NAICS 455219 Quarterly Industry Report
All Other General Merchandise Retailers
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 455219Sector: 45Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This NAICS 455219 industry report draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[4] Annual Retail Trade Survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5] Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Small Business Administration[6] size standard tables. Fair Market Value analysts compile these sources alongside state retail licensing data and trade association research to produce quarterly updates. Each update for NAICS 455219 reflects current employment patterns, revenue benchmarks, and regulatory changes affecting general merchandise retailers.
Industry Definition & Overview
All Other General Merchandise Retailers (NAICS 455219) encompasses retail establishments that sell a broad mix of new and used merchandise without any single product line dominating. These stores differ from department stores and warehouse clubs by carrying a general assortment of goods, from apparel and housewares to hardware and dry goods, typically in smaller formats. Dollar stores represent the largest and fastest-growing segment within this classification. General stores, variety stores, trading posts, and surplus merchandise outlets also fall under this code.
The U.S. Census Bureau[4] identifies over 91,000 active establishments in this industry. Value-oriented retailing drives much of the sector's activity, with dollar stores like Dollar General and Dollar Tree operating tens of thousands of locations nationwide. These retailers target price-conscious consumers in both urban and rural markets, often serving as primary shopping destinations in areas with limited retail options.
Store formats range from small rural general stores under 2,000 square feet to dollar store chains exceeding 10,000 square feet. Merchandise sourcing strategies vary widely. Large chains buy directly from manufacturers and importers, while independent operators often source through closeout dealers and wholesale liquidators. Auction-based general merchandise retailers and showroom operations also belong to this classification, reflecting the diversity of business models within the sector.
What's Included in This Industry
- Operating dollar stores and discount variety retailers
- Running general stores carrying mixed merchandise lines
- Managing variety store operations with broad product assortments
- Operating surplus and salvage merchandise retail outlets
- Conducting general merchandise auctions for new and used goods
- Running trading post retail operations
- Managing general merchandise showroom retail locations
- Operating home and auto supply combination stores
- Retailing closeout and overstock merchandise in general store formats
- Running five-and-dime and legacy variety store formats
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | General Merchandise Retailers | 455 |
| Industry Group | Warehouse Clubs, Supercenters, and Other General Merchandise Retailers | 4552 |
| NAICS Industry | Warehouse Clubs, Supercenters, and Other General Merchandise Retailers | 45521 |
| National Industry | All Other General Merchandise Retailers | 455219 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 455110 | Department Stores | Department stores carry similar general merchandise lines but operate larger format stores with distinct product departments and higher sales volumes |
| 455211 | Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters | Warehouse clubs and supercenters sell general merchandise alongside groceries in membership-based or large-format store models |
| 459910 | Pet and Pet Supplies Retailers | Pet and pet supply retailers operate specialty stores that general merchandise retailers may compete with through pet product aisles |
| 459999 | All Other Miscellaneous Retailers | All other miscellaneous retailers sell specific product lines that general merchandise stores carry as part of broader mixed assortments |
| 424910 | Farm Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | Farm supply merchant wholesalers distribute products that rural general stores and trading posts often retail directly to consumers |
| 449210 | Electronics and Appliance Retailers | Electronics and appliance retailers sell product categories that general merchandise stores carry in limited selections at lower price points |
SBA Lending Summary
2,928
Total SBA Loans
$806.5M
Total Loan Volume
$275K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.84%
Average Interest Rate
15,216
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[3]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration[7] classifies businesses under NAICS 455219 as small if their average annual receipts do not exceed $40 million. Dollar stores and variety retailers meeting this threshold may qualify for SBA 7(a) loans[8] to finance inventory purchases, store buildouts, and working capital needs. The SBA 504 loan program[9] supports real estate acquisition and major equipment purchases for owner-operated general merchandise stores.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 192 | $158.9M | $828K |
| 2 | Northeast Bank | 344 | $57.5M | $167K |
| 3 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | 56 | $50.0M | $893K |
| 4 | Lendistry SBLC, LLC | 248 | $43.2M | $174K |
| 5 | MISSINGMAINBANKID | 24 | $40.0M | $1.7M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 455219?
NAICS 455219 covers dollar stores, variety stores, general stores, trading posts, surplus merchandise outlets, and auction-based general merchandise retailers. These businesses sell a broad mix of goods without any single product line making up the majority of sales. The U.S. Census Bureau[4] provides the official classification criteria.
How is NAICS 455219 different from department stores?
Department stores fall under NAICS 455110 and operate large-format stores with distinct departments, branded merchandise, and higher price points. NAICS 455219 retailers carry similar product categories but in smaller formats, lower price ranges, and without formal departmental organization. The Census Bureau[10] defines specific criteria separating these classifications.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 455219?
The SBA sets the size standard at $40 million in average annual receipts for NAICS 455219. Businesses below this threshold qualify as small for federal contracting purposes and may access SBA lending programs. Current standards are published in the SBA size standards table[6].
Which NAICS codes are most closely related to 455219?
The closest related codes include 455110 for department stores, 455211 for warehouse clubs and supercenters, and 459999 for miscellaneous retailers. Each shares the general merchandise retail concept but differs in store format, pricing strategy, or product focus. The Census Bureau NAICS structure[11] shows the full hierarchy.
What industries overlap with general merchandise retailers?
Grocery retailers (445110) compete where dollar stores sell food items. Electronics retailers (449210) overlap in consumer products. Pet supply stores (459910) share household product categories. These overlaps intensify as dollar store chains expand their product assortments into consumables and household essentials.
What activities are included in NAICS 455219?
Included activities range from operating dollar stores and variety stores to running general merchandise auctions, trading posts, and surplus outlets. The classification covers any retail establishment selling a mixed line of goods where no single category dominates. Industry Census Bureau definition[4] lists specific illustrative examples.
Can general merchandise retailers qualify for SBA loans?
Yes, retailers under NAICS 455219 with average annual receipts below $40 million can apply for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans. These programs fund inventory purchases, store improvements, real estate acquisition, and working capital. Eligibility details are available through the SBA funding programs page[12].
Where are general merchandise retailers most concentrated in the U.S.?
Dollar stores and variety retailers concentrate heavily in the Southeast, Midwest, and rural communities across the country. States like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio have among the highest establishment counts. Rural areas often have proportionally more general merchandise stores per capita, as these retailers serve communities with limited retail alternatives.
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. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [4]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [5]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [6]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [7]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]SBA 504 loan program sba.gov
- [10]Census Bureau census.gov
- [11]Census Bureau NAICS structure census.gov
- [12]SBA funding programs page sba.gov
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