SIC 5136 Men's and Boy's Clothing and Furnishings

SIC 5136

This industry classification is composed of wholesale distributors of men's and boys' apparel and furnishings. Products of the industry include shirts, trousers, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothing, hosiery, underwear, nightwear, outerwear and overcoats, gloves, hats, scarves, and umbrellas. Wholesale distributors of men's and boy's shoes, however, are included in SIC 5139: Footwear.

NAICS CODE(S)

424320

Men's and Boys' Clothing and Furnishings Merchant Wholesalers

Approximately 5,832 establishments were primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of men's and boys' apparel and furnishings in 2007 according to Dun & Bradstreet. The industry's sales were estimated to total in excess of $16.9 billion. There were approximately 57,465 employees in 2007. There were a total of 5,832 establishments in 2007, down from 6,972 establishments in 2003. The average sales per establishment was $3.2 million. The men's and boy's clothing sector dominated the industry with 2,767 businesses and more than 47 percent of the market. In 2007, New York led the nation with 1,204 establishments and the $4.4 billion in sales. California was second with 1,274 establishments and sales of $3.9 billion.

In the fall of 1996, Occupational Outlook Quarterly provided a solemn forecast for employees in the apparel industry. During the later part of the twentieth century, increasing globalization and new technological developments played a role in the continuous decline in the industry. From 1970 to 1996, employment in the overall apparel industry declined by about 33 percent to around 915,000 workers by the mid-1990s.

As of 2004, overall U.S. apparel production has continued its significant decline. However, weekly hours for employees in the wholesale trade apparel industry have not changed significantly over previous years. More importantly, hourly wages had increased by more than 4 percent.

Leaders in this industry include adidas America Inc., headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with 2005 estimated sales of $4.4 billion in sales and 700 employees; Polo Ralph Lauren Corp., headquartered in New York City, with 2006 sales of $3.8 billion and 12,800 employees; and Giorgio Armani Fashion Corp., headquartered in New York City with 2005 sales of $300 million and 850 employees.

Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. continues to maintain its place as an industry leader. Ralph Lauren began his career in 1967 when he designed wide ties and...

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