Margin is the percentage of markup based on wholesale prices (COGS) versus retail prices. For bakery department, bread is between 80-98% margin because the COGS is significantly lower than the sale price ($2-$6). What affects whether you make margin or not for the month? If you are over your target shrink %, miscalculations and entering product counts incorrectly during inventory, being over-purchased based on your sales budget, not hitting your sales plan. Look at a monthly margin report with your TL or STL group before the interview.