The 1200 is disk front drum rear , you want front brake pads. Get Repco metal master if you can. If you drive hard like some of us the stock 1200 brakes are pretty weak the metal metal master pads will help.
The reason why the parts clerk asks pads or shoes is the computer they are looking at asks this , sadly there are very few real auto parts guys left anymore. The National chains don't pay to well so it is likey the person behind the counter knows a lot less about cars than you do.
Tom Grossmann

PS: you will find people here know eeeverything about 1200s and then some.