General Description
Retail trade SIC Major Groups 52-59, includes establishments primarily engaged in selling merchandise for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of goods.
The kinds of business shown In this text parallel broad classifications defined in the 1987 edition of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) manual .Descriptions of each kind of business follow. Data for some kinds of business are not shown separately but are included in U.S.group totals.
Durable Goods
Building Materials Group Stores (SIC Major Group 52).
This major group includes retail establishments primarily engaged in selling lumber and other building materials; paint, glass, and wallpaper, hardware;nursery stock; lawn and garden supplies; and mobile homes, even if sales to contractors account for a larger proportion of total sales. These establishments are known as "retail" Inthe trade. Establishments primarily selling these products but not selling to the general public are classified in wholesale trade.
Lumber and Other Building Materials Dealers(SIC 521).1Establishments engaged in selling primarily lumber and/ora general line of building materials to the general public. The lumber which they sell may include rough and dressed lumber,flooring, molding, doors, sashes, frames, and other millwork. The building materials may include roofing, siding, shingles,wallboard, paint, brick, tile, cement, sand, gravel, and other building materials and supplies. Hardware is often an important line of retail lumber and building materials dealers ..Establishments known as "home centers" are included here.
Paint, Glass, and Wallpaper Stores (SIC 523).1Establishments engaged in selling primarily paint, glass, and wallpaper, or any combination of these lines, to the general public.
Hardware Stores (SIC525). Establishments primarily selling a number of basic hardware lines such as tools, builders'hardware, paint and glass, housewares and house-hold appliances,cutlery, and roofing materials, no one of which accounts for 50percent or more of the sales of the establishments.
Retail Nurseries,Lawn and Garden Supply Stores (SIC 526).1Establishments primarily engaged in selling trees,shrubs, other plants, seeds, bulbs, mulches, soil conditioners,fertilizers, pesticides, garden tools, and other garden supplies to the general public. These establishments primarily sell products purchased from others, but may sell some plants which they grow themselves.
Mobile Home Dealers (SIC 527).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used mobile homes, including parts and accessories.
Automotive Dealers(SIC Major Group 55, excluding 554).
This major group includes retail dealers selling new and used automobiles, boats,recreational trailers, and motorcycles; and those selling new automobile parts and accessories. Automobile repair shops maintained by the establishments engaged in the sale of new automobiles are also included.
Motor Vehicle Dealers-New and Used (SIC 551). Establishments primarily engaged in the sale of new automobiles or new and used foreign or domestic automobiles. These establishments frequently maintain repair departments and used car lots and carry stocks of replacement parts, tires, batteries, and automotive accessories .Used car lots and repair departments operated by franchised new passenger car dealers are not considered separate locations.
Motor Vehicle Dealers-Used Only (SIC 552).1Establishments primarily selling used cars and not holding a franchise for the sale of new cars.
Auto and Home supply Stores (SIC 553). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of automobile tires, batteries, and other automobile parts and accessories. These establishments frequently sell additional lines of merchandise such as household appliances, radios and television sets, sporting goods,housewares, and hardware.
Boat Dealers (SIC555).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used motorboats and other watercraft, including parts accessories, marine supplies, and outboard motors.
Recreational Vehicle Dealers (SIC 556).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used recreational trailers, campers (pickup coaches), and other trailers for passenger automobiles, and motor homes,including parts and accessories.
Motorcycle Dealers(SIC 557).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used motorcycles and motor scooters, including parts and accessories.
Automotive Dealers, Not Elsewhere Classified (SIC 559).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used automotive vehicles, such as snowmobiles,dune buggies, go carts, aircraft, utility trailers, and new automotive equipment and supplies, not elsewhere classified.
Furniture Group and Equipment Stores (SIC Major Group 57).
This major group includes retail stores selling goods used for furnishing the home, such as furniture, floor coverings, draperies, glassware and china,domestic stoves, refrigerators, and other household appliances and electronics.
Furniture Stores (SIC5712). Establishments primarily selling household furniture, beds, mattresses, springs, and other sleep equipment. Also included in this classification are establishments selling household appliances, phonographs, radio and TV sets, and floor coverings, provided the receipts from sales of furniture and sleep equipment exceed those from sales of other merchandise.
Floor Coverings Stores (SIC 5713). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of floor coverings and related products.
Drapery, Curtain,and Upholstery Stores (SIC 5714).1Establishments primarily selling draperies, curtains, slipcovers,and upholstery materials. Establishments primarily selling custom made draperies and slipcovers for household use also are included.
Miscellaneous Home Furnishing Stores (SIC 5719).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of miscellaneous home furnishing, such as china, glassware, and metal ware for kitchen and table use, bedding and linen, brooms,brushes, lamps and shades, mirrors and pictures, venetian blinds,window shades, and fireplace accessories.
Household Appliance Stores (SIC 5722). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of electric and gas refrigerators, stoves, and other household appliances, such as electric irons, percolators, hot plates, and vacuum cleaners .Many such stores also sell radio and television sets. Retail stores operated by public utility companies and primarily engaged in the sale of electric and gas appliances for household use are classified here.
Radio, Television,and Electronics Stores (SIC 5731). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale and installation of radios,televisions, record players, sound reproducing equipment and home computers. Such establishments also may sell additional lines,such as household appliances, musical instruments, or records.
Computer and Computer Software Stores (SIC 5734). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of computers, computer peripheral equipment, and software.
Music Stores (SIC5735 + 5736).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of musical instruments, phonograph records and albums, sheet music,and similar musical supplies.
Miscellaneous Durable Goods Stores (SIC Major Group 59 part).
This includes all retail durable goods stores not elsewhere classified.
Used Merchandise Stores (SIC 593).1This industry includes stores primarily engaged in the retail sale of used merchandise, antiques, and secondhand goods such as clothing and shoes; furniture; books and rare manuscripts; musical instruments; office furniture, phonographs and phonograph records. and store fixtures and equipment. This industry also includes pawnshops.
Sporting Goods Stores and Bicycle Shops (SIC 5941). Establishments primarily selling a general or a specialized line of sporting goods and equipment for hunting, camping, fishing, skiing,riding, tennis, golf, and other sports; bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories; and gymnasium and playground equipment.
Book Stores (SIC5942). Establishments primarily selling new books and periodicals. Stationery and related items may also be sold.
Jewelry Stores (SIC5944). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of any combination of the lines of jewelry, such as diamonds and other precious stones; rings,bracelets, and brooches; sterling and plated silverware; and watches and clocks.
Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops (SIC 5945).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of toys, games, crafts, hobby kits and supplies.
Camera and Photographic Supple Stores (SIC 5946).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of cameras, film, and other photographic supplies and equipment. Excluded are establishments primarily engaged in finishing firms.
Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Shops (SIC 5947).1 Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of combined lines of gifts and novelty merchandise, souvenirs, and miscellaneous small art goods such as greeting cards and holiday decorations.
Luggage and Leather Goods Stores (SIC 5948).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of luggage, trunks, and leather goods.
Optical Goods Stores (SIC 5995).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of eyeglasses and related optical goods. Excluded are establishments whose receipts are primarily from examining eyes and prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Miscellaneous Retail Stores Not Elsewhere Classified (SIC 5999).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of specialized lines of merchandise such as collectors'items and supplies, artists' supplies, orthopedic and artificial limbs, drafting materials, typewriters, telephones, pets,religious goods, hearing aids, rubber stamps, monuments and tombstones, and other merchandise not elsewhere classified.
Nondurable Goods
General Merchandise Group Stores (SIC Major Group 53).
This major grou p includes retail stores which sell a number of lines of merchandise, such as dry goods, apparel and accessories,furniture and home furnishings, small wares, hardware, and food. The stores included in this group are known as department stores,variety stores, general merchandise stores, general stores, etc.
Department Stores(SIC 531). Establishments normally employing 50 people or more, having sales of apparel and soft goods combined amounting to 20 percent or more of total sales,and selling each of the following line of merchandise:
To qualify as a department store, sales of each of the lines listed above must be less than80 percent of total store sales. An establishment with total sales of $10 million or more is classified as a department store even if sales of one of the merchandise lines listed above exceed the maximum percent of total sales, provided that the combined sales of the other two groups are $1 million or more. Department store sales have been separately presented for the following classifications:
Department stores (incl. Leased depts.) are subcategorized as shown below:
Conventional Department Stores (SIC 531 part). Establishments which satisfy the criteria of a department store and:
These stores often sell:
Discount Department Stores (SIC 531 part). Establishments which satisfy the criteria of a department store and usually:
These stores often sell:
National Chain Department Stores (SIC 531 part). Establishment which satisfy the criteria of a department store and:
These stores often sell:
Variety Stores (SIC533). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of a variety of merchandise in the low and popular price ranges. Sales usually are made on a cash-and-carry basis with the open selling method of display and customer selection of merchandise. These stores generally do not carry a complete line of merchandise, are not departmentalized, do not carry their own charge service, and do not deliver merchandise.
Miscellaneous General Merchandise Stores (SIC 539). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of a general line of apparel, dry goods, hardware, home wares or home furnishings,groceries, and other lines in limited amounts. Stores selling commodities covered in the definition for department stores, but normally having less than 50 employees, and stores usually known as catalog showrooms, country general stores, or warehouse clubs are included here. Also included in this classification are establishments whose sales of apparel or of furniture and home furnishings exceed half of their total sales providing that sales of the smaller of the two lines in combination with dry goods and household linens accounts for 20 percent or more of total sales.
Food Group Stores(SIC Major Group 54).
This major group includes retail stores primarily engaged in selling food for home preparation and consumption.
Grocery Stores (SIC541). Establishments primarily selling (1) a wide variety of canned or frozen foods, such as vegetables, fruits,and soups; (2) dry groceries, either packaged or in bulk, such as tea, coffee, cocoa, dried fruits, spices, sugar, flour and crackers; and (3) other processed foods and nonedible grocery items. In addition, these establishments often sell smoked and prepared meats, fresh fish and poultry, fresh vegetable and fruits, and fresh or frozen meats. Establishments commonly known as supermarkets, food stores, convenience stores, and delicatessens are included in this classification if receipts from sales of groceries and food items for off-premise preparation and consumption are 50 percent or more of total sales.
Meat and Fish (Seafood)Markets, Including Freezer Provisioners (SIC 542). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of fresh, frozen, or cured meats, fish, shellfish, and other seafood. Frequently these establishments also sell poultry, dairy products, eggs, some groceries, and items commonly use in preparing seafood or consumed with seafood.
Fruit Stores and Vegetable Markets (SIC 543).1Establishments primarily selling fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. These establishments frequently carry a limited lineof grocery items. Roadside stands of farmers selling only their own produce are not included.
Candy, Nut, and Confectionery Stores (SIC 544).1Establishments primarily selling candy, nuts,sweetmeats, and other confections. A soda fountain or lunch counter is frequently operated in these stores. Also included are candy and popcorn stands located in motion picture theaters.
Dairy Products Stores (SIC 545).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of dairy products, such as milk, cream, butter, cheese, and related products, to over-the-counter customers.
Retail Bakeries (SIC 546). Establishments primarily engaged in the over-the-counter retail sale of bakery products such as bread, cakes, pies, or cookies, all or some of which maybe baked on the premises.
Other Miscellaneous Food Stores (SIC 549).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of specialized foods, not elsewhere classified, such as eggs and poultry, health foods, spices, herbs, coffee, and tea. The poultry stores may sell live poultry, slaughter and clean poultry for their own account and sell dressed fowls, or sell fowl cleaned and dressed by others.
Gasoline Service Stations (SIC 554).
Establishments primarily selling gasoline and automotive lubricants. Usually these establishments also sell tires, batteries, and accessories, and perform minor repair work and services. Establishments called garages but deriving more than half of their receipts from the sale of gasoline and automotive lubricants and establishments known as truck stops which are primarily engaged in selling diesel fuel to truckers are also included. Convenience food stores deriving more than 50 percent of their sales from the sale of gasoline are classified as gasoline service stations.
Apparel and accessory Stores (SIC Major Group 56).
Establishments in this major group are primarily engaged in selling clothing of all kinds and related articles for personal wear and adornment.
Men's and Boys'Clothing Stores (SIC 561). Establishments primarily selling men's and boys' ready-to-wear clothing and furnishings.
Women's Ready-to-Wear Stores (SIC 562). establishments primarily selling women's and girls' ready-to-wear apparel.
Women's Accessory and Specialty Stores (SIC 563).1Establishments primarily selling a specialized line of women's and girls' apparel, such as furs, sportswear, beachwear,blouses, hosiery, millinery, foundation garments, lingerie,robes, and other intimate wear.
Children's and Infants' Wear Stores SIC 564).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of children's and infants' clothing, furnishings, and accessories. Such establishments may specialize in either children's orinfants' wear or they may sell a combination of children's and infants' wear.
Family Clothing Stores (SIC 565). establishments primarily selling clothing, furnishings, and accessories for men,women and children, without specializing in any one line.
Shoe Stores (SIC566). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of any one line, or a combination off the lines, of men's, women's, and children's footwear. These establishments frequently carry accessory lines such as hosiery,gloves, and handbags.
Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Stores (SIC 569).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of specialized lines of apparel and accessories not else where classified, such as uniforms, bathing suits, raincoats, riding apparel, sports apparel, umbrellas, wigs, and toupees. This industry also includes custom tailors primarily engaged in making and selling men's and women's clothing (except fur apparel SIC563) to individual order.
Eating and Drinking Places (SIC Major Group 58).
Establishments in this major group are primarily engaged in selling prepared foods and drinks for consumption on or near the premises and lunch counters and refreshment stands selling prepared foods and drinks for immediate consumption.
Restaurants,Lunchrooms, Cafeterias, and Contract Feeding (SIC 5812 part).
Social Caterers (SIC5812 part).5Establishments primarily engaged in serving prepared food and beverages for wedding, banquets, etc., on the premisesor elsewhere. Such establishments also may arrange for some entertainment but this should be a minor part of the business.
Refreshment Places, Ice Cream, and Frozen Custard Stands, (SIC 5812 part).
Drinking Places (SIC5813). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of drinks such as beer, ale, wine,liquor, and other alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Prepared foods are frequently sold at these establishments, but receipts from the sale of prepared foods may not exceed receipts from sales of alcoholic beverages.
Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores (SIC 591).
Establishments engaged in the retail sale of prescription drugs and patent medicines and which may carry a number of related lines such as cosmetics,toiletries, tobacco, and novelty merchandise. Included are drugstores which also have a soda fountain or lunch counter. These stores are included on the basis of their usual trade designation rather than on the more strict interpretation of commoditieshandled.
Liquor Stores (SIC592).
Establishments primarily selling packaged alcoholic beverages, such as ale, beer, wine and whiskey, for consumption off the premises. Liquor stores operatedby States, counties, and municipalities are included.
Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Stores (SIC Major Group 59, part).
This includes all retail nondurable goods stores not elsewhere classified.
Miscellaneous Shopping Goods Stores (SIC 594).
Establishments engaged in the retail sale of one or more lines of merchandise similar to that found in department stores.
Stationery Stores(SIC 5943).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of stationery, such as paper and paper products (including printing and engraving), post cards, novelties, and school and office supplies (excluding office furniture and machines).
Sewing,Needlework, and Piece Goods Stores (SIC 5949).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of piece goods, notions, sewing and knitting supplies, fabrics,patterns, and other needlework accessories.
Mail-Order Houses(Department Store Merchandise) (SIC 5961 part). Establishments with normally 50 or more employees primarily engaged in the retail sale by catalog and mail order of a general line of merchandise similar to that sold by department stores.
Other Mail-Order Houses (SIC 5961 part). Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of a specialized or limited line of merchandise such as food, automotive merchandise, apparel, books stationery, etc., by catalog and mail order.
Automatic Merchandising Machine Operators (SIC 5962).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of products by means of automatic merchandising units (vending machines) which are generally located on the premises of other businesses. Those products include candy, nut and confectionery;milk and ice cream; other beverages; and tobacco products.
Direct-Selling Operations (SIC 5963).1Establishments primarily selling merchandise by house-to-house canvass, by party plan, by telephone, or from a truck. The merchandise includes building materials, hardware, and garden supplies; general merchandise, milk; other foods; apparel and accessories; furniture, home furnishings, and apparel and accessories; furniture, home furnishings, and equipment; mobile food service; and books and stationery.
Fuel Oil Dealers (SIC5983).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of fuel oil.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Dealers (SIC 5984).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas (bottled gas or in bulk).
Fuel Dealers, Not Elsewhere Classified (SIC 5989).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of coal, coke, charcoal, wood, or any combination of these lines.
Florists (SIC 5992).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of cut flowers and growing plants. Greenhouses and nurseries are included if receipts are primarily from the sale of products not grown on the premises.
Cigar Stores and Stands (SIC 5993).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of cigars, cigarettes, tobacco, and smokers' supplies. Many of the establishments included in this classification are operated as concessions in places of amusement, railway stations, airports and other public places.
News Dealers and Newsstands (SIC 5994).1Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals.
Footnotes
1.Data for this kind-of-business are not shown separately but are included
in U.S. and group totals
Source:
U.S. Census Bureau | Last Revised:May 18, 2000
