North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 2.0

44-45 - Retail trade

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.

453 - Miscellaneous store retailers^US

This 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.

4533 - Used merchandise stores^US

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing used merchandise. Establishments primarily engaged in retailing antiques are also included.

45331 - Used merchandise stores

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing used merchandise. Establishments primarily engaged in retailing antiques are also included.

453310 - Used merchandise stores^US

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing used merchandise.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • antiques, retail
  • appliances, used, retail
  • book stores, second-hand, retail
  • clothing stores, second-hand, retail
  • furniture stores, second-hand, retail
  • glassware and china, used, retail
  • phonograph and phonograph record stores, second-hand, retail
  • rare book stores
  • second-hand merchandise, retail

  All examples

• Inclusion(s)

  • retailing of antiques

• Exclusion(s)

  • operating pawnshops (See 522299 All other non-depository credit intermediation)
  • retailing a general line of used merchandise on an auction basis (See 453999 All other miscellaneous store retailers (except beer and wine-making supplies stores))
  • retailing new and used sporting goods (See 45111 Sporting goods stores)
  • retailing used automobile (See 441120 Used car dealers)
  • retailing used mobile homes (See 453930 Mobile home dealers)
  • retailing used motorcycles and boats (See 441220 Motorcycle, boat and other motor vehicle dealers)
  • retailing used recreational vehicles (RVs) (See 441210 Recreational vehicle dealers)
  • retailing used tires (See 441320 Tire dealers)