This industry comprises establishments known as department stores primarily engaged in retailing a wide range of the following new products with no one merchandise line predominating: apparel, furniture, appliances and home furnishings; and selected additional items, such as paint, hardware, toiletries, cosmetics, photographic equipment, jewelry, toys, and sporting goods. Merchandise lines are normally arranged in separate departments.

• Retailing packaged grocery items in combination with general lines of merchandise with no one merchandise line predominating--are classified in Industry45291, Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters;
• Retailing apparel without a significant amount of housewares or general merchandise--are classified in Subsector448, Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores;
• Retailing general lines of merchandise via electronic home shopping, mail-order, or direct sale--are classified in Subsector454, Nonstore Retailers; and
• Retailing used merchandise--are classified in Industry45331, Used Merchandise Stores.