What term describes the products or merchandise that retailers keep available for sale at their locations?

The term that best describes the products or merchandise that retailers keep available for sale at their locations is "on-hand inventory." This refers specifically to the items that are physically present and ready for sale to customers at any given time. It encompasses stock that is actively managed and sold, ensuring that retailers have the necessary products on hand to meet customer demand.

Understanding on-hand inventory is essential for effective inventory management, allowing retailers to track what is available for sale, manage stock levels, and evaluate sales patterns. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about restocking and maintaining optimal inventory levels to minimize stockouts or overstock situations.

While total inventory or retail inventory includes all items a retailer has (whether available for sale or not), safety stock refers to additional inventory held to prevent stockouts during unexpected demand increases. Shelf life pertains to the duration that products remain usable or saleable, especially important for perishable items. These terms each highlight different aspects of inventory management but do not specifically define the products available for immediate sale as on-hand inventory does.