It’s a means of displaying inventory to appear “well stocked” without actually increasing inventory cost. Also a means, in lay away programs, to motivate guys to pay off, since other folks are watching their tags, not being paid off... For new items, it’s a means to continue to display something without increasing inventory cost and ordering a replacement - but knowing another could be available in 2 days.

Really common practice for SOT’s - as long as the product won’t get damaged, it’s a great opportunity to display held inventory and propagate further sales without increasing inventory costs, while the future owner’s application is processed.