Every fashion and apparel supplier knows that working with retailers like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom means stepping into a world of style—and just as many acronyms. Whether you're coordinating shipments, reviewing product specs, or aligning with vendor compliance requirements, knowing the right acronyms can save you time, reduce errors, and help you communicate more clearly with your retail partners.
To help you stay informed, we've compiled a list of common fashion and apparel acronyms you're likely to encounter in the industry.
Walmart Acronyms Every Supplier Should Know
Acronym | Term |
AQL | Acceptable Quality Limit |
ASN | |
BOM | Bill of Materials |
BOPIS | Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store |
CAD | Computer Aided Design |
CIF | Cost, Insurance, and Freight |
CMT | Cut, Make, Trim |
CO | Cut Order |
COO | Country of Origin |
CSR | Corporate Social Responsibility |
DC | Distribution Center |
DSD | Direct Store Delivery |
DTC | Direct-to-Consumer |
DTM | Dye to Match |
EDI | |
ETA | Estimated Time of Arrival |
FIT Sample | Garment Fit Sample |
FOB | Freight on Board |
GMROI | |
GRS | Global Recycled Standard |
GSM | Grams per Square Meter |
GSP | Generalized System of Preferences |
HTS | Harmonized Tariff Schedule |
KPI | Key Performance Indicator |
LD | Lab Dip |
LDP | Landed Duty Paid |
MAP | Minimum Advertised Price |
MOQ | Minimum Order Quantity |
MSRP | Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price |
NAFTA/USMCA | Trade Agreements |
OEKO-TEX | Textile Sustainability Certification |
OTB | Open-to-Buy |
PDP | Product Detail Page |
PLM | Product Lifecycle Management |
PO | |
POA | Purchase Order Acknowledgement |
POM | Point of Measure |
PP Sample | Pre-Production Sample |
QA | Quality Assurance |
QC | Quality Control |
ROG | Receipt of Goods |
RSL | Restricted Substances List |
RTV | Return to Vendor |
RVC | Regional Vendor Coordinator |
SFS | Ship from Store |
SKU | |
SO | Strike off |
SSCC | Serial Shipping Container Code |
SS/FW | Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter |
T&A | Time and Action Calendar |
TBC | To Be Confirmed |
TOP Sample | Top of Production Sample |
TPI | Threads per Inch |
TPL | Tariff Preference Level |
UPC | Universal Product Code |
VAS | Value-Added Services |
VMI | |
WIP | Work in Progress |
YD | Yarn Dye |
Related Reading: Retail Math for Suppliers
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