424340 - Footwear Merchant Wholesalers
In the dynamic world of wholesale trade, NAICS code 424340 plays a crucial role by classifying businesses involved in the wholesale distribution of footwear. Whether you’re a retailer searching for reliable suppliers or an entrepreneur exploring opportunities in the footwear wholesale market, understanding NAICS 424340 is essential. This blog post dives deep into the details of Footwear Merchant Wholesalers, offering a clear definition, sector insights, business examples, size standards, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is NAICS Code 424340?
NAICS code 424340 represents the industry comprising establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of footwear. This includes a broad range of products such as athletic shoes, boots, slippers, leather cut stock for shoes and boots, shoe accessories, and more. These wholesalers primarily sell to retailers, commercial users, or other wholesalers instead of directly to the final consumer.
Sector: Wholesale Trade
NAICS 424340 belongs to the Wholesale Trade sector, which is a key driver in the supply chain, connecting manufacturers with customers like retailers and commercial businesses. Within this sector, footwear merchant wholesalers act as vital intermediaries, ensuring that products reach the market efficiently.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 424340
Businesses under this NAICS code typically engage in the following activities:
- Merchant wholesale distribution of athletic footwear (excluding specialty athletic footwear)
- Wholesale of boots including hiking, western, and work boots
- Distribution of various types of footwear and shoe accessories
- Wholesale of leather cut stock utilized in shoe and boot manufacturing
- Sale of slippers to retailers or commercial users
These companies typically do not sell directly to consumers but focus on supplying retail stores, other wholesalers, or commercial establishments.
Size Standards for NAICS 424340
For small business eligibility purposes, the small business size standard for NAICS 424340 is based on the number of employees:
- Maximum employees: 200
Businesses with 200 or fewer employees meet the size standard to qualify as a small business in this industry for government contracting and other purposes.
Examples of Businesses Under Footwear Merchant Wholesalers
Some common types of businesses categorized under NAICS 424340 include:
- Athletic shoe wholesalers
- Boot wholesalers (hiking, western, work boots)
- General shoe wholesalers
- Slipper wholesalers
- Wholesalers of shoe accessories
- Leather cut stock suppliers for the footwear industry
These businesses play a vital role in providing a wide variety of footwear products to various distribution channels.
NAICS 424340 Code Details Table
| Code Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Athletic footwear merchant wholesalers | Distribution of common athletic shoes (excluding specialty) |
| Boots merchant wholesalers | Distribution of hiking, western, and work boots |
| Footwear merchant wholesalers | Broad footwear wholesale distribution |
| Leather cut stock for shoe and boot wholesalers | Wholesale of cut leather materials for footwear manufacturing |
| Shoe accessories merchant wholesalers | Wholesale of shoe-related accessories |
| Shoes merchant wholesalers | General shoe wholesale distribution |
| Slippers merchant wholesalers | Wholesale distribution of slippers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of footwear are covered under NAICS code 424340?
This NAICS code covers athletic shoes, boots (such as hiking, western, and work boots), slippers, and other types of shoes, along with shoe accessories and leather cut stock used in footwear production.
Does NAICS 424340 include direct consumer sales?
No, the establishments classified here engage in merchant wholesale distribution, selling primarily to retailers, commercial users, or other wholesalers, not directly to consumers.
What is the employee size standard for NAICS 424340?
The size standard for small business qualification is 200 employees or fewer.
Are specialty athletic footwear wholesalers included?
No, this code excludes specialty athletic footwear merchant wholesalers.
How does NAICS 424340 fit into the wholesale sector?
Footwear merchant wholesalers under this NAICS code act as intermediaries in the wholesale trade sector, distributing footwear products from manufacturers to retail stores or other buyers.
Final Thoughts
Understanding NAICS code 424340 - Footwear Merchant Wholesalers is essential for businesses operating in or engaging with the wholesale footwear market. From athletic shoes to boots and slippers, this industry segment ensures products are efficiently distributed throughout the retail supply chain. Whether you’re a small business owner, supplier, or government contractor, knowing the sector’s details, size standards, and common activities can provide a competitive edge in this vibrant marketplace.
Boost your knowledge and optimize your business strategies by leveraging the insights about NAICS 424340 today!
