Hardware Merchant Wholesalers
Key Figures
Figures are published for NAICS 42371 directly.
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Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of hardware, knives, or handtools.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain. Census publishes this definition under NAICS 423710, the only detailed industry in this group.
Illustrative examples
- Brads merchant wholesalers
- Cutlery merchant wholesalers
- Knives (except disposable plastics) merchant wholesalers
- Power handtools (e.g., drills, saws, sanders) merchant wholesalers
- Fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, rivets, screws) merchant wholesalers
- Staples merchant wholesalers
- Handtools (except motor vehicle, machinists' precision) merchant wholesalers
- Tacks merchant wholesalers
Which code does this activity belong in?
Hardware merchant wholesalers distribute general-purpose hardware items such as fasteners, handtools, cutlery, and knives. The boundary with plumbing and heating equipment wholesalers is that establishments primarily engaged in distributing specialized plumbing supplies, hydronics equipment, warm air heating systems, or refrigeration equipment are classified separately, even when those establishments may stock some general hardware items alongside their primary merchandise.
Written for NAICS 423710, the only detailed industry in this group.