Google added *category* to merchant listing structured data:

> *What*: Updated the Merchant listing documentation to detail how the `Product.category` property can be used with both `Text` and `CategoryCode` types. This aligns with the Google Merchant Center feed specifications for the product_type and google_product_category attributes.

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> *Why*: To help merchants provide both merchant-defined and Google-defined category information within their schema.org markup, enhancing product information for Google Search and Shopping.

Google also clarified how to specify sale price effective dates in Product structured data:

> *What*: Added a new section on "Sale duration" to the Merchant listing guide. This explains how to use the `validFrom`, `validThrough`, and `priceValidUntil` schema.org properties to set the effective range for sale prices, including best practices and examples for placement on either `Offer` or `PriceSpecification` nodes.

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> *Why*: This aligns schema.org usage with the Merchant Center feed attribute sale_price_effective_date, providing clear instructions and best practices for merchants using structured data.