All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers (except Tobacco Stores) — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 64% of all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 8.6%.

64%
5-Year Survival Rate
+5.5%
Net Growth Rate
41,798
Total Firms
3,694
Annual Firm Deaths

Is All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers a Good Business to Start?

With a 64% five-year survival rate, all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.

The annual exit rate of 8.6% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)15.2%
Exit Rate (closures)8.6%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+6.6 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

19.6%
Job Creation Rate
14.1%
Job Destruction Rate
+5.5%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 383,612 workers across 41,798 firms.

Want to know how much all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers (except Tobacco Stores) →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) businesses fail?
Approximately 36% of all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 8.6%, with 3,694 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) industry growing or shrinking?
The all other miscellaneous store retailers (except tobacco stores) industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +5.5% per year. New businesses are entering at 15.2% while 8.6% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.