Men's and Boys' Clothing and Furnishings Merchant Wholesalers — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 59% of men's and boys' clothing and furnishings merchant wholesalers businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 10.1%.

59%
5-Year Survival Rate
-0.2%
Net Growth Rate
11,274
Total Firms
1,068
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Men's and Boys' Clothing and Furnishings Merchant Wholesalers a Good Business to Start?

With a 59% five-year survival rate, men's and boys' clothing and furnishings merchant wholesalers is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.

The annual exit rate of 10.1% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)8.1%
Exit Rate (closures)10.1%

Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-1.9 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

12.0%
Job Creation Rate
12.2%
Job Destruction Rate
-0.2%
Net Job Growth

The industry is losing jobs faster than creating them — which may indicate automation, consolidation, or declining demand. Total employment: 170,425 workers across 11,274 firms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of men's and boys' clothing and furnishings merchant wholesalers businesses fail?
Approximately 41% of men's and boys' clothing and furnishings merchant wholesalers businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 10.1%, with 1,068 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the men's and boys' clothing and furnishings merchant wholesalers industry growing or shrinking?
The men's and boys' clothing and furnishings merchant wholesalers industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of -0.2% per year. New businesses are entering at 8.1% while 10.1% close annually.

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