Facing (retail)
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Facing is a common tool in the retail industry to create the look of a perfectly stocked store (even when it is not) by pulling all of the products on a display or shelf to the front. It is also done to keep the store to appear neat and organized. Facing creates a sense of hyperreality in that the consumer sees the store as less of a store and more of a promise for endless supply of identical product. Fluorescent lighting also contributes to the hyperreality by creating a dream-like feel in the store.[citation needed]
The workers who face commonly have jobs doing other things in the store such as customer service, stocking shelves, daytime cleaning, bagging and carryouts(in grocery stores), etc. Facing is generally done near closing time when there are fewer customers and also while the store is completely closed. In busier stores it may be done constantly.
In department stores it may referred to as recovery, as in the store is recovering from the rush of customers that affect the model appearance the store wants to portray. Merchandise may be put in the wrong area or leave a mess on the floor that needs to be picked up which is part of the recovery process.
