What term refers to goods on the shelves ready for sale?

The term that refers to goods on the shelves ready for sale is "stock." In a retail context, stock specifically denotes the items that are available for sale to customers at any given time. It includes products that are physically present in the store and organized for customers to purchase.

While "inventory" is often used interchangeably with stock, it typically encompasses a broader scope. Inventory can refer to all the goods that a business has on hand, including those that are not immediately available for sale, such as items in storage or in transit.

"Merchandise" is a term that generally refers to the products that are bought and sold in a business, but it doesn't specifically denote the status of being ready for sale. Finally, "products" is a very general term that denotes any goods or services offered by a business, not limited to those that are presently on display or available for purchase. Hence, "stock" is the most precise term for goods on the shelves ready for sale.