4243 - Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) plays a vital role in categorizing business industries across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. One essential code within this system is NAICS 4243 — representing Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers. Whether you’re a business owner, government contractor, or industry analyst, understanding NAICS 4243 is crucial for market research, compliance, and strategic planning.
What is NAICS Code 4243?
NAICS 4243 covers establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of apparel, piece goods, and notions. This means businesses classified under this code operate by selling fabrics, sewing supplies, clothing accessories, and related goods in large quantities to retailers, other wholesalers, or industrial users — rather than directly to consumers.
These wholesalers serve as critical links in the supply chain, enabling manufacturers’ products to reach retail outlets efficiently.
Sector Overview: Wholesale Trade
NAICS 4243 falls under the broader Wholesale Trade sector, which contains businesses that sell goods to other businesses rather than the public.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 4243 Include:
- Wholesale distribution of fabrics and textiles
- Wholesale sales of sewing notions and accessories (e.g., buttons, zippers, threads)
- Wholesale distribution of apparel and clothing accessories (e.g., belts, hats, scarves)
These business activities reflect the diverse product ranges and specialized services associated with the apparel and textile wholesale market.
Size Standards for NAICS 4243 Eligibility
To help small businesses qualify for government contracts and assistance, the Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards for NAICS codes.
For NAICS 4243, the SBA size standard is:
| NAICS Code | Industry Title | Size Standard (Number of Employees) |
|---|---|---|
| 4243 | Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers | 100 employees |
This means that businesses with 100 or fewer employees are typically considered small under this code and may be eligible for small business programs and set-aside contracts.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 4243
To better illustrate the types of companies included under NAICS 4243, here are some typical examples:
- Wholesale distributors of fabrics and textiles supplying retail fabric stores or apparel manufacturers.
- Wholesale sellers of sewing notions such as threads, needles, buttons, and zippers.
- Wholesale distributors of apparel and clothing accessories, including belts, scarves, gloves, and hats.
- Businesses specializing in bulk sales of embroidery supplies and fabric dyes to retail chains.
NAICS 4243 Code Details Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 4243 |
| Title | Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers |
| Sector | Wholesale Trade |
| Description | Merchant wholesale distribution of apparel, piece goods, and notions including fabrics, sewing supplies, and clothing accessories. |
| Typical Products | Fabrics, textiles, sewing notions, apparel accessories |
| Examples of Business Types | Fabric wholesalers, sewing supply distributors, apparel accessory wholesalers |
| SBA Size Standard | 100 or fewer employees |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NAICS 4243
What types of products fall under NAICS 4243?
NAICS 4243 includes fabrics, textiles, sewing notions such as buttons and threads, and apparel accessories like belts and scarves.
Who are the typical customers for businesses under this NAICS code?
Customers include retailers, other wholesalers, manufacturers, and sometimes industrial users needing bulk apparel or fabric-related supplies.
Can a small business qualify under NAICS 4243 for government contracting?
Yes, businesses with 100 or fewer employees are considered small under this code, making them eligible to participate in SBA small business programs.
How does NAICS 4243 differ from retail apparel sales?
NAICS 4243 specifically covers wholesale distribution — selling goods in bulk to businesses, unlike retail establishments that sell directly to consumers.
Why is it important to know your NAICS code?
Your NAICS code helps classify your business for regulatory, tax, and contracting purposes. It also assists in market analysis and obtaining government contracts.
Conclusion
NAICS 4243 — Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers — encompasses a vital segment of the wholesale trade sector. From fabrics and textiles to sewing supplies and apparel accessories, these wholesalers connect manufacturers with retailers and other businesses. Understanding this code is key for companies looking to excel in the apparel wholesale market or capitalize on government contracting opportunities.
If you operate or plan to start a wholesale business in apparel or textiles, accurately identifying your NAICS code as 4243 helps position your company for success.
For more insights on NAICS codes and government contracting, stay tuned to our blog.
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