Retail Trade

The retail trade (44 and 45) sector comprises establishments engaged in retailing merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise. The retailing process is the final step in the distribution of merchandise; retailers are, therefore, organized to sell merchandise in small quantities to the general public. This sector comprises two main types of retailers: store and nonstore retailers. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) includes the following industries under the retail trade sector:

Retail trade (44 and 45) Motor vehicle and part dealers (441000)

Automobile dealers (441100) Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores (441300)

Furniture and home furnishing stores (442000) Furniture stores (442100) Home furnishing stores (442200)

Electronic and appliance stores (443000) Electronic and appliance stores (443100) Computer and software stores (443120)

Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (444000) Building material and supplies dealers (444100) Lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores (444200)

Food and beverage stores (445000)

Grocery stores (445100) Specialty food stores (445200) Beer, wine, and liquor stores (445300)

Health and personal care stores (446000) Health and personal care stores (446100)

Pharmacies and drug stores (446110) Gasoline stations (447000)

Gasoline stations (447100) Clothing and clothing accessories stores (448000)

Clothing stores (448100) Shoe stores (448200) Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores (448300)

Sports goods, hobby, book, musical instrument stores (451100) Sporting goods stores (451110) Book, periodical, and music stores (451120)

General merchandise stores (452000) Department stores (452100) Other general merchandise stores (452900)

Miscellaneous store retailers (453000) Florist (453100) Office supplies, stationery, and gift stores (453200) Used merchandise stores (453300) Other miscellaneous store retailers (453900)

Nonstore retailers (454000) Electronic shopping and mail order houses (454100) Vending machine operators (454200) Direct selling establishments (454300)

Wholesale and retail trades make up a large part of the nation’s employment and business establishments. In the economy as a whole, retail trade is about 11.6% of all employment and 12.4% of all establishments. Retail trade employment averaged 15,254,900 in 2005.