The Ultimate Retail & Amazon Vendor Acronym Glossary (2025 Edition)

Below is a comprehensive glossary of acronyms used in Amazon retail, Vendor Central, e-commerce (Shopify), and brick-and-mortar retail (Walmart, Target, Tesco, etc.). Acronyms are organized alphabetically, with each entry providing the full term, a concise definition in plain language with context, and (where relevant) the primary team or function that uses the term.  

A–F

• 1P – First Party: Refers to a first-party retail relationship where a brand or manufacturer supplies products directly to a retailer (like Amazon Retail) which then sells to consumers. (Used by: Vendor Management)

• 1PL – First-Party Logistics: A logistics model where a company handles its own transport and distribution in-house without outsourcing to others. (Used by: Supply Chain)

• 2PL – Second-Party Logistics: A logistics model involving asset-based carriers hired to transport goods for a company (e.g., a shipping line or trucking firm under contract). (Used by: Supply Chain)

• 3P – Third Party: Refers to third-party sellers on a marketplace like Amazon who sell directly to consumers without selling inventory to the platform first. (Used by: E-Commerce Marketplace)

• 3PL – Third-Party Logistics: An outsourced logistics provider that handles distribution, warehousing, or fulfillment for another company. (Used by: Supply Chain)

• 4PL – Fourth-Party Logistics: A logistics integrator that manages multiple 3PLs on behalf of a company, offering end-to-end supply chain management. (Used by: Supply Chain)

• A/B Testing – Split Testing: A method of experiment where two versions (A and B) of a webpage, app, or ad are compared to see which performs better. Commonly used in e-commerce to optimize conversion rates. (Used by: Marketing & UX Teams)

• A+ Content – Amazon Enhanced Content: Enhanced product detail page content on Amazon (images, comparison tables, rich text, etc.) that brand-registered sellers/vendors can use to showcase features and boost conversions. (Used by: Amazon Marketing)

• A9 – Amazon Search Algorithm: The nickname for Amazon’s product search algorithm (“A9” because it starts with ‘A’ and has 9 more letters), which determines product search rankings on Amazon. (Used by: E-Commerce/Search Optimization)

• AA – Amazon Advertising: Amazon’s advertising platform and services (now often just called Amazon Ads). Encompasses PPC ads, display ads, etc., for promoting products on Amazon. (Used by: Marketing/Advertising)

• ACoS – Advertising Cost of Sales: The ratio of ad spend to sales revenue generated from that spend. For example, ACoS = (Total Ad Spend) ÷ (Total Ad Revenue). A lower ACoS means more efficient ad spend. (Used by: E-Commerce Advertising)

• ACV – All Commodity Volume: A retail metric representing the total annual sales volume of all products in a market. Often used to gauge distribution reach (e.g., “Product X has 80% ACV” means it’s sold in stores that account for 80% of total market sales). (Used by: CPG Sales & Retail Analytics)

• API – Application Programming Interface: A set of protocols and tools for software applications to communicate with each other. For example, Shopify or Amazon APIs allow external systems to pull orders or update inventory automatically. (Used by: IT/Developers)

• AP – Accounts Payable: Money a company owes to its suppliers or creditors for goods and services received. In retail, AP manages invoice processing and payments to vendors. (Used by: Finance/Accounting)

• AR – Accounts Receivable: Money owed to a company by its customers. In retail/vendor terms, AR tracks invoices a vendor has issued to retailers (or marketplace receivables from customers) that are yet unpaid. (Used by: Finance/Accounting)

• ARA – Amazon Retail Analytics: A reporting portal in Vendor Central that provides sales and inventory data to Amazon vendors. “ARA Basic” includes core reports; “ARA Premium” was an advanced, paid version (now deprecated) with deeper analytics. (Used by: Amazon Vendors)

• ASIN – Amazon Standard Identification Number: A unique 10-character alphanumeric product identifier assigned by Amazon for items in its catalog. It’s used to track products on Amazon (similar to a SKU or ISBN for books). (Used by: E-Commerce Catalog Management)

• ASN – Advanced Shipping Notice: An electronic notification of a pending shipment, sent from the vendor to the retailer or warehouse in advance of delivery. It serves as a digital packing list, helping receivers prep for incoming goods. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics, EDI)

• ASP – Average Selling Price: The average price at which a product sells over a period. Calculated as total revenue divided by units sold. Retailers and brands track ASP to inform pricing and discount strategies. (Used by: Finance/Merchandising)

• ATP – Available to Promise: The quantity of product that is available and unallocated to existing orders, which can be promised to meet new customer orders. ATP calculations help in order fulfillment and preventing overselling. (Used by: Supply Chain/Inventory Planning)

• AVS – Amazon Vendor Services: A paid Amazon program (formerly “SVS” – Strategic Vendor Services) where vendors get a dedicated Amazon account manager to help with operational issues, forecasting, and growth on the platform. (Used by: Amazon Vendors/Account Management)

• B&M – Brick and Mortar: Shorthand for physical retail stores (as opposed to online). For example, Walmart and Target’s in-store operations are B&M retail. (Used by: General Retail)

• B2B – Business-to-Business: Commerce between companies. In retail context this could mean a brand selling to a retailer, or wholesalers selling to businesses. (Used by: Sales/Trade)

• B2B2C – Business-to-Business-to-Consumer: A model where a company sells to consumers through a partnership with another business. For instance, a manufacturer might use a retailer or online marketplace to reach end customers. (Used by: Channel Sales/Strategy)

• B2C – Business-to-Consumer: Commerce between a business and the end consumers. This covers most retail sales channels, whether in stores or through e-commerce. (Used by: General Business)

• BAU – Business As Usual: Refers to the standard operational processes or steady-state performance. In retail, a “BAU” scenario means no extraordinary events or promotions are affecting sales. (Used by: Management/Operations)

• BB – Buy Box: The section on an e-commerce product page (notably Amazon) that contains the Add to Cart button and seller info. The Buy Box winner is the seller (Amazon or third-party) whose offer is presented as the default buying option. (Used by: E-Commerce Sales)

• BFCM – Black Friday Cyber Monday: Refers to the huge shopping weekend starting on Black Friday and extending through Cyber Monday. Retailers run major promotions during BFCM and often measure performance specifically for this period. (Used by: Marketing/Sales)

• BFW – Black Friday Week: The week-long period around Black Friday where retailers (including Amazon) run early deals leading up to Black Friday. It extends the single-day event into a week of promotions. (Used by: Marketing/Sales)

• BIS – Business, Industrial & Scientific: A category of products (e.g., on Amazon) catering to business, industrial, medical, and scientific customers. Sometimes referred to as BISS or B2B category on marketplaces. (Used by: Category Management)

• BOGO – Buy One, Get One: A promotion where customers get a second item free or at a discount when they purchase one at full price. For example, “BOGO 50% off” means buy one item, get the second at half price. (Used by: Marketing/Promotions)

• BOL – Bill of Lading: A legal document issued by a carrier to acknowledge receipt of goods for shipment. It details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods, and serves as a shipment contract and receipt. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics)

• BOPIS – Buy Online, Pick Up In Store: An omnichannel fulfillment method allowing customers to purchase items online and then pick them up at a nearby physical store. BOPIS can save shipping costs and offer convenience to customers. (Used by: Omnichannel Retail Operations)

• BORIS – Buy Online, Return In Store: An omnichannel practice where customers can return items purchased online to a physical store for refund/exchange. BORIS enhances customer service by simplifying returns and reducing return shipping costs. (Used by: Omnichannel Retail Operations)

• Bundle – Product Bundle: A retail offering where multiple products are sold together as one unit (often at a discounted price). For example, a bundle might include a console with games. Bundles have unique SKUs/IDs and help increase average order value. (Used by: Merchandising/E-Commerce)

• CAGR – Compound Annual Growth Rate: The year-over-year growth rate of an investment or metric over a period, assuming compounding. In retail, one might calculate a product’s sales CAGR over 5 years to understand its growth trend. (Used by: Finance/Analytics)

• CAC – Customer Acquisition Cost: The average cost to acquire a new customer. It is calculated by dividing total marketing/sales spend by the number of new customers acquired in that period. A critical metric for e-commerce profitability. (Used by: Marketing/Finance)

• Cart Abandonment Rate – Shopping Cart Abandonment: (Not an acronym, but often discussed metric) The percentage of online shoppers who add items to their cart but leave without completing the purchase. This is closely tracked in e-commerce to improve checkout processes. (Used by: E-Commerce UX/Marketing)

• Co-op (or Coop) – Cooperative Marketing Funds: Vendor-funded marketing contributions to retailers. For example, Amazon co-op (also called contra-COGS) is a negotiated percentage or amount vendors pay Amazon for marketing, pricing, or operational support. Often structured as accruals (a percent of sales). (Used by: Vendor Managers/Retail Finance)

• COGS – Cost of Goods Sold: The direct costs of the products sold (usually the procurement cost for retailers). In retail P&L, COGS is subtracted from net sales to determine gross profit. Managing COGS is key to pricing and profitability. (Used by: Finance/Merchandising)

• CPA – Cost Per Acquisition: In marketing, the cost to acquire one customer or conversion. It can refer to a bidding model where you pay per acquisition, or generally the total campaign spend divided by number of acquisitions. Lower CPA indicates more efficient marketing. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• CPC – Cost Per Click: An online advertising payment model where advertisers pay each time someone clicks their ad. For example, Amazon Sponsored Products and Google Ads use CPC bidding. CPC is also used as a metric (average cost per click). (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• CPFR – Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment: A supply chain practice where retailers and suppliers share forecasts and work jointly to plan inventory and restocks. CPFR aims to improve in-stock rates and reduce inventory costs through collaboration. (Used by: Supply Chain/Planning)

• CPI – Cost Per Impression: The cost to deliver one impression (view) of an ad to a potential customer. Often quoted per thousand impressions (see CPM). In some contexts, CPI may also refer to Consumer Price Index (economic indicator), but in marketing it’s cost per impression. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• CPM – Cost Per Mille (Cost Per Thousand Impressions): The cost for one thousand ad impressions (views). Advertisers use CPM to compare the cost efficiency of campaigns, especially for display and video ads. For instance, a $10 CPM means $10 to show the ad 1,000 times. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• CRaP – “Can’t Realize a Profit”: Amazon’s term for products that are unprofitable for them to keep selling. CRaP items might be low-priced, heavy to ship, or have other cost issues. Amazon may stop ordering CRaP items or ask vendors to improve terms. (Used by: Amazon Retail/Vendor Management)

• CRM – Customer Relationship Management: Strategies or software (like Salesforce) used to manage interactions with customers and prospects. In retail, CRM systems store customer data, purchase history, and support personalized marketing or loyalty programs. (Used by: Marketing/Customer Service)

• CRO – Conversion Rate Optimization: The practice of analyzing and improving elements of a website or funnel to increase the percentage of visitors that convert (make a purchase or desired action). CRO involves A/B testing, UX improvements, and data analysis. (Used by: E-Commerce UX/Marketing)

• CRT – Cart Recovery Tactic: (General term) Methods used to bring back customers who abandoned carts (e.g., follow-up emails with a discount). Not a standard acronym, but related to cart abandonment metric above. (Used by: E-Commerce Marketing)

• CR / CVR – Conversion Rate: The percentage of users who take a desired action out of the total audience exposed. Often expressed as CVR, it’s commonly the percentage of website visitors who make a purchase. For example, a 5% conversion rate means 5 out of 100 visitors bought something. (Used by: Digital Analytics)

• CSAT – Customer Satisfaction Score: A metric derived from customer surveys (e.g., “How satisfied were you with your purchase?”). It’s usually expressed as a percentage of respondents who are satisfied. Retailers track CSAT to gauge service and experience quality. (Used by: Customer Service/Experience)

• CTO – Click-To-Open Rate: In email marketing, the percentage of recipients who clicked a link out of those who opened the email. (Often written as CTOR). A higher CTO indicates more engaging email content. (Used by: Marketing)

• CTR – Click-Through Rate: The percentage of people who click on a link or ad out of those who viewed it. For example, if an ad was shown 1000 times and got 10 clicks, CTR = 1%. It measures the effectiveness of ads or email links in generating interest. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• CX – Customer Experience: The overall experience and perception a customer has when interacting with a brand across all channels (store, website, app, support). Improving CX (e.g., site usability, in-store service) is crucial for retention and loyalty. (Used by: Customer Experience Teams)

• D2C (or DTC) – Direct-to-Consumer: A sales model where a brand sells directly to end consumers, typically through its own online store, rather than through third-party retailers. Many digitally-native brands (DNVBs) are D2C. (Used by: E-Commerce/Brand Owners)

• DC – Distribution Center: A warehouse facility where goods are stored and dispatched to retail stores or to customers. Retail DCs receive products from suppliers and redistribute them, serving as hubs in the supply chain. (Used by: Supply Chain/Operations)

• DFO – Direct Fulfillment Order: In Amazon Vendor Central, an order where the vendor ships the product directly to the end customer on Amazon’s behalf (dropshipping model). Amazon forwards the customer order to the vendor (as opposed to a normal PO that Amazon fulfills from its stock). (Used by: Amazon Vendors)

• DIFOT – Delivered In Full, On Time: Similar to OTIF, a supply chain metric tracking what percentage of orders are delivered completely (no shortages) and by the agreed time. “DIFOT” is commonly used in some regions to evaluate supplier performance. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics)

• DNVB – Digitally Native Vertical Brand: A brand that started online (digitally native) and controls its entire product development through distribution (vertical). DNVBs often sell D2C, leveraging e-commerce and social media (e.g., Glossier or Warby Parker). (Used by: E-Commerce Industry)

• DOH – Days of Inventory on Hand: The average number of days it would take to sell through the current inventory at the current rate of sales. It’s an inventory efficiency metric – shorter DOH means faster stock turns. (Used by: Inventory Planning/Finance)

• DOTD – Deal of the Day: A promotion that runs for a single day featuring a special price on a product (or set of products). Amazon’s “Deal of the Day” is a popular example, offering deep discounts for 24 hours. (Used by: Marketing/E-Commerce)

• DPV – Detail Page View: In e-commerce analytics, the number of times a product’s detail page is viewed by customers. On Amazon, DPV (also called glance views) is used to track traffic to a product listing. (Used by: E-Commerce Analytics)

• DSD – Direct Store Delivery: A distribution method where the supplier delivers product directly to retail stores, bypassing the retailer’s warehouse. Common for beverages, chips, bread, and other fast-turn products – the vendor handles restocking at the store. (Used by: Supply Chain/Merchandising)

• DSP – Demand-Side Platform: In digital advertising, a DSP is a system that allows buyers (advertisers) to manage, bid on, and optimize programmatic ad inventory across multiple ad exchanges. Amazon DSP is Amazon’s programmatic advertising platform for display and video ads. (Used by: Digital Advertising)

• DSV – Drop Ship Vendor: A term often used by retailers (like Walmart) for a vendor that ships orders directly to the customer on the retailer’s behalf. Similar to Amazon’s Direct Fulfillment. Retailers list the product online, and when it sells, the DSV ships it out (the retailer doesn’t stock it). (Used by: E-Commerce/Marketplace Operations)

• DUNS – Data Universal Numbering System: A unique nine-digit identifier for businesses issued by Dun & Bradstreet. Retailers (including Amazon) often require a DUNS number from vendors during onboarding for credit and identification purposes. (Used by: Vendor Onboarding/Finance)

• EAN – European Article Number: A 13-digit product barcode standard widely used outside North America (equivalent to 12-digit UPC in the US). An EAN/UPC is a type of GTIN used to identify products at retail point of sale. (Used by: Supply Chain/Catalog)

• EBIT – Earnings Before Interest and Taxes: A measure of a company’s operating profit. In retail, EBIT is used to evaluate core profitability by excluding interest (financing) and taxes. It’s similar to operating income on a retailer’s income statement. (Used by: Finance/Executives)

• EDI – Electronic Data Interchange: The computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format. In retail, EDI is used for sending POs, ASNs, invoices, etc., between retailers and vendors. It automates transactions and replaces paper/fax communications. (Used by: Supply Chain/IT)

• EDLP – Every Day Low Price: A pricing strategy in which a retailer offers consistently low prices on products rather than relying on frequent sales or markdowns. Walmart is famous for EDLP. It builds trust that customers are always getting a good price. (Used by: Merchandising/Pricing)

• EOQ – Economic Order Quantity: An inventory management formula that determines the optimal order quantity that minimizes total inventory holding costs and ordering costs. EOQ helps retailers and vendors decide how much to order each time to be most cost-efficient. (Used by: Supply Chain/Planning)

• EOL – End of Life: The stage when a product is being phased out or discontinued. An EOL product is typically marked down for clearance, and retailers won’t reorder it. Manufacturers issue EOL notices when a product will no longer be produced. (Used by: Merchandising/Product Management)

• ERP – Enterprise Resource Planning: An integrated software system that manages core business processes (finance, HR, supply chain, etc.) in one platform. Large retailers use ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle) to handle everything from purchasing to accounting in a unified way. (Used by: IT/Finance/Operations)

• ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival: The expected date/time a shipment or delivery will arrive at its destination. Providing accurate ETAs (to warehouses or customers) is crucial for planning and customer satisfaction. (Used by: Logistics/Customer Service)

• ETD – Estimated Time of Departure: The date/time when a shipment is expected to leave the point of origin (warehouse or port). Combined with transit time, ETD is used to calculate ETA on the other end. (Used by: Logistics)

• ESL – Electronic Shelf Label: Digital price tags on retail shelves that can update prices automatically via a wireless network. ESLs help brick-and-mortar stores implement dynamic pricing and reduce labor for changing paper tags. (Used by: Store Operations/IT)

• ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance: Criteria and initiatives around sustainability and ethical impact. In retail, ESG programs include things like reducing carbon footprint, ethical sourcing, diversity & inclusion, etc. Companies report ESG performance to demonstrate corporate responsibility. (Used by: Corporate Strategy/Compliance)

• EXW – Ex Works: An Incoterm meaning the seller makes goods available at their own facility, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs and risk from that point onward. If a vendor’s term is EXW, the retailer must arrange pickup and shipping from the vendor’s warehouse. (Used by: Supply Chain/International Trade)

• FBA – Fulfillment by Amazon: An Amazon program where sellers send inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and Amazon handles storage, picking, packing, shipping to customers, and customer service. FBA lets marketplace sellers offer Prime shipping and outsource logistics to Amazon. (Used by: Amazon Sellers)

• FBM – Fulfilled by Merchant: In Amazon context, a selling method where the seller lists items on Amazon but keeps inventory at their own facility and ships orders to customers themselves. It’s the alternative to using FBA. (Used by: Amazon Sellers)

• FC – Fulfillment Center: A warehouse that processes and ships orders to customers. Amazon’s distribution warehouses are called fulfillment centers. Other retailers use the term for e-commerce warehouses. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics)

• FCL – Full Container Load: In international freight, an FCL shipment is when one shipper’s goods fill an entire shipping container. It’s typically cost-effective for large shipments. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics)

• FIFO – First In, First Out: An inventory management method where the oldest stock (first in) is sold first (first out). Retailers, especially in groceries, use FIFO to ensure freshness. It’s also an accounting method for valuing inventory. (Used by: Inventory Management/Accounting)

• FMCG – Fast-Moving Consumer Goods: Products that sell quickly at relatively low cost, such as groceries, toiletries, and other everyday items. FMCG is often used interchangeably with CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods). (Used by: Retail Industry)

• FNSKU – Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit: A unique identifier Amazon uses for products stored in its FBA network. Each FNSKU is specific to a product and Amazon seller, and is printed on labels for items in FBA so Amazon can track seller-specific inventory. (Used by: Amazon FBA Sellers)

• FOB – Free On Board: An Incoterm used in international shipping. FOB [Port] means the seller is responsible for delivering goods onto a ship at the named port, and the buyer assumes cost and risk from that point forward. Retailers often negotiate FOB origin (vendor books freight) or FOB destination terms. (Used by: Supply Chain/International Trade)

• 4PL – Fourth-Party Logistics: (See 4PL under Numeric section above.)

G–L

• GA – Google Analytics: A web analytics platform by Google that tracks website traffic, user behavior, and e-commerce conversions. Retailers use GA (or GA4, the latest version) to monitor online store performance and marketing effectiveness. (Used by: E-Commerce Analytics)

• GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation: The EU law on data protection and privacy (effective 2018). It governs how companies collect, process, and store personal data. Retailers with EU customers must comply (e.g., obtaining consent for cookies, allowing data deletion requests). (Used by: Legal/Compliance)

• GDSN – Global Data Synchronization Network: A network of interoperable data pools that allows companies to exchange standardized product information. Manufacturers upload product data (dimensions, weights, descriptions) to GDSN, and retailers can pull that data to keep catalogs in sync. (Used by: Supply Chain/Item Setup)

• GLN – Global Location Number: A GS1-standard 13-digit number used to uniquely identify parties and locations in the supply chain (e.g., a specific warehouse, a company entity). Vendors and retailers use GLNs in EDI transactions to specify ship-from and ship-to locations. (Used by: Supply Chain/EDI)

• GMROI – Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment: A profitability metric that measures how many dollars of gross margin a retailer earns for each dollar invested in inventory. Calculated as Gross Margin / Average Inventory Cost. For example, a GMROI of 2.5 means $2.50 earned per $1 of inventory – higher is better. (Used by: Merchandising/Finance)

• GMV – Gross Merchandise Volume: The total value of merchandise sold through a marketplace or platform, usually in a given period. For example, the GMV of an online marketplace includes all sales by all sellers. It’s a key metric for e-commerce platforms to gauge overall transaction volume. (Used by: E-Commerce/Finance)

• GSCOP – Groceries Supply Code of Practice: A regulation in the UK that governs supermarket conduct with suppliers. It ensures fair dealing – for instance, timely payments and no sudden changes to agreed terms. Tesco and other major UK grocers must adhere to GSCOP in vendor dealings. (Used by: Vendor Management/Legal (UK))

• GTIN – Global Trade Item Number: A standardized product identifier managed by GS1. It can be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits depending on the format (UPC-12 and EAN-13 are GTINs). A GTIN uniquely identifies a product worldwide. Retailers require GTINs for listing products to ensure universal identification (e.g., a specific SKU’s barcode number). (Used by: Catalog/Inventory)

• GWP – Gift With Purchase: A promotion where a customer receives a free gift when purchasing a particular product or spending above a threshold. For example, “Buy this perfume and get a free tote bag” is a GWP offer. (Used by: Marketing/Promotions)

• HIFO – Highest In, First Out: An inventory cost accounting method (less common) where the highest-cost items are sold first. It’s sometimes used for tax or accounting strategy, opposite of LIFO/FIFO. (Used by: Accounting – but rarely in retail due to regulations)

• HL (Hi-Lo) – High-Low Pricing: A retail pricing strategy of setting a high base price and then offering frequent promotions or clearance discounts (the “low”). Unlike EDLP, hi-lo retailers attract deal-seekers with sales events. Many supermarkets and department stores use high-low pricing. (Used by: Merchandising/Pricing)

• HS Code – Harmonized System Code: A standardized 6- to 10-digit code used internationally to classify products for customs and import/export documentation. Every product type (from socks to laptops) has an HS code. Retail import teams ensure products are labeled with the correct HS code for tariffs. (Used by: Supply Chain/Customs Compliance)

• IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service: A cloud computing model where businesses rent server infrastructure (computing, storage, networking) from providers like AWS or Azure. (Used by: IT/Tech)

• IOR – Importer of Record: The entity responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with local laws, paying duties, and filling out import documentation. A retailer buying goods internationally might act as IOR, or sometimes vendors act as IOR for drop shipments. (Used by: Supply Chain/International Trade)

• IPI – Inventory Performance Index: A metric used by Amazon FBA to grade how well sellers manage their inventory (considering stock levels, sell-through, aged inventory, etc.). A low IPI can result in storage limits. Sellers aim to keep IPI high to avoid FBA restrictions. (Used by: Amazon FBA Sellers)

• ISBN – International Standard Book Number: A 10 or 13-digit code that uniquely identifies books. ISBNs are used by bookstores and Amazon to catalog and track book titles. (Used by: Book Retailers/Publishing)

• ISR – In-Store Retail: (General term) Activities or metrics referring to the physical store environment. For example, ISR sales might mean sales that occurred in brick-and-mortar stores (as opposed to online).

• IT – Information Technology: In retail, IT teams handle systems like POS software, e-commerce platforms, inventory management systems, etc. (General abbreviation, not retail-specific, but widely used in context.)

• JBP – Joint Business Plan: A collaborative annual plan created between a retailer and a vendor that outlines mutual goals, sales targets, and key initiatives (often spanning 1-3 years). For example, a vendor and Walmart might agree on a JBP with sales growth targets and marketing investments. (Used by: Vendor Management/Sales)

• JIT – Just In Time: An inventory strategy where stock arrives/produces just when needed, minimizing holding costs. In retail, JIT supply can reduce inventory carrying costs, but it requires highly reliable suppliers and demand forecasting. (Used by: Supply Chain/Operations)

• KPI – Key Performance Indicator: A measurable value that indicates how well an objective is being achieved. In retail, common KPIs include sales growth, same-store sales, conversion rate, average order value, inventory turnover, etc. KPIs are used at all levels to track performance. (Used by: All Teams)

• KVI – Known Value Item: A product that customers are very price-sensitive about, often a staple item whose price is widely known (e.g., a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread). Retailers keep KVIs competitively priced to drive the perception of overall value. (Used by: Merchandising/Pricing)

• KYC – Know Your Customer: Processes for verifying the identity of customers (typically in financial services or when onboarding sellers on a marketplace) to prevent fraud and comply with regulations. For example, marketplace platforms perform KYC checks on new sellers (ID verification, bank verification). (Used by: Compliance/Risk Management)

• LCL – Less than Container Load: An ocean freight shipment that does not fill an entire container, so it’s combined with other shipments. LCL is used for smaller international orders where a full container is not warranted. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics)

• LIFO – Last In, First Out: An inventory/cost accounting method where the last units received are considered the first sold. Not commonly used in physical flow for retail (FIFO is used for perishables), but LIFO can be used in accounting for cost flow assumptions. (Used by: Accounting)

• LTL – Less Than Truckload: A freight shipment that doesn’t require a full 48’ or 53’ truck trailer. LTL carriers consolidate multiple shippers’ freight in one truck. Retailers use LTL to ship smaller loads economically, typically with slightly longer transit times than full truckload. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics)

• LTV – Lifetime Value: See CLV above. LTV (Lifetime Value) is another term for the total revenue a customer is expected to generate during their lifetime with a brand. (Used by: Marketing/Finance)

• LBB – Lost Buy Box: A situation on Amazon where a seller who usually “owns” the Buy Box loses it to another seller (or Amazon). When a seller has LBB, their offer is no longer the default in the Buy Box, which often leads to a drop in sales until they regain it (usually by adjusting price or metrics). (Used by: Amazon Marketplace Sellers)

• MABD – Must Arrive By Date: A compliance date by which a shipment must arrive at the retailer’s distribution center. Retailers like Walmart assign MABDs to POs to ensure on-time flow; vendors shipping too early or late may incur penalties. It’s essentially a required delivery window to meet promotions or planograms. (Used by: Supply Chain/Vendor Compliance)

• MAP – Minimum Advertised Price: A policy set by manufacturers on the lowest price retailers are allowed to advertise a product for sale (though actual selling price in-cart can sometimes be lower). For example, a brand might set a MAP to prevent retailers from undercutting each other and eroding margins. (Used by: Merchandising/Sales)

• MDF – Market Development Funds: Marketing funds provided by vendors to retailers (or other channel partners) to promote their products. MDFs are often used for co-op advertising, in-store displays, or online promotions. In Amazon Vendor Central, MDF is one of the “coop” deductions negotiated in terms. (Used by: Vendor Management/Retail Marketing)

• MFC – Micro-Fulfillment Center: A small-scale, often urban, fulfillment site (sometimes inside or attached to a retail store) that prepares online orders for delivery or pickup. MFCs are used especially for grocery e-commerce to enable fast local delivery (e.g., within a few hours). (Used by: E-Commerce Operations)

• MM – Margin Mix: (General term) The blend of products or categories with varying profit margins that contributes to the overall margin. A retailer might discuss “MM impact” when shifting sales to higher or lower margin items.

• MOQ – Minimum Order Quantity: The smallest order size a supplier is willing to accept. For instance, a manufacturer might have an MOQ of 500 units for a wholesale order. Retailers must meet MOQs when ordering to get volume pricing or simply to place an order. (Used by: Procurement/Vendors)

• MRP – Maximum Retail Price: In some countries (like India), the maximum price that can be charged for a product, as printed on the packaging. It’s illegal to sell above MRP. In other contexts, MRP can also mean Material Requirements Planning in manufacturing, but in retail trade terms it usually refers to the labeled max price. (Used by: Retail Compliance (regional))

• MSRP – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: The recommended selling price for a product set by the manufacturer. Retailers may sell below MSRP during promotions, but MSRP provides a benchmark (sometimes called RRP – Recommended Retail Price). (Used by: Merchandising/Sales)

• MTD – Month-to-Date: The period from the beginning of the current month up through today. Retail sales reports often show MTD figures to gauge how the month is trending, alongside YTD (Year-to-Date) and daily numbers. (Used by: Finance/Sales Reporting)

• NPI – New Product Introduction (or New Product Initiative): The process or status associated with launching a new product in the assortment. In vendor relations, an NPI might refer to a new item setup form or a period of initial orders for a new product. (Used by: Merchandising/Product Development)

• NPS – Net Promoter Score: A customer loyalty metric derived from asking customers how likely they are to recommend the company/product to others (on a 0-10 scale). NPS is calculated as %Promoters minus %Detractors. Retailers use NPS surveys to assess customer sentiment and loyalty. (Used by: Customer Experience/Marketing)

• NRF – National Retail Federation: The largest retail trade association (based in the US), known for industry research and events. NRF often is mentioned for its annual Big Show conference or retail statistics (e.g., holiday sales forecasts). (Used by: Retail Industry Professionals)

• O2O – Online-to-Offline: Strategies that connect online customer acquisition to offline purchases (or vice versa). For instance, using online ads to drive store foot traffic, or offering online ordering with in-store pickup (BOPIS). O2O highlights the blending of digital and physical retail channels. (Used by: Omnichannel Strategy)

• ODR – Order Defect Rate: An Amazon marketplace performance metric representing the percentage of orders with a serious issue (such as negative feedback, an A-to-Z Guarantee claim, or credit card chargeback). Amazon requires sellers to maintain an ODR under 1% to sell on the platform. (Used by: Amazon Marketplace Sellers)

• OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer: A company that produces products that are rebranded and sold by another company. In retail, OEM often refers to manufacturers who make private label goods for retailers. For example, a factory might be the OEM for a retailer’s store-brand electronics. (Used by: Sourcing/Private Label)

• OOS – Out of Stock: Indicates an item is not currently available for sale due to zero inventory. OOS situations are closely tracked since they mean missed sales. Retailers measure OOS rates and strive to minimize them via better forecasting and replenishment. (Used by: Inventory Management/Store Ops)

• OTB – Open-to-Buy: A budgeting and planning metric in retail merchandising that indicates how much budget or inventory buy capacity remains for a period. OTB ensures that buyers don’t over-commit inventory dollars; it’s basically planned purchases minus orders already placed. (Used by: Merchandising/Planning)

• OTD – On-Time Delivery: A metric tracking the percentage of orders delivered on or before the promised date. Retail DCs monitor OTD from suppliers to avoid stockouts, and online retailers monitor OTD to customers for service quality. High OTD is crucial to avoid penalties and keep customers satisfied. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics)

• OTIF – On Time In Full: A key supply chain performance metric that measures what portion of orders are delivered both on schedule and completely (no missing items). For example, an 95% OTIF means 5% of shipments were late or short. Retailers like Walmart impose OTIF requirements (and fines) on vendors to improve shelf availability. (Used by: Supply Chain/Vendor Compliance)

• OMS – Order Management System: Software that tracks orders from placement to fulfillment across channels. An OMS handles order processing, status updates, and routing to the appropriate fulfillment location (store, warehouse, drop-ship). Crucial for omnichannel retailers to manage online and in-store orders in one system. (Used by: IT/E-Commerce Operations)

• OTC – Over-the-Counter: In retail pharmacy, medicines that can be sold without a prescription. More generally, OTC can refer to any product sold directly to consumers without special restrictions. Retailers have OTC sections for health and wellness products (like vitamins, pain relievers). (Used by: Pharmacy/Retail)

• P&L – Profit and Loss Statement: A financial statement summarizing revenues, costs, and expenses during a specific period. In retail, a P&L (also called an income statement) shows key metrics like net sales, gross profit, operating expenses, and net profit. Managers often have P&L responsibility for their category or store. (Used by: Finance/Management)

• Pan-EU – Pan-European FBA: An Amazon fulfillment program in Europe where Amazon will distribute a seller’s FBA inventory across multiple EU countries’ warehouses for free, enabling faster Prime delivery in those markets. Sellers send stock to one EU warehouse, and Amazon reallocates it based on demand. (Used by: Amazon Sellers – EU)

• PDP – Product Detail Page: The webpage on an e-commerce site that displays all the information about a specific product (images, description, price, reviews, etc.). Optimizing the PDP (with good content and keywords) is crucial for conversion and SEO on both Amazon and Shopify sites. (Used by: E-Commerce/Marketing)

• PII – Personally Identifiable Information: Data that can identify a specific individual (name, email, address, etc.). Retailers must handle PII carefully to protect customer privacy and comply with laws (like GDPR). (Used by: IT/Compliance)

• PIM – Product Information Management: Systems or processes for managing all product data (descriptions, specs, images) in a centralized way, to ensure consistent and accurate product info across channels (online store, marketplaces, print catalogs). (Used by: E-Commerce/IT)

• PL (Private Label) – Private Label: Products sold under a retailer’s own brand name rather than the manufacturer’s brand. Examples are Walmart’s “Great Value” or AmazonBasics. Retailers develop private label (PL) goods to offer unique products and often better margins. (Used by: Merchandising/Product Development)

• Planogram (POG) – Planogram: A schematic diagram or model that indicates the placement of products on shelves or displays in a store. Planograms (POGs) ensure consistent merchandising—they specify which products go where, how many facings, etc., to maximize sales and space efficiency. (Used by: Visual Merchandising/Store Ops)

• PO – Purchase Order: A formal order issued by a buyer (retailer) to a supplier for the purchase of goods. A PO outlines item quantities, prices, and expected delivery dates. In Amazon vendor terms, a PO is the weekly order Amazon sends to the vendor for replenishment. (Used by: Purchasing/Vendor Management)

• POS – Point of Sale: Can refer to the physical checkout location in a store (cash register or POS system) or the moment of transaction. POS systems (hardware/software) process sales transactions, handle payments, and deduct inventory. In marketing, POS materials are the in-store signs/displays at the point of purchase. (Used by: Store Operations/IT)

• PPC – Pay Per Click: A model of online advertising where advertisers pay each time a user clicks on their ad (as opposed to paying just for impressions). “PPC” often refers to search advertising campaigns, such as Google Ads or Amazon Sponsored Products, where the cost model is per click. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• PUDO – Pick Up/Drop Off: A network of locations or service allowing customers to pick up online orders or drop off returns at convenient sites (like lockers, postal counters, etc.). PUDO points help facilitate delivery and returns in omnichannel retail. (Used by: Logistics/Customer Service)

• QBR – Quarterly Business Review: A formal review meeting held each quarter between business partners. In a retail vendor context, a QBR between a retailer and a vendor would cover performance metrics, issues, and upcoming plans. Internally, retailers also conduct QBRs to review category or business unit performance. (Used by: Account Management/Executives)

• QoQ – Quarter-over-Quarter: A comparison of a metric in one quarter to the previous quarter. Retailers might look at QoQ growth to account for seasonality (e.g., Q4 vs Q3 sales). Compare with YoY (Year-over-Year). (Used by: Finance/Analytics)

• QR Code – Quick Response Code: A two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned by smartphones to quickly direct users to digital content (URLs, product info, etc.). Retailers use QR codes on marketing materials, product packaging, or store shelves to engage customers (e.g., scan for more product details or to order online). (Used by: Marketing/Omnichannel)

• QTD – Quarter-to-Date: The period starting at the beginning of the current quarter up until today. Retailers use QTD figures to gauge how the current quarter is performing relative to targets or prior year. (Used by: Finance/Sales Reporting)

• RFP – Request for Proposal: A document and process through which a company solicits detailed proposals from potential suppliers or service providers. In retail, an RFP might be used when selecting a new logistics provider, store fixture supplier, or software vendor – outlining requirements and asking bidders to propose solutions and pricing. (Used by: Procurement/Finance)

• RFID – Radio Frequency Identification: A technology using small tags and radio waves for automatic identification of objects. In retail, RFID tags (often embedded in price tags or packaging) allow wireless scanning of products, enabling faster inventory counts and improved tracking of stock through the supply chain. (Used by: Supply Chain/Store Ops)

• RFQ – Request for Quote: A process of soliciting price quotes from suppliers for specific products or services. Less formal than an RFP, an RFQ is typically used when the specs are already known and the main variable is price. Retailers might send an RFQ to multiple vendors for a certain product to compare costs. (Used by: Procurement)

• ROAS – Return On Ad Spend: The revenue generated for each dollar (or other currency) spent on advertising. Calculated as Total Ad Revenue ÷ Total Ad Spend. For example, a ROAS of 5 ($5 in sales per $1 ad spend) might be a target. It’s essentially the inverse of ACoS. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• ROI – Return on Investment: A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment, calculated as (Gain from Investment – Cost of Investment) ÷ Cost of Investment. In retail, ROI could apply to projects (e.g., ROI of a new store opening) or marketing campaigns (incremental profit vs. cost). (Used by: Finance/Strategy)

• RMA – Return Merchandise Authorization: A reference code or process for returns. When a customer or store needs to return product to a vendor (or a customer to an online seller), they obtain an RMA number which authorizes the return and tracks it. RMAs help manage and reconcile returns in the system. (Used by: Customer Service/Reverse Logistics)

• ROPO – Research Online, Purchase Offline: A consumer behavior pattern where customers browse or research products online but then go to a physical store to buy. Retailers track ROPO effects to understand the true influence of online content on in-store sales (e.g., a shopper checks reviews on Target’s site, then buys at a Target store). (Used by: Omnichannel Marketing)

• RRP – Recommended Retail Price: The price a manufacturer suggests retailers sell a product for. (Same as MSRP in the US). In Europe and other regions, RRP is commonly used – though retailers are not always obliged to follow it. It provides a guideline and helps position the product’s value. (Used by: Merchandising)

• RTV – Return to Vendor: Stock that is sent back to the supplier. This can refer to a process where unsold or defective merchandise is returned to the vendor for credit. For example, seasonal items might be RTV’d after the season ends, or a grocery item might be RTV if it’s close to expiry. (Used by: Inventory Control/Finance)

• RPA – Robotic Process Automation: Using software “bots” to automate routine, rules-based tasks. In retail back-office, RPA might be used to automatically process invoices, update inventory records, or handle data entry that was previously manual. It increases efficiency and reduces human error. (Used by: IT/Finance)

• S&OP – Sales and Operations Planning: A cross-functional process where teams (sales, merchandising, supply chain, finance) meet regularly to align demand and supply plans. S&OP results in a consensus forecast and inventory plan that balances market opportunities with operational constraints. (Used by: Supply Chain/Planning)

• SaaS – Software as a Service: A licensing model where software is delivered via the cloud on a subscription basis. Many retail systems (ERP, OMS, e-commerce platforms like Shopify) are now SaaS – which means the retailer doesn’t host the software, they pay to use it online. (Used by: IT/Procurement)

• SC – Seller Central: Amazon’s portal/platform for third-party marketplace sellers. Seller Central (SC) is where 3P sellers manage listings, orders, advertising, and account health. (In other contexts, SC can also mean Supply Chain, so usage depends on context.) (Used by: Amazon Sellers)

• SCAC – Standard Carrier Alpha Code: A unique 2–4 letter code used to identify freight carriers in the US (and EDI transactions). For example, UPS’s SCAC is “UPSN”. Retailers and vendors use SCAC codes on ASNs and shipping documents to specify which carrier is handling a shipment. (Used by: Logistics/EDI)

• SCM – Supply Chain Management: The management of the flow of goods and information from raw materials to delivering the final product to customers. In a retail context, SCM encompasses procurement, transportation, warehousing, and distribution strategies to keep shelves stocked efficiently. (Used by: Operations/Supply Chain)

• SEO – Search Engine Optimization: The practice of optimizing a website or listing so that it ranks higher in organic search results on Google or within a platform (like Amazon search). For e-commerce, SEO involves keyword research, quality content, and technical improvements to drive more traffic. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• SEM – Search Engine Marketing: Often used to refer to paid search advertising (like Google Ads or Bing Ads). SEM complements SEO; it’s the practice of bidding on keywords so that ads for your site or product appear in search engine results pages. (Used by: Digital Marketing)

• SFP – Seller Fulfilled Prime: An Amazon program that allows qualified 3P sellers to ship orders to customers directly (from their own warehouse) while still displaying the Prime badge. Sellers must meet strict shipping speed and performance requirements (e.g., one/two-day delivery) to maintain SFP status. (Used by: Amazon Sellers)

• SKU – Stock Keeping Unit: A unique identifier for each distinct product and its variants that a retailer carries. It’s often an alphanumeric code. Retailers use SKUs to track inventory internally. For example, a red, size M shirt is one SKU and the same shirt in size L is another SKU. (Used by: Inventory Management)

• SLA – Service Level Agreement: A contract or part of a contract that defines the service standards one party must meet for another. In retail logistics, an SLA might specify a 98% on-time shipping rate or a two-day ticket response time with a 3PL or a tech vendor. (Used by: Operations/Contract Management)

• SMB – Small and Medium-Sized Business: Refers to enterprises below a certain size threshold. In the context of e-commerce, Amazon and Shopify have many SMB sellers/merchants. “SMB programs” at large companies are tailored to the needs of smaller businesses (who have fewer resources than large enterprises). (Used by: Industry/Segment Classification)

• SNS – Subscribe & Save: Amazon’s subscription program where customers subscribe to receive regular deliveries of products (often household staples) at a discount. For vendors, being on SNS can improve forecast stability. Shoppers get a lower price and automatic periodic shipments. (Used by: Amazon Retail/Vendor Operations)

• SSCC – Serial Shipping Container Code: A unique 18-digit number used to identify logistics units (like pallets or cartons) in transit. It’s encoded in a barcode label on pallets (often the GS1-128 label). The SSCC allows a pallet to be tracked and matched to an ASN when received. (Used by: Supply Chain/EDI)

• SSL – Secure Sockets Layer: An encryption protocol for securing data transfer on the web (superseded by TLS, but still commonly referred to as SSL). E-commerce sites use SSL certificates (HTTPS) to secure customers’ payment and personal data during checkout. (Used by: IT/Security)

• SV – Store Visit: A metric in omnichannel analytics counting when a customer visits a physical store. Some digital ad platforms estimate SV uplifts from online ad exposures (e.g., Google can estimate how online ads drove store visits via location history). (Used by: Marketing Analytics)

• TACoS – Total Advertising Cost of Sales: A metric used by Amazon sellers that measures ad spend as a percentage of total sales (advertising + organic sales). Whereas ACoS only looks at ad-attributed sales, TACoS considers the bigger picture of how ads drive overall business. It’s used to gauge the long-term impact of advertising. (Used by: Amazon Sellers/Marketing)

• TMS – Transportation Management System: Software that helps plan, execute, and optimize the movement of freight. A TMS can route deliveries, select carriers, tender loads, and track shipments. Retailers and 3PLs use TMS solutions to manage inbound and outbound logistics efficiently. (Used by: Supply Chain/Logistics IT)

• TPR – Temporary Price Reduction: A short-term product price drop, usually funded by the vendor, to boost sales. In retail, a TPR might last a few weeks and is often marked on shelf tags. It’s essentially a promo allowance making the item temporarily cheaper, after which it returns to normal price (as opposed to a permanent markdown). (Used by: Merchandising/Promotions)

• TSV – Total Sales Volume: A general term for aggregate sales, sometimes used in reporting to sum up all sales across channels. For example, a brand might look at TSV combining in-store and online sales for a product line. (Used by: Finance/Sales)

• UAT – User Acceptance Testing: The phase in software implementation where end-users test the system to ensure it can handle required tasks in real-world scenarios. For instance, before a new POS software goes live in stores, store staff might do UAT to catch any issues. (Used by: IT/Project Management)

• UGC – User-Generated Content: Content related to a brand that is created by customers or the public, such as reviews, photos, social media posts, or videos. Retailers leverage UGC (like Instagram photos of customers wearing their products) for marketing, as it provides authentic social proof. (Used by: Marketing/E-Commerce)

• UPC – Universal Product Code: A 12-digit barcode used in North America for retail packaging (the printed black-and-white barcode on products). It corresponds to a GTIN-12. Scanning the UPC at checkout identifies the item for the POS system. Every SKU in a store has a UPC on its packaging unless it’s an item weighed at sale (like produce). (Used by: Inventory Management/POS)

• UX – User Experience: The overall experience a person has when interacting with a product or service, especially websites and apps. In e-commerce, UX design focuses on making the online shopping journey intuitive, fast, and enjoyable (from navigation, search, to checkout). Good UX boosts conversion and customer satisfaction. (Used by: E-Commerce/Web Design)

• VAT – Value Added Tax: A consumption tax common in many countries (notably in the EU, UK, etc.), added as a percentage of product price. Retail prices in Europe are usually displayed inclusive of VAT. For example, a £100 item in the UK includes 20% VAT (roughly £16.67). Businesses can often reclaim VAT on goods purchased for resale. (Used by: Finance/Tax Compliance)

• VC – Vendor Central: Amazon’s portal for first-party vendors (manufacturers/wholesalers who sell inventory to Amazon retail). In Vendor Central (VC), vendors receive POs from Amazon, manage catalog listings, and track performance. It’s invitation-only, unlike Seller Central. (Used by: Amazon Vendors)

• VMI – Vendor Managed Inventory: A replenishment arrangement where the supplier is responsible for monitoring the retailer’s inventory levels and generating orders to restock as needed. Through VMI, a vendor gets access to the retailer’s sales/inventory data and takes on the planning, improving in-stock while reducing stock for the retailer. (Used by: Supply Chain/Planning)

• VoC – Voice of Customer: A term for the process of collecting and analyzing customer feedback, preferences, and experiences. VoC programs in retail might include surveys, focus groups, or social listening to understand customer needs and pain points, then drive improvements. (Used by: Customer Experience/Marketing)

• VOC – Vendor Own Carrier: In Amazon Direct Fulfillment (dropship) context, Vendor Own Carrier means the vendor chooses the carrier for the shipment (as opposed to Amazon choosing under “Amazon Owned Carrier (AOC)”). More generally, could mean any scenario where the vendor arranges transport. (Used by: Amazon Vendors/Logistics)

• VP – Vendor Powered: Often used in contexts like “Vendor Powered Pricing” or “Vendor Powered Marketing,” meaning the vendor funds or drives those aspects (not an Amazon standard term but self-explanatory in context). (General usage)

• WFS – Walmart Fulfillment Services: Walmart’s 3PL-like fulfillment program for its marketplace sellers, similar to FBA. Marketplace sellers send inventory to Walmart-operated fulfillment centers, and Walmart handles storage, picking, packing, and shipping to customers. WFS allows sellers to offer fast shipping with a Walmart badge. (Used by: Walmart Marketplace Sellers)

• WISMO – “Where Is My Order?”: An acronym used in customer service referring to contacts where customers inquire about order status. WISMO calls/emails are common; retailers aim to reduce WISMO by providing proactive tracking updates. (Used by: Customer Service)

• WMS – Warehouse Management System: Software for managing warehouse operations – including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and shipping. A WMS optimizes inventory storage locations and routes pickers to improve efficiency. Large retailers use sophisticated WMS in distribution centers to handle high volumes. (Used by: Supply Chain/IT)

• WoM – Word of Mouth: Customers sharing opinions and recommendations about a store or product verbally or through social networks. Positive WoM can drive new customers at no cost. Retailers foster WoM by encouraging reviews, referrals, and ensuring great customer experiences. (Used by: Marketing)

• XFN – Cross-Functional: Not an industry-specific acronym, but commonly used internally to describe collaboration across different teams (e.g., “XFN alignment between marketing, product, and ops is needed for this initiative”). (General corporate term)

• XML – eXtensible Markup Language: A data format often used in web services and data exchange (including some legacy EDI systems). In retail tech, inventory updates or product feeds might be in XML format. (IT term)

• YTD – Year-to-Date: The period from the beginning of the current year up through today’s date. Retailers compare YTD sales figures to the same period in the prior year to gauge growth. For example, “YTD sales are up 5% YoY” means Jan 1 to now vs. that period last year sales increased 5%. (Used by: Finance/Sales Reporting)

• YoY – Year-over-Year: A comparison of a metric against the same period in the previous year. YoY comparisons account for seasonality. For instance, a retailer might report “Q3 YoY online sales grew 20%,” meaning Q3 this year vs Q3 last year. (Used by: Finance/Analytics)

• ZBB – Zero-Based Budgeting: A budgeting approach where each new period’s budget is built from zero, justifying every expense, instead of adjusting last year’s numbers. In retail, a ZBB initiative might force departments to find cost savings by reviewing all activities for necessity and efficiency. (Used by: Finance/Management)

• ZZZ – (Just for completion 😉) Often used informally in examples to denote a generic last entry or to imply boredom. Not an actual industry acronym.