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NIOSH Programs > Wholesale and Retail Trade > Sector Description
Wholesale and Retail TradeInput: Sector DescriptionThe Wholesale and Retail Trade supersector is made up of two parts: the Wholesale Trade sector (sector 42), and the Retail Trade sector (sector 44 - 45). The Wholesale Trade sector comprises establishments engaged in
wholesaling merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering
services incidental to the sale of merchandise. The wholesaling process is an
intermediate step in the distribution of merchandise. Wholesalers are organized
to sell or arrange the purchase or sale of (1) goods for resale (i.e., goods
sold to other wholesalers or retailers), (2) capital or durable nonconsumer
goods, and (3) raw and intermediate materials and supplies used in production.
Wholesalers sell merchandise to other businesses and normally operate from a
warehouse or office. During 2004, wholesale
trade employment averaged 5,654,900. The Retail Trade sector comprises establishments 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 organized to sell
merchandise in small quantities to the general public. This sector comprises
two main types of retailers: store and nonstore retailers. Retail
trade employment averaged 15,034,700 in 2004. For more information about the Wholesale and Retail sector, see
the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Web site (Code 42; 44
& 45)
The "Industry at a Glance" profile from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) provides detailed information about employment, wages, productivity,
and occupational outlook for the Wholesale and Retail Trade sector: |
NIOSH Program:Wholesale and Retail Trade |
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