45611 - Pharmacies and Drug Retailers

If you're exploring the healthcare industry, understanding NAICS Code 45611—Pharmacies and Drug Retailers—is essential. This code identifies businesses involved in retailing prescription and nonprescription medications, playing a vital role in community health and wellness.

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What is NAICS Code 45611?

NAICS Code 45611 covers establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medicines. These businesses often go beyond just dispensing medications by offering a variety of health-related products and services such as health and beauty aids, basic medical advice, and sometimes immunization services.

Key Characteristics:

• Retail of prescription and nonprescription drugs
• Sale of health and beauty products
• Provision of minor health services (in select stores)
• Community-focused healthcare access points

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Sector Overview: Health Care and Social Assistance

NAICS 45611 falls under the Health Care and Social Assistance sector. This sector is dedicated to health services, wellness promotion, and social support. Pharmacies and drug retailers are critical in providing access to medications and healthcare products that support everyday well-being.

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Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 45611

Businesses classified under this code typically include:

• Community Pharmacies: Local, neighborhood pharmacy outlets providing prescription filling and health advice.
• Drug Stores: Larger retail stores focusing mainly on medication sales, often with additional retail products.
• Retail Pharmacies: Pharmacies located inside supermarkets, hospitals, or standalone stores.

These establishments serve as accessible points for both prescription medication fulfillment and health-related product purchases.

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Size Standards for NAICS 45611 Eligibility

Understanding size standards is crucial for small businesses seeking government contracts or assistance. For NAICS Code 45611, the size standard is typically:

• Average Annual Receipts: Up to $30 million
• Employee Count: Varies, but usually under 500 employees for small business classification

These thresholds help define eligibility for set-aside contracts and other programs designed to support small business growth within the pharmacies and drug retailers industry.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 45611

To better understand the scope, here are some real-world examples of establishments fitting NAICS 45611:

• CVS Pharmacy — A community and retail drug store chain.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance — Known for retail pharmacies across multiple regions.
• Rite Aid — Offering prescription and OTC drugs with ancillary health products.
• Independent Community Pharmacies — Smaller, local operators serving neighborhood healthcare needs.

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NAICS Code 45611 Details Table

Attribute	Detail
NAICS Code	45611
Title	Pharmacies and Drug Retailers
Sector	Health Care and Social Assistance
Industry Description	Retailing prescription and OTC drugs and medicines including health and beauty products
Typical Businesses	Community pharmacies, drug stores, retail pharmacies
Size Standard (Small Business)	Up to $30 million in average annual receipts
Primary Activities	Dispensing drugs, health product sales, basic health advice

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FAQs About NAICS Code 45611

Q1: Can online pharmacies be classified under NAICS 45611?
A1: Generally, NAICS 45611 focuses on physical retail stores. Online pharmacies typically fall under different codes, such as electronic shopping.

Q2: What services do drug retailers provide besides selling medications?
A2: Many provide health aids, basic medical advice, immunization clinics, and wellness products.

Q3: How does NAICS Code 45611 impact government contracting?
A3: It helps classify businesses for government contracts and determines eligibility for small business programs and set-asides.

Q4: Are convenience stores that sell some OTC medications included?
A4: No, because their principal business is not prescription or OTC drug retail. They fall under different NAICS codes.

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Conclusion

The Pharmacies and Drug Retailers industry (NAICS 45611) is a vital segment within the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, serving as a frontline provider of essential medications and health products to communities nationwide. Whether you're a business owner or government contractor, understanding this NAICS code helps navigate the healthcare retail landscape effectively.

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Keywords: NAICS 45611, Pharmacies and Drug Retailers, prescription drugs, drug stores, community pharmacies, health care sector, retail pharmacies, small business size standards, government contracting, health and beauty aids.