SIC 5043 Photographic Equipment and Supplies

SIC 5043

This industry classification comprises establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of photographic equipment and supplies, including cameras, darkroom apparatus, and photographic film. Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of items such as photocopy, microfilm, and similar equipment are classified in SIC 5044: Office Equipment.

NAICS CODE(S)

421410

Photographic Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

In 2001, there were an estimated 1,293 establishments in this industry, down from 1,350 the previous year. The number of establishments had been steadily dropping since a high of 1,556 in 1987, but had remained rather steady from 1993-96 with an estimated 0.3 percent change. States with the largest number of establishments in 2001 were California with 260 and New York with 174—combined, these states together accounted for just under a third of all establishments. In 2003, the number of establishments increased slightly to 1,382. The industry generated $5 billion in sales for 2003, and the average sales per establishment were $4.7 million. There were a total of 18,179 employees.

The largest industry segment was photographic equipment and supplies which controlled more than 48 percent of the industry. Average sales added up to approximately $6.6 million. Cameras and photographic equipment accounted for over ten percent of the market, with total sales of $2.4 million. Photographic cameras, projectors, equipment and supplies dominated more than 14 percent of the market, with $4.5 million in sales.

BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT

In 1997, 32.4 percent of American households had film processed. Of these households, 28.3 percent processed 35mm film, 1.2 percent processed advanced photo system (APS) film, 5.8 percent processed disposable-camera film, and 2.9 percent processed other types of films. Of all rolls processed that year, 80 percent were 35mm print film, excluding disposable cameras. Also in 1997, 12.8 percent of American households obtained at least one camera or camcorder, and 11.5 percent bought at least one camera or camcorder.

Unit share was lost by the popular 35mm format in 1997 because of the growing popularity of APS and digital cameras. In 1998, the unit share by camera type purchases, according to Photo Marketing Association International (PMA), was: 35mm lens shutter with 46.5 percent; camcorder with 22.4 percent; APS with 8 percent; 110 with 7.6 percent; instant with 5.5 percent; 35mm SLR with 4.1 percent; digital still camera with 3 percent; and professional medium and large format with 2.9 percent. The 1997 unit shares by outlet type for camera and camcorder purchases were: discount stores with 39.8 percent; electronic/video stores with 15.1 percent; camera stores with 11.1 percent; unclassified types of stores with 8 percent...