A device and a method for deflecting and aligning goods, which are transported in at least two approximately parallel longitudinal rows, in a first conveying direction to a transfer and alignment unit, from where they are transported further in a second conveying direction perpendicular to the first conveying direction. The transfer and alignment unit is coupled with a stop that is movable in or against the first conveying direction. The stop, in the process of transferring the front transversal row of articles or piece goods to the transfer and alignment unit, is brought into a position that is aligned with the flush front or back side of the first transversal row of articles or piece goods or profiled according to the orientation of the front or back side of the first transversal row of articles or piece goods.