1987 Standard Industrial Classification Manual Division G

The 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual Division G covers Retail Trade establishments engaged in selling merchandise for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of the goods. This division includes various retail sectors such as building materials, general merchandise, food, automotive dealers, apparel, furniture, eating and drinking places, and miscellaneous retail establishments. Below are key sections for classification structure, major groups, industry descriptions, and application guidelines.

Classification Structure Overview

Division G organizes retail trade establishments into major groups based on types of merchandise sold and business operations.

Major Groups in Division G

Division G comprises eight major groups covering various retail trade sectors.

1. Major Group 52: Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply
2. Major Group 53: General Merchandise Stores
3. Major Group 54: Food Stores
4. Major Group 55: Automotive Dealers and Service Stations
5. Major Group 56: Apparel and Accessory Stores
6. Major Group 57: Home Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment Stores
7. Major Group 58: Eating and Drinking Places
8. Major Group 59: Miscellaneous Retail

NOTE! Each major group contains multiple industry groups and specific industries for detailed classification.

Industry Group Descriptions

Detailed descriptions of industry groups within each major group category.

1. Building Materials (52): Lumber yards, hardware stores, garden supply centers
2. General Merchandise (53): Department stores, variety stores, catalog showrooms
3. Food Stores (54): Grocery stores, meat markets, fruit and vegetable markets
4. Automotive (55): Car dealers, tire stores, automotive parts, service stations
5. Apparel (56): Clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, accessory shops
6. Home Furnishings (57): Furniture stores, appliance stores, floor covering stores
7. Eating Places (58): Restaurants, cafeterias, refreshment places, bars
8. Miscellaneous Retail (59): Drug stores, liquor stores, sporting goods, book stores

IMPORTANT! Classification based on primary business activity and merchandise lines.

Application Guidelines

• Establishment Basis: Classify each establishment separately based on primary activity.
• Primary Activity: Determine classification by principal products or services.
• Merchandise Lines: Consider major revenue-generating product categories.
• Business Type: Distinguish between store retailers and non-store retailers.
• Geographic Unit: Classify establishments at single physical locations.
• Multiple Activities: Use primary revenue source for classification.
• Ancillary Services: Include incidental services with merchandise sales.
• Industry Boundaries: Follow detailed industry descriptions precisely.

Coding Procedures

Step-by-step process for assigning SIC codes to retail trade establishments.

Procedure: Identify business activity, determine major group, select industry group, assign specific industry code.

Documentation: Maintain records of classification decisions. Verification: Cross-reference with industry descriptions. Updates: Monitor for classification changes. Training: Ensure proper understanding of classification principles. Quality Control: Review coding for accuracy and consistency.

Retail Trade Definitions

Key definitions and concepts for understanding Division G classifications.

1. Retail Trade: Selling merchandise for personal or household consumption.
2. Establishment: Single physical location where business is conducted.
3. Merchandise Lines: Categories of goods offered for sale.
4. Primary Activity: Main revenue-generating business operation.
5. Incidental Services: Services provided in connection with merchandise sales.

Definition: Retail trade establishments primarily sell to general public for personal use.

Industry Examples

Specific examples of establishments within each major industry group.

1. Building Materials: Lumber yards, paint stores, hardware stores
2. General Merchandise: Department stores, variety stores, catalog merchants
3. Food Stores: Supermarkets, grocery stores, specialty food shops
4. Automotive: New car dealers, used car dealers, auto parts stores
5. Apparel: Clothing stores, shoe stores, accessory retailers
6. Home Furnishings: Furniture stores, appliance dealers, lighting stores
7. Eating Places: Restaurants, cafeterias, snack bars
8. Miscellaneous: Drug stores, book stores, florists, optical goods

Example: A store primarily selling furniture classified in Major Group 57.

Statistical Reporting

Guidelines for statistical reporting using Division G classifications.

Changes from Previous Edition

Summary of revisions and updates in the 1987 SIC Manual Division G.

Updates: Industry restructuring, new classifications, revised definitions, expanded coverage.

Reference Materials

Additional resources and reference materials for Division G classification.

Alphabetical Index: Quick reference for industry terms. Cross-References: Related classifications in other divisions. Appendices: Supplementary tables and explanations. Contact Information: Statistical agencies and support services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Support: Contact statistical agencies for classification assistance.

Reference: Complete SIC Manual available from Government Printing Office.