Retail trade
North American Industry Classification System code (NAICS): 44, 45
This sector comprises establishments primarily 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 non-store retailers. Their main characteristics are described below. Store retailers Store retailers operate fixed point-of-sale locations, located and designed to attract a high volume of walk-in customers. In general, retail stores have extensive displays of merchandise and use mass-media advertising to attract customers. They typically sell merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption, but some also serve businesses and institutions. These include establishments such as office supplies stores, computer and software stores, gasoline stations, building material dealers, plumbing supplies stores and electrical supplies stores. In addition to selling merchandise, some types of store retailers are also engaged in the provision of after-sales services, such as repair and installation. For example, new automobile dealers, electronic and appliance stores and musical instrument and supplies stores often provide repair services, while floor covering stores and window treatment stores often provide installation services. As a general rule, establishments engaged in retailing merchandise and providing after sales services are classified in this sector. Catalogue sales showrooms, gasoline service stations, and mobile home dealers are treated as store retailers. Non-store retailers Non-store retailers, like store retailers, are organized to serve the general public, but their retailing methods differ. They reach customers and market merchandise with methods such as, the broadcasting of infomercials, the broadcasting and publishing of direct-response advertising, the publishing of traditional and electronic catalogues, door-to-door solicitation, in-home demonstration, temporary displaying of merchandise (stalls) and distribution by vending machines. The methods of transaction and delivery of merchandise vary by type of non-store retailers. For example, non-store retailers that reach their customers using information technologies can receive payment at the time of purchase or at the time of delivery, and the delivery of the merchandise may be done by the retailer or by a third party, such as the post office or a courier. In contrast, non-store retailers that reach their customers by door-to-door solicitation, in-home demonstration, temporary displaying of merchandise (stalls) and vending machines typically receive payment and deliver the merchandise to the customer at the time of the purchase. Non-store retailers also include establishments engaged in the home delivery of products such as home heating oil dealers and newspaper delivery companies.
This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing motor vehicles and providing complementary services, and retailing motor vehicle parts and accessories. The establishments of this subsector are generally specialized in the retailing of particular types of vehicles or in the retailing of particular types of parts and accessories.
Learn More Browse 20 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing new furniture and home furnishings. These establishments usually operate from showrooms and many offer interior decorating services in addition to the sale of products.
Learn More Browse 4 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing household appliances, home audio and video equipment, audio and video recordings, cameras, computers and related goods. These establishments may also retail replacement parts and provide repair services.
Learn More Browse 3 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing a specialized or general line of building and home improvement materials, lawn and garden equipment and supplies, outdoor power equipment, and nursery and garden products.
Learn More Browse 6 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing a general or specialized line of food or beverage products.
Learn More Browse 34 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing health and personal care products. Drug stores and pharmacies, cosmetics, beauty supplies and perfume stores, optical goods stores, food (health) supplement stores and health appliance stores are included.
Learn More Browse 24 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing motor fuels, whether or not the gasoline station is operated in conjunction with a convenience store, repair garage, restaurant or other type of operation. Establishments that operate gasoline stations on behalf of their owners and receive a commission on the sale of fuels are also included.
Learn More Browse 9 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing clothing and clothing accessories.
Learn More Browse 14 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing sporting goods, games and toys, sewing supplies, fabrics, patterns, yarns and other needlework accessories, musical instruments, and books and other reading materials.
Learn More Browse 1 Job Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing a general line of merchandise that may, or may not, include a general line of grocery items.
Learn More Browse 32 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing a specialized line of merchandise in other types of specialty stores. Florists, office supplies stores, stationery stores, gift, novelty and souvenir stores, used merchandise stores, pet and pet supplies stores, art dealers and manufactured (mobile) home dealers are included.
Learn More Browse 21 Jobs Follow This SectorThis subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing merchandise by non-store retail methods. The establishments of this subsector employ methods, such as broadcasting infomercials, broadcasting and publishing direct-response advertising, publishing traditional and electronic catalogues, door-to-door solicitation, in-home demonstration, temporary displaying of merchandise (temporary stands or stalls), distribution by vending machines, and using the Internet to reach their customers and market their merchandise. Establishments primarily engaged in the direct sale (i.e. non-store) of products such as home heating fuels and in newspaper delivery are also included.
Learn More Browse 16 Jobs Follow This Sector