At Dixons in the UK (when I briefly worked there 10 years or so ago) the pence were used in a similar way to signal things to floor staff. For example, IIRC, prices ending .98 signalled a discontinued product.

Additional staff signalling was provided by messages on price tags. For example, 'please ask if you need help' meant 'high-margin, high-commission item', whereas 'have you remembered your spares and accessories?' meant 'low-margin, low-commission, item'.