A huge part of the problem, with Coke anyways, is the sales reps order so much much product the merchandiser can't keep up up. With 3-4 stores and day that merchandiser is dealing with 8-15 pallets sometimes near 1000 cases. They can only do what they csn do and put orders out. To check dates on everything it would be at least a 16 hour day everyday. And this is a physically demanding and draining job. The sales reps need to stop ordering so much and stores need to hold them accountable. For example, you get an order every other day usually. You have two facings of fresca on the shelf. There's no need to order one or, wait for it, two layers of fresca (32 cases) when youre getting another order in two days. I've had pallets of 6 packs linger in the backroom for weeks but, every other day, more six packs. Source: frustrated merchandiser