What this class covers
ANZSIC class 4260 covers Australian businesses operating as department stores that retail a diverse range of merchandise across multiple product categories. These establishments are characterized by their departmentalized structure where different sections specialize in various product types, but no single product category dominates overall sales. The classification applies to stores that offer a broad assortment of goods typically including clothing, homewares, electronics, cosmetics, and furniture under one roof.
This classification includes major Australian retail chains such as Myer and David Jones, which operate large-scale department stores across multiple locations. It also covers smaller regional department stores that maintain the same departmentalized approach to retailing diverse product ranges. The key requirement is that the business operates with distinct departments managing different product categories rather than specializing in one primary product type.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in:
- Operating large retail stores with multiple departments selling different product categories
- Retailing clothing and fashion accessories across various departments
- Selling furniture and home furnishings as part of a broader product offering
- Offering kitchenware, china, glassware and other housewares alongside other products
- Retailing textile goods such as bedding, curtains, and fabrics
- Selling electrical, electronic and gas appliances alongside other consumer goods
- Offering perfumes, cosmetics and toiletries through dedicated beauty counters
Exclusions and nearby codes
Several related retail activities are excluded from this classification and fall under different ANZSIC codes:
Businesses that retail food and groceries on a departmentalised basis are classified under ANZSIC 4110 Supermarket and Grocery Stores, even if they operate with multiple departments. This exclusion ensures clear separation between food-focused retailers and general merchandise department stores.
Specialized retailers focusing primarily on single product categories such as clothing, furniture, or electronics are excluded from this class and are classified elsewhere in Subdivision 42 Other Store-Based Retailing. For example, a store specializing only in furniture would be classified under a different specific class within this subdivision.
Retailers offering a wide variety of products without proper departmentalization, such as gift shops or souvenir shops, are classified under ANZSIC 4279 Other Store-Based Retailing n.e.c. rather than as department stores.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, selecting the correct ANZSIC code is essential for accurate industry classification. Department stores should use code 4260, which corresponds to Business Industry Code (BIC) 42600. This classification affects how your business is categorized for statistical purposes by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and may influence certain regulatory requirements.
For tax reporting purposes, businesses classified under ANZSIC 4260 typically complete specific retail trade sections in business activity statements and tax returns. Workers' compensation premiums may be calculated based on this industry classification, though rates vary by state and territory. When applying for business grants or industry assistance programs, your ANZSIC code helps determine eligibility for retail-specific initiatives.
If your business operations change significantly—such as shifting from a departmentalized approach to specializing in a particular product category—you should update your ANZSIC classification to reflect the new primary activity. Maintaining accurate classification ensures proper industry benchmarking and compliance with reporting requirements.