Universal Product Code. A number with 12 digits that is assigned to each item and is the same across all retailers. Also usually associated with a unique EAN barcode.
SKUs and UPCs are commonly confused. The difference is that SKUs are unique to a single retailer whereas a UPC is placed on the product by the manufacturer and applies to that product no matter what store is selling it. If two stores are selling the same product, that item will have different SKUs, but the same UPC.
