532281

Analysis

NAICS 532281 is the 2022 national industry for formal wear and costume rental, part of 53228 (Other Consumer Goods Rental). Census lists 13 example activities under it in the official index.

Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 24% and employment fell 35%. 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 681 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 4,057 people at an average annual payroll of $38,824 per employee (8th percentile of national industries). 68% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.

Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include bridal wear rental, clothing rental (except industrial launderer, linen supply), costume rental and dress suit rental, among 13 in all.

For example, laundering and supplying uniforms and other work apparel are classified in 812332 (Industrial Launderers) instead.

Census lists 1 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 812332. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.