NAICS 45231 General Merchandise Stores, including Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters

NAICS Code: 45231

Code Title: General Merchandise Stores, including Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters

Code Sector: 44-45 - Retail Trade

NAICS 45231 General Merchandise Stores, including Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters Description

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing new goods in general merchandise stores (except department stores). These establishments retail a general line of new merchandise, such as apparel, automotive parts, dry goods, hardware, groceries, housewares, and home furnishings, with no one
merchandise line predominating. Establishments known as warehouse clubs, superstores, or supercenters are included in this industry.


Illustrative Examples

Dollar storesGeneral merchandise catalog showrooms (except catalog mail-order)General merchandise trading postsGeneral storesHome and auto supply storesSuperstores (i.e., food and general merchandise)Variety storesWarehouse clubs (i.e., food and general merchandise)

Cross References

Establishments primarily engaged in--
  • Retailing a general line of merchandise via electronic home shopping, mail-order, or direct sale--are classified in Subsector 454, Nonstore Retailers;
  • Retailing a general line of food, known as supermarkets and grocery stores--are classified in Industry 44511, Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores;
  • Retailing automotive parts--are classified in Industry 44131, Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores;
  • Retailing a general line of new merchandise, known as department stores--are classified in Industry 45221, Department Stores;
  • Retailing merchandise in catalog showrooms of mail-order houses--are classified in Industry 45411, Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses;
  • Retailing a general line of new hardware items, known as hardware stores--are classified in Industry 44413, Hardware Stores;
  • Retailing a general line of new home repair and improvement materials and supplies, known as home centers--are classified in Industry 44411, Home Centers; and
  • Retailing used merchandise--are classified in Industry 45331, Used Merchandise Stores.