Store Operations
Store operations covers the daily rhythm that keeps a shop stocked, clean, compliant and measurable. Questions usually ask for the correct sequence of a routine or for interpretation of a KPI.
Opening and closing
Opening: unlock under dual control, disarm the alarm, switch on lights and air-conditioning, check cleanliness and safety, start the POS and count the float, fill shelves, correct price tags, check expiry dates, brief the staff. Closing: serve the last customer, reconcile cash and print the day-end report, prepare the deposit, switch off equipment, set the alarm, lock and log key handover.
Receiving and replenishment
Match the delivery to the purchase order, inspect quantity, quality, damage, MRP and batch or expiry, raise the GRN, move stock to the back room, then replenish and face up the shelves. Record damages and short supplies immediately - an unsigned GRN is a loss the store cannot claim.
KPIs to interpret
- Conversion % = bills ÷ footfall.
- Average transaction value (ATV) = sales ÷ bills.
- Units per transaction (UPT) = units sold ÷ bills.
- Sales per square foot, shrinkage %, stock days, staff productivity.
Worked example
A day records footfall 800, bills 320 and sales ₹1,60,000. Conversion = 320 ÷ 800 = 40%. ATV = 1,60,000 ÷ 320 = ₹500. Reasoning: 40% conversion is healthy, but ₹500 ATV is low, so the action is bundling and add-on selling at the till rather than more advertising.
Compliance
Display the Shops and Establishments registration, FSSAI licence where food is sold, and fire clearance. Weighing scales must carry a valid Legal Metrology stamping; GST rates charged must match the HSN on the invoice.
Traps that cost marks
Treating footfall as equal to bills; accepting a delivery without a GRN; and changing shelf prices without a recorded price-change note, which creates billing disputes.