Variant of NAICS 2002 - Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector

6.2 - Industries not included in the Information and Communication Technology Sector

This special aggregation comprises all NAICS that do not relate to information and communication technology products.

44-45 - Retail Trade

The retail trade 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, that is, 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 business and institutional clients. 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. The establishments of this subsector 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.

The non-store retailers subsector also includes establishments engaged in the home delivery of products. This includes home heating oil dealers and newspaper delivery companies.

452 - General Merchandise Stores^US

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing a general line of merchandise that may, or may not, include a general line of grocery items.

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:
  

  • retailing a general line of building and home improvement materials (See 44411 Home Centres)
  • retailing a general line of grocery items (See 44511 Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores)
  • retailing a general line of used goods (See 45331 Used Merchandise Stores)
  • retailing a general line of goods by means of electronic shopping, mail-order, or direct sale (See 454 Non-Store Retailers)

4529 - Other General Merchandise Stores^US

This industry group comprises establishments, not classified to any other industry group, primarily engaged in retailing goods in general merchandise stores.

45299 - All Other General Merchandise Stores

This industry comprises establishments, not classified to any other industry, primarily engaged in retailing a general line of new merchandise. Establishments known as home and auto supplies stores, catalogue showrooms, agricultural co-op stores, variety stores and country general stores are included.

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:
  

  • automotive parts retailing (See 44131 Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores)
  • retailing merchandise in catalogue showrooms, without stock (See 45411 Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses)

452991 - Home and Auto Supplies Stores^CAN

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing a general line of auto supplies, such as tires, batteries, parts and accessories, along with a general line of home supplies, such as hardware, housewares, small appliances, sporting goods, and lawn and garden equipment and supplies.

• Example Activities:

  • Auto and home supplies, retail
  • Home and auto supply stores

452999 - All Other Miscellaneous General Merchandise Stores^CAN

This Canadian industry comprises establishments, not classified to any other Canadian industry, primarily engaged in retailing a general line of new merchandise.

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:
  

  • merchandise retailing in catalogue showrooms, without stock (See 454110 Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses)

• Example Activities:

  • Catalogue sales showrooms, retail
  • General store (not primarily food)
  • Variety stores, retail