How are Chain Stores Classified?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are four basic types of Retail Chains:

• National
• Regional
• Local Regional
• Independent (sometimes referred to as a Mom-and-Pop“)

“First, single store retailers are defined as one type, which we also consider to be representative of mom-and-pop stores. Second, we classify multi-unit firms into three types of chain firms: Local, Regional, and National. A firm is a local chain if it operates multiple establishments in only one state. A firm is a regional chain if it operates in at least two states but no more than 10 states. Finally, a firm is a national chain if it operates in more than 10 states”

https://www2.census.gov/ces/wp/2005/CES-WP-05-30.pdf

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