This U.S. industry comprises establishments known as department stores that have central customer checkout areas, generally in the front of the store, and that may have additional cash registers located in one or more individual departments. Department stores in this industry sell a wide range of general merchandise (except fresh, perishable foods).

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Retailing apparel without a significant amount of housewares or general merchandise--are classified in Subsector 448, Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores;
• Retailing a wide variety of general merchandise in department stores with separate cash registers and sales associates for each department--are classified in U.S. Industry 452111, Department Stores (except Discount Department Stores); and
• Retailing a wide variety of general merchandise in combination with a general line of perishable groceries, such as fresh meat, vegetables, and dairy products--are classified in Industry 452910, Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters.

For the 2007 Economic Census and the 2007 Survey of Business Owners, total sales exclude the sales from leased departments owned by another company and operating within the department store.