Children's and Infants' Clothing Stores — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 72% of children's and infants' clothing stores businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 6.3%.

72%
5-Year Survival Rate
+0.2%
Net Growth Rate
30,324
Total Firms
3,155
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Children's and Infants' Clothing Stores a Good Business to Start?

With a 72% five-year survival rate, children's and infants' clothing 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 6.3% 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)7.2%
Exit Rate (closures)6.3%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+0.9 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

11.5%
Job Creation Rate
11.3%
Job Destruction Rate
+0.2%
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: 1,206,311 workers across 30,324 firms.

Want to know how much children's and infants' clothing stores businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Children's and Infants' Clothing Stores →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of children's and infants' clothing stores businesses fail?
Approximately 28% of children's and infants' clothing stores businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 6.3%, with 3,155 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the children's and infants' clothing stores industry growing or shrinking?
The children's and infants' clothing stores industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of +0.2% per year. New businesses are entering at 7.2% while 6.3% close annually.

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