4241

Analysis

NAICS 4241 is the 2022 industry group for paper and paper product merchant wholesalers, part of 424 (Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods). Census lists 91 example activities under it in the official index.

Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 18% and employment fell 15%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.

County Business Patterns counts 7,603 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 128,040 people at an average annual payroll of $77,591 per employee (65th percentile of national industries). 52% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.

Across its national industries Census lists 91 index entries; typical ones are envelope paper, bulk, merchant wholesalers, albums, photo, merchant wholesalers and bags, paper and disposable plastics, merchant wholesalers.

It splits into 3 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 42413 (Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesalers) with 3,770.

Its more detailed codes are 42411 Printing and Writing Paper Merchant Wholesalers (643 establishments), 42412 Stationery and Office Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (3,190 establishments) and 42413 Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesalers (3,770 establishments).