North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 1.0
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.
452 - General merchandise storesUS
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)
- retailing a general line of building and home improvement materials (See 444110 Home centres)
- retailing a general line of goods by means of electronic shopping, mail-order, or direct sale (See 454 Non-store retailers)
- retailing a general line of grocery items (See 445110 Supermarkets and other grocery (except convenience) stores)
- retailing a general line of used goods (See 453310 Used merchandise stores)
4529 - Other general merchandise storesUS
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)
- retailing automotive parts (See 441310 Automotive parts and accessories stores)
- retailing merchandise in catalogue showrooms, without stock (See 454110 Electronic shopping and mail-order houses)
452991 - Home and auto supplies storesCAN
This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing a general line of auto supplies along with a general line of home supplies.
Inclusion(s)
- retailing a general line of auto supplies (e.g., tires, batteries, parts and accessories)
- retailing a general line of home supplies (e.g., hardware, houseware, small appliances, sporting goods and lawn and garden equipment)
452999 - All other miscellaneous general merchandise storesCAN
This Canadian industry comprises establishments, not classified to any other Canadian industry, primarily engaged in retailing a general line of new merchandise.
Illustrative example(s)
- agricultural co-op stores
- catalogue sales showrooms , retail
- general store (except primarily food)
- variety and dollar stores, retail
Exclusion(s)
- retailing merchandise in catalogue showrooms, without stock (See 454110 Electronic shopping and mail-order houses)
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