shadow Box n. A raised, shallow, and slightly tilted shelving area behind and above a FAST-WALL, EVZ or END-CAP DISPLAY were additional amounts of the ON-SALE PRODUCT are STACKED as a curtain to create an eye-catching background for a SIGN. Also, 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 BOX CUTTER, H-CUT, LIFT-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.

Sheet n. 1. See NEGATIVE ORDER WORKSHEET: "Have you seen the sheet?" Also, 2. An unofficial BILL OF LADING worksheet; i.e., the paper form in RECEIVING where you write down anything and everything -- such as BALES, PALLETS, MILK CRATES, etc. -- that you've put onto the TRUCK: "Don't forget to put that on the sheet!"

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." —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 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."

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

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.

(* This space RESERVED for SHELF TAG ANATOMY *)

(* This space RESERVED for SHELF TAG TAXONOMY *)

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.

Sign Holder n. A metal frame for a large, DISPLAY-sized price tag. See DUCK-FOOT, GOOSE-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, for instance, sometimes by using scrap CARDBOARD to create additional layers: "Don't skyline aisle 4."

NOTE: 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!

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

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.

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.

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 can take the wax off of 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 CAN-RACE.

Stack n. A vertical pile of PRODUCT or CASES of PRODUCT. —v. To make such a Stack.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.