NAICS 445292 Quarterly Industry Report
Confectionery and Nut Stores
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 445292Sector: 44Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This Fair Market Value industry report for NAICS 445292 draws on verified data from the U.S. Census Bureau[5], Bureau of Labor Statistics[7], and Small Business Administration[6] to profile the confectionery and nut retail sector. Our research team analyzes seasonal demand dynamics, gift purchasing patterns, and product sourcing strategies to provide accurate market intelligence for business valuation purposes. The report covers SBA size standards, related NAICS classifications, and the holiday-driven revenue concentration that shapes confectionery retail operations. Fair Market Value updates this NAICS 445292 profile quarterly to reflect new Census releases and industry developments.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the confectionery and nut stores industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Confectionery and Nut Retailers (NAICS 445292) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in retailing candy, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, popcorn, and related confectionery products that are not made on the premises and are not for immediate consumption. Gift-oriented candy shops, nut specialty stores, gourmet chocolate retailers, and packaged confectionery outlets all fall within this classification. Stores that manufacture candy or chocolate on-site are classified in confectionery manufacturing codes rather than this retail classification.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau[5], this classification captures a niche retail segment with strong seasonal demand patterns. Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and the winter holiday season generate the majority of annual revenue for many confectionery retailers. Gift purchasing drives a substantial share of transactions, with customers buying boxed chocolates, gift baskets, and specialty candies for personal gifting occasions. Brand loyalty and product exclusivity create differentiation opportunities for retailers carrying premium or imported confectionery lines.
The SBA[6] sets the size standard at $19.5 million in average annual receipts for this industry. Nut retailers occupy a related but distinct segment focused on roasted, salted, flavored, and raw nut varieties along with dried fruit mixes and trail mixes. Mall-based and tourist district locations support higher impulse purchase volume than neighborhood locations. Temperature control matters for chocolate retailers, as product quality degrades in warm conditions, adding seasonal logistics considerations for stores in warmer climates.
What's Included in This Industry
- Candy and chocolate retail store operations
- Nut specialty store and retail roaster operations
- Gourmet and imported chocolate retailing
- Dried fruit and trail mix retail operations
- Popcorn and caramel corn retail operations
- Gift basket and boxed candy assembly and retailing
- Seasonal confectionery retailing for holidays
- Mall-based and kiosk candy retail operations
- Bulk candy and pick-and-mix retail operations
- Retail sale of packaged confectionery and snack assortments
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Food and Beverage Retailers | 445 |
| Industry Group | Specialty Food Retailers | 4452 |
| NAICS Industry | Other Specialty Food Retailers | 44529 |
| National Industry | Confectionery and Nut Retailers | 445292 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 445110 | Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers (except Convenience Retailers) | Operates supermarkets retailing general food lines including candy aisles and seasonal confectionery displays, carrying broader product assortments beyond specialty confectionery |
| 445291 | Baked Goods Retailers | Retails baked goods not made on premises through specialty stores, sharing gift and impulse purchase customer overlap with confectionery and nut retail operations |
| 445298 | All Other Specialty Food Retailers | Retails all other specialty food items through standalone stores, sharing specialty food retail customer demographics with confectionery and nut store shoppers |
| 445131 | Convenience Retailers | Operates convenience retailers selling limited grocery lines including packaged candy and nuts, carrying narrower confectionery selections than dedicated candy stores |
| 445132 | Vending Machine Operators | Operates vending machines dispensing candy, snacks, and nut products through automated equipment rather than staffed confectionery retail store locations |
| 445240 | Meat Retailers | Retails fresh meat products through specialty stores, representing another specialty food format operating alongside confectionery retailers in food shopping districts |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 16.9% | 575 |
| 2 | New York | 7.6% | 257 |
| 3 | Illinois | 6.3% | 215 |
| 4 | Florida | 5.8% | 197 |
| 5 | Texas | 5.5% | 187 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 5.2% | 178 |
| 7 | Ohio | 3.9% | 133 |
| 8 | New Jersey | 3.7% | 127 |
| 9 | Michigan | 2.8% | 94 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 2.3% | 79 |
% Of Establishments
0%
17%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
304
Total SBA Loans
$100.1M
Total Loan Volume
$329K
Average Loan Size
11 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.14%
Average Interest Rate
2,440
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA[6] classifies NAICS 445292 under confectionery and nut retailers with a size standard of $19.5 million in average annual receipts. Businesses at or below this revenue threshold qualify as small for federal contracting preferences and SBA loan programs. Confectionery retailers can access SBA 7(a) loans[8] for seasonal inventory buildup, store build-outs, and working capital. Firms purchasing retail properties may qualify for 504 loans[9]. Holiday season inventory financing and mall lease deposits represent common capital needs for confectionery retailers, with revenue heavily concentrated in the fourth quarter for many operators.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TD Bank, National Association | 8 | $12.2M | $1.5M |
| 2 | Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC | 16 | $11.4M | $711K |
| 3 | First Bank of the Lake | 8 | $9.4M | $1.2M |
| 4 | Northeast Bank | 40 | $7.6M | $189K |
| 5 | Brookline Bank, a Division of Beacon Bank and Trust | 8 | $7.5M | $940K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses fall under NAICS 445292?
NAICS 445292 covers retailers selling candy, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, popcorn, and confectionery products not made on premises. Gift candy shops, nut specialty stores, gourmet chocolate retailers, and bulk candy operations are included. Source: U.S. Census Bureau[5]
How is NAICS 445292 structured?
Stores range from mall kiosks and seasonal pop-up locations to established brick-and-mortar candy shops and nut specialty stores. Revenue concentrates heavily around Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and winter holidays. Gift purchasing and impulse buying drive a large share of transactions.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 445292?
The SBA sets the size standard at $19.5 million in average annual receipts for confectionery and nut retailers. Businesses at or below this revenue level qualify as small for federal contracting preferences and SBA loan programs. Source: SBA Size Standards[6]
What NAICS codes are related to confectionery and nut retailers?
Related retail codes include 445110 (supermarkets), 445291 (baked goods stores), 445298 (other specialty food), 445131 (convenience retailers), 445132 (vending machines), and 445240 (meat retailers). Source: Census NAICS[5]
What industries are related to confectionery retailing?
Key supplier industries include 311340 (nonchocolate confectionery manufacturing), 311351 (chocolate from cacao beans), 311352 (confectionery from purchased chocolate), 311911 (roasted nuts), and 424450 (confectionery wholesalers).
What activities are included in NAICS 445292?
Activities include retailing candy, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, popcorn, caramel corn, trail mixes, gift baskets, boxed chocolates, bulk candy, and packaged confectionery assortments. Seasonal holiday retailing and mall kiosk operations are also included.
Can confectionery and nut retailers get SBA loans?
Yes, small businesses under NAICS 445292 can access SBA 7(a) loans for seasonal inventory, store build-outs, and working capital. Firms purchasing retail properties may qualify for 504 loans. Holiday inventory financing is a common need given revenue concentration in peak seasons. Source: SBA Loan Programs[10]
Where are confectionery retailers concentrated in the United States?
Confectionery retailers concentrate in tourist destinations, shopping malls, and affluent suburban communities with strong gift-buying demographics. Chocolate and candy shops cluster in resort towns, historic downtowns, and destination shopping districts. Nut retailers concentrate in areas with traditions of roasted nut consumption and farmers market cultures.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]SBA sba.gov
- [7]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504 loans sba.gov
- [10]SBA Loan Programs sba.gov
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