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Walk

Walk

v. To move something heavy or awkward by alternately lifting first one side, then the other, while advancing each side slightly in the direction you want it to go.

NOTE: Often done simply to quickly adjust the position of the top one or two PALLETS atop a tall STACK.

Otherwise, it's generally quicker, easier, safer and thus better to either use a JACK or HIGH-LIFT, or to get someone else to help you—even if you have to “borrow” them for a few minutes from another DEPARTMENT. However, if there's no other way...

Walk the Store

Walk the Store

v. To visit every AISLE and public area of the STORE, typically with a SHOPPING CART to collect RE-SHOPS and POP SHELLS, etc., and a clipboard and/or log book to make notes. A routine task of the STORE MANAGER or M.O.D.: “He's walking the store.”

Wall-Block

Wall-Block

v. To fill the HOLE improperly by STACKING PRODUCT HOLE-high in the front, but leaving a void behind such a false facade: “Arrgh! Who wall-blocked peanut butter!” —n. Any STACK of PRODUCT so arranged. Contrast BLOCK.

NOTE: Generally speaking, Wall-Blocking is A Very Bad Thing. Don't do it! It obscures the true state of the SHELF when it comes to tracking and ordering INVENTORY, and also gets in the way of whoever has to THROW to that HOLE next, because they have to waste time taking down the wall before they can fill the void behind. Give us a break!

Of course, if the ITEM'S profile fills the HOLE naturally, regular BLOCKING of, say, a cake mix, would always leave a void behind that single FACE. However, that's not the same as a true Wall Block, because in this instance, one gentle nudge is enough to collapse the void, leaving it easy to fill.

Warehouse

Warehouse

n. The STORE'S central SUPPLY depot from whence the TRUCK comes and goes. See also C&S Tag, MISPICK, PICK.

NOTE: My store's Warehouse is run by C & S Wholesale Grocers, a subdivision of Erie Logistics.

See:
http://www.cswg.com/locations/newyork/buffalo.htm

Water Pallet

Water Pallet

n. One or more occasional, special PALLETS kept aside to hold jugged and bottled waters of various kinds and sizes. See also PAPER PALLET.

NOTE: While technically BACK-STOCK, CASES on the water 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.

Waybill

Waybill

n. See BILL OF LADING.

Wedge

Wedge

v. See LAY-IN: “Wedge it in.” See also GO, HIDE, JAM, MAKE IT GO.

Wedgie

Wedgie

n. Variant of WEDGE: “Pull wedgies forward first.”

“Where is... ?”

“Where is... ?”

~. Perhaps the most frequent question you'll hear while you're WORKING out in the AISLES.

NOTE: Here's a list of what I recall as the most-often-asked-for items in my particular STORE, sorted in alphabetical order, along with location information (BE=Back End, FE=Front End, MID=Middle), plus hints:

ItemAisleShelfHints
ASSOCIATES' BREAK ROOM Supplies: Paper Towels, Soap, Toilet PaperGROCERY BACK ROOMRACK just inside double doors, on leftLiquid Hand Soap in rectangular inversion bottles, Paper Towels in large rolls, Toilet Paper in single, wrapped rolls
Barley, Pearled (1)MID-6TopQuaker®, Boxed; among Near-East® Mixes
Barley, Pearled (2)MID-3BottomBagged, Specialty
Bread Crumbs (1),
Shake-n-Bake®,
Stuffing Mix
BE-0SectionBetween Peanut Butter & Cooler
Bread Crumbs (2)MID-3MiddleCora® BRAND, Specialty
Bulgur (Cracked Wheat)UPDATE:   FE-6-
Bagged, in Goya® section
Chocolate Syrup (1)BE-6TopLeft of Teas
Chocolate Syrup (2)Dairy/FrozenOn Ledge Above MilkBack Corner of Store
Chocolate Syrup (3)Dairy/FrozenTopDisplay, Middle of Last Aisle
Clam Juice (1), BIGMID-3BottomVery Large Cans, Specialty
Clam Juice (2), smallFE-2TopLittle Bottle; On Right, Above Tuna
Corn SyrupBE-3TopAbove Pancake Syrup
Cracker Jack®Store LOBBY (!)Clip StripsOn Sides of Soda Display
Food ColoringBE-1Below TopAmong Spices
Honey (1)MID-0TopAbove Peanut Butter
Honey (2), Organic, Pesticide-FreeMID-1UpperAmong Organic Foods
HorseradishDairy/FrozenTopAbove Eggs
JuiceMID-15

Kidney BeansFE-6MiddleAmong Hispanic Foods
Lemon Juice (1)MID-15TopGreen Bottle, Yellow Cap
Lemon Juice (2)Captain's Choice (Seafood)Atop Rightmost Display Case (unless depleted)Green Bottle, Yellow Cap
MarshmallowsBE-15BottomRight of Chocolates
MolassesBE-3TopAbove Pancake Syrup
NutsBE-5SectionRight of Popcorn
Pine Nuts (1)MID-1TopAmong Small Bags of Nuts
Pine Nuts (2)BULK FOODS"Island" with ScaleSmall Bin among PLEXI Bin-Shelves
PestoFE-3TopAbove Spaghetti Sauce
Pipe Cleaners“Sorry, we don't carry them.”-
Suggest they try the Drug Store further down the mall.
RaisinsFE-2TopLook Near Big Gray Box (Rear of Lottery TV) On Top
RiceMID-6

Sauerkraut (1)BE-3BottomCans, e.g., Silverfloss®
Sauerkraut (2)Deli case,
opp. FE-4

Bags
Sauerkraut (3)Meat case,
opp. BE-15

Bags
Tahini (1)BE-2TopLeft of Pickles
Tahini (2)MID-1MiddleAmong Organic

TRUE STORY: I think my favorite has to be “Where is Cracker Jack®?” because—if the CUSTOMER looks like they have a sense of humor—I get to say, “I'm sorry, it's not in the STORE—(pause)—But we have it! It's in the STORE LOBBY, on plastic CLIP STRIPS hanging on the edges of the big soda display in the middle.”

The “Most Baffling” award goes as a three-way tie among Barley, Tahini, and Kidney Beans. People seem to expect Barley to be among Cereals—but, it's not. Likewise, they expect Tahini to be either in Ethnic/Middle Eastern or with Nut Butters—but, it's not. And, when they ask me why Kidney Beans aren't with the other canned veggies, like Green Beans, I just shrug my shoulders and say, “Well, I remember where it is by thinking ‘Mexican-style Chili,’ and that kind of thing.” In a similar vein, “Bread Crumbs ‘rhyme’ with Bread,” and so on. Try to think of and share a mnemonic trick to help them remember where it is the next time they come back.

WIC

WIC

n. “Women, Infants, Children,” is a New York State sponsored supplemental nutrition program which “provides nutritious foods, milk, juice, formula and other items to low income pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5.”

NOTE: All WIC-approved PRODUCTS are supposed to be identified with an additional red SHELF TAG with the word “WIC” in large, bold letters, the WIC logo, and a brief PRODUCT description that matches the ITEM on the SHELF.

WIC funds are provided as special checks drawn on state accounts that can only be used to purchase ITEMS from a very specific list of PRODUCTS deemed to promote good health. The WIC program guidelines are both helpful and strict. They often authorize only the purchase of very specific national and STORE BRANDS and sizes, as well as placing requirements on ITEM contents.

For instance, Tuna is listed as a “Good Source of Protein,” and any brand is allowed, but it must be packed in water, and in 6 to 13-ounce cans only. So, the newer foil pouches are out, and also specifically disallowed are any varieties that are oil packed, flavored, or have added ingredients.

For more information about WIC, see:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/wic/

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi

n. The wireless data link protocol that lets the GUN exchange pricing, INVENTORY and other PRODUCT information with the STORE'S computer.

Window

Window

n. See EVZ, FAST-WALL, FRONT1. “That's for the window.”

NOTE: “Window” no longer refers to an actual window! It's just a quaint, held-over term meaning the front-most, major DISPLAY area of the STORE. The world has sure fallen a long ways, hasn't it? Nowadays, if you put something in a real Window, someone would most likely just break it and take it.

Window-Cut

Window-Cut

v. To (carefully!) cut a rectangular, window-like hole in one side of a CARDBOARD CASE, and thereby allow the PRODUCT to be seen and even withdrawn, e.g., from a DISPLAY of STACKED CASES. —n. The hole made by so cutting a CASE: “Window-cut these to match the display.” See also BASE-CUT, BOX CUTTER, H-CUT, LIFT-CUT, PEEK-CUT, SHARK-CUT, STACK-CUT, TAPE-CUT, TOP-CUT, TRAY-CUT, X-CUT.

NOTE: Cut too deep and you've got STORE DAMAGE—bad, and potentially messy. Three very important things to remember here:
  1. Use only a sharp, new blade, so edges are clean and nice.
  2. Use only a standard-issue BOX CUTTER with the blade set to proper, shallow cutting depth
  3. Before cutting, tip the CASE on its side, so the contents settle down and away from your cut! The idea is so important, it's worth repeating...
TIP: A Cut Above. Making a TRAY- or WINDOW-CUT? Whenever possible, turn the CASE on its side so you're cutting down from above. This allows the contents to settle away from the CUTTER blade, so you're less likely to damage anything inside.

Depending on CASE size, the typical Window Cut essentially removes the entire front side of the CASE except for a small, one- or two-inch strip along the bottom edge. Cut straight and true, and happy are you!

If you Window-Cut the CASE'S back by mistake, just take out the PRODUCT and reinsert it LABEL-FORWARD. Don't weaken the CASE by also cutting the opposite side. If you're making tall STACKS, also consider using a little of the CARDBOARD you cut out to make cross-ties between STACKS for additional stability.

On a STACK of Window Cut CASES in a FAST-WALL or EVZ DISPLAY, it's customary to also make an additional TOP-CUT on the topmost CASE in each STACK, so that both the top and front of the CASE are open. A final bit of finesse is to “ease the corners” of such topmost CASES by taking a sizable diagonal slice off the right angle on the two upper-, front-most corners.

Wing

Wing

n. The PRODUCT DISPLAY or DISPLAY space on either side of an AISLE'S END-CAP: “Kill that wing.” See also 3-WAY.

Wing Base

Wing Base

n. A long and narrow, low platform that supports a DISPLAY, and goes at an end of an AISLE to guard one side of an END-CAP: “You'll need a wing base.” Most often also requires a DUCK-FOOT SIGN HOLDER.

NOTE: Wing Bases serve at least two important functions:
  1. Raise (sometimes limited quantities of) PRODUCT towards the all-desirable CUSTOMER eye-level (See also DUMMY UP), and

  2. Get PRODUCT off the FLOOR, so packaging is less likely to be ravaged by the nightly efforts of the CLEANING CREW.

Work

Work

n. A job or task. —v. 1. To perform a job or task in exchange for money. 2. To put one or more ITEMS into their correct places in the STORE: “Work this pallet next.”

NOTE: Where do things go? When you're asked to Work something, here's the cascade sequence:
  1. THE SHELF, first and foremost. Ideally, you fill it if you have enough STOCK. Too much? Then, if it's just one or two extras, you may have to either JAM or HIDE the few extra ITEMS nearby. Otherwise, write the STORE CODES on any OFF-SALE CASES destined for BACK-STOCK.


  2. SALES DISPLAYS second, if there are any. But, first—check the date on the TAG to be sure they're not due to be KILLED. E.g., if it's going OFF-SALE today, don't add to the DISPLAY.

    DISPLAY possibilities include the FAST-WALL, EVZ, END-CAPS, 3-WAYS, WINGS, AISLE-STACKS, and even SHIPPERS. After that, it's the...


  3. BACK ROOM for any significant amount of leftover. For SPECIALS or ON-SALE ITEMS, a CASE or so goes on the appropriate SPECIALS RUNNER; large quantity gets STACKED OFF on the SALES WALL.

    Otherwise, if it's not ON SALE, but high TURNOVER, it may go to, e.g., the WATER PALLET(S) or the PAPER PALLET(S) to soon be worked again by another SHIFT.

    All other OFF-SALE ITEMS get put in the GUN (for which you previously got the appropriate STORE CODES from the SHELF TAGS out in the AISLE), and once CODES are on all CASES, go to the OVERSTOCK RUNNERS for modest quantities, OVERSTOCK PALLETS for larger quantities, and eventually into the RACKING for PALLETS of large quantities for which there's no immediate need.

“Worst EVER... !”

“Worst EVER... !”

adj. Something that is really, really B-A-D, bad! See also YUCKY. Contrast BEST EVER... !.

NOTE: Feel free to nominate your own contributions to this list, many of which I suppose might be categorized under “What were they thinking?! (Answer: not much.)

...Acronym. And the undisputed winner is... “R.O.T.” for “Rule Of Thumb.” Whoever thought it was a good idea to bring anything whatsoever to do with rot into a grocery store needs to get a new bulb.

...Combination of Two Innocent Flavors. Artificial bacon bits and canned peaches in heavy syrup. See YUCKY for more.

...Mismatch of Packaging vs. Shelf Display Technology. Puffy, air-filled, slippery little foil bags of ground coffee vs. a strong-coiled SPRING TRAY. Is somebody out there laughing over this one? Not me.

Wrap

Wrap

v. To encircle a pallet's contents in several layers of heavy-duty plastic film, in order to stabilize it during transport: “Wrap those crates yet?” —n. The rolls of plastic film or the film itself used to Wrap such pallets: “Where's the wrap?” See STRETCH FILM.

NOTE: Also called SHRINK WRAP,” although not strictly accurate, because it doesn't actually shrink. It just clings tightly, same as the stuff you use in your kitchen, only more so.