Electronics and Appliance Retailers
Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one of the following: (1) retailing an array of new household-type appliances and consumer-type electronic products, such as televisions, computers, electronic tablets, and cameras; (2) specializing in retailing a single line of new consumer-type electronic products; (3) retailing these new products in combination with repair and support services; (4) retailing new prepackaged or downloadable computer software (without publishing); and/or (5) retailing prerecorded audio and video media, such as downloadable digital music and video files (without production or publishing), CDs, and DVDs. Illustrative Examples: Appliance retailers, household-type Consumer-type electronics retailers (e.g., televisions, computers, cameras) Cellular telephone accessories retailers Stereo and sound system retailers (except automotive)
Hierarchy
| Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | Retail Trade 2-digit sector | The Sector as a Whole 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. Retail stores are 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. Retailers often reach customers and market merchandise with methods other than, or in addition to, physical stores, such as Internet websites, the broadcasting of "infomercials," the broadcasting and publishing of direct-response advertising, the publishing of paper and electronic catalogs, door-to-door solicitation, in-home demonstration, selling from portable stalls (street vendors, except food), and distribution through vending machines. Establishments engaged in the direct sale and home delivery of products, such as home heating oil dealers and home delivery newspaper routes, are included here. Retail establishments typically sell merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption, but some also serve business and institutional clients. These include office supply retailers, computer and software retailers, building materials dealers, plumbing supply retailers, and electrical supply retailers. In addition to retailing merchandise, some retailers are also engaged in the provision of after-sales services, such as repair and installation. For example, new automobile dealers, electronics and appliance retailers, and musical instrument and supplies retailers often provide repair services. As a general rule, establishments engaged in retailing merchandise and providing after-sales services are classified in this sector. Retail trade establishments are grouped into industries and industry groups typically based on one or more of the following criteria: (a) The merchandise line or lines carried; for example, specialty retailers are distinguished from general-line retailers. (b) The usual trade designation of the establishments. This criterion applies in cases where a retailer is well recognized by the industry and the public, but difficult to define strictly in terms of merchandise lines carried; for example, pharmacies and department stores. (c) Human resource requirements in terms of expertise; for example, the staff of an automobile dealer requires knowledge in financing, registering, and licensing issues that are not necessary in other retail industries. The buying of goods for resale is a characteristic of retail trade establishments that particularly distinguishes them from establishments in the agriculture, manufacturing, and construction industries. For example, farms that sell their products at or from the point of production are not classified in retail, but rather in agriculture. Similarly, establishments that both manufacture and sell their products to the general public are not classified in retail, but rather in manufacturing. However, establishments that engage in processing activities incidental to retailing are classified in retail. This includes optical goods retailers that grind lenses, and meat and seafood retailers that process carcasses into cuts. Wholesalers also engage in the buying of goods for resale, but they are not usually organized to serve the general public. They typically operate from a warehouse or office, and neither the design nor the location of these premises is intended to solicit a high volume of walk-in traffic. Wholesalers supply institutional, industrial, wholesale, and retail clients; their operations are, therefore, generally organized to purchase, sell, and deliver merchandise in larger quantities. However, dealers of durable nonconsumer goods, such as farm machinery and heavy-duty trucks, are included in wholesale trade even if they often sell these products in single units. |
| 449 | Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers 3-digit subsector | Industries in the Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers subsector retail new furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliances. Establishments in this subsector with fixed point-of-sale locations may operate from showrooms or other locations that have substantial areas for the presentation or demonstration of their products. Establishments in this subsector may provide incidental services, including interior decorating, product assembly, installation, or repair services. |
| 4492 | Electronics and Appliance Retailers 4-digit industry group | Industries in the Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers subsector retail new furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliances. Establishments in this subsector with fixed point-of-sale locations may operate from showrooms or other locations that have substantial areas for the presentation or demonstration of their products. Establishments in this subsector may provide incidental services, including interior decorating, product assembly, installation, or repair services. |
| 44921 | Electronics and Appliance Retailers 5-digit NAICS industry | See industry description for 449210. |
| 449210 | Electronics and Appliance Retailers 6-digit U.S. detail | This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one of the following: (1) retailing an array of new household-type appliances and consumer-type electronic products, such as televisions, computers, electronic tablets, and cameras; (2) specializing in retailing a single line of new consumer-type electronic products; (3) retailing these new products in combination with repair and support services; (4) retailing new prepackaged or downloadable computer software (without publishing); and/or (5) retailing prerecorded audio and video media, such as downloadable digital music and video files (without production or publishing), CDs, and DVDs. Illustrative Examples: Appliance retailers, household-type Consumer-type electronics retailers (e.g., televisions, computers, cameras) Cellular telephone accessories retailers Stereo and sound system retailers (except automotive) |
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Classification References
- 01Retailing used appliance and electronic products--are classified in Industry 459510, Used Merchandise Retailers;
- 02Retailing automotive electronic sound systems--are classified in Industry 441330, Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers;
- 03Retailing new electronic toys, such as dedicated gaming consoles and handheld electronic games--are classified in Industry 459120, Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers;
- 04Retailing new sewing machines in combination with selling new sewing supplies, fabrics, patterns, yarns, and other needlework accessories--are classified in Industry 459130, Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers;
- 05Retailing new computers, computer peripherals, and prepackaged software in combination with retailing new office equipment, office furniture, and office supplies--are classified in Industry 459410, Office Supplies and Stationery Retailers;
- 06Selling wireless communication service plans and cellular telephones, as agents for wireless telecommunications carriers and resellers--are classified in U.S. Industry 517122, Agents for Wireless Telecommunications Services;
- 07Providing television, computer, or other electronic equipment repair services without retailing new televisions, computers, or electronic equipment--are classified in Industry 811210, Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance;
- 08Providing household-type appliance repair services without retailing new appliances--are classified in U.S. Industry 811412, Appliance Repair and Maintenance;
- 09Developing film and/or making photographic slides, prints, and enlargements without retailing a range of new photographic equipment and supplies--are classified in Industry 81292, Photofinishing;
- 10Renting prerecorded digital video discs (DVDs)--are classified in U.S. Industry 532282, Video Tape and Disc Rental;
- 11Publishing and distributing software through subscriptions and/or downloads--are classified in Industry 513210, Software Publishers;
- 12Producing and distributing motion pictures and videos--are classified in Industry 512110, Motion Picture and Video Production; and
- 13Producing records and/or releasing, promoting, and distributing sound recordings to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to the public--are classified in Industry 512250, Record Production and Distribution.
Index Items
Appliance stores, household-type
Audio equipment stores (except automotive)
Camera shops, photographic
Cellular telephone accessories stores
Citizens' band (CB) radio stores
Computer equipment stores
Computer software, prepackaged, new, mail-order houses
Computer stores
Consumer-type electronic stores (e.g., televisions, computers, cameras)
Electronic part and component stores
Household-type appliance stores
Music retailers (e.g., downloadable digital music files (without production or publishing))
Music stores (e.g., cassette, compact disc, record, tape)
Photographic supply stores
Prerecorded tape, compact disc, and record, new, mail-order houses
Radio and television stores
Record stores, new
Sewing machine stores, household-type
Software retailers (e.g., downloadable computer software (without publishing))
Software stores, computer
Stereo stores (except automotive)
Television and radio stores
TV (television) stores
Vacuum cleaner stores, household-type
Video game software stores
Video tape stores
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External Resources
Census.gov NAICS Detail
Official US Census Bureau definition and scope for NAICS 449210.
National Electronics Merchants Association
Leading trade association providing resources, news, and advocacy for US electronics and appliance retailers.
US Census Bureau Economic Census
Official government data portal tracking the sales and employment numbers for NAICS code 449210.
Better Business Bureau Business Directory
Independent, non-profit organization that verifies and lists verified businesses in the electronics retail sector.
