1992 CENSUS OF RETAIL TRADE

=>WHAT IS RETAIL TRADE

Retail Trade, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) major groups 52
through 59, includes establishments engaged in retailing merchandise,
generally without transformation, and rendering services incidental to
the sale of merchandise, such as installation and repair services.  There
are two types of retailers: store and nonstore retailers.  Store 
retailers attract a high volume of walk-in customers.  In general, retail
stores have extensive displays of priced 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
institutional or industrial and business clients.  However, establishments
that sell their products only to institutional or industrial clients and
to other wholesalers, and establishments that sell similar merchandise for
use exclusively by business establishments are classified in wholesale 
trade.  Nonstore retailers, like store retailers, are organized to serve
the general public but their retailing methods differ.  Nonstore retailers
reach customers and market merchandise through infomercials, direct-
response advertising, paper catalogs, direct telephone solicitation, 
door-to-door solicitation, in-home demonstration, temporary display of
merchandise, and the use of vending machines.