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NAICS Code· 459210

NAICS 459210: Book Retailers and News Dealers

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing new books, newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals (without publishing). Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--Show more

NAICS 459210 – Book Retailers and News Dealers encompasses the retail sale of books, periodicals, newspapers, and other printed materials through physical storefronts, kiosks, or direct-to-consumer channels. While primarily a commercial retail classification, this NAICS code may intersect with government contracting when agencies procure reading materials for institutional libraries, correctional facilities, military bases, or educational programs within federal installations.

6
Active Contracts
$69K
Total Obligations (12mo)
4
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
4
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
-9.6%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 459210.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 459210 – Book Retailers and News Dealers encompasses the retail sale of books, periodicals, newspapers, and other printed materials through physical storefronts, kiosks, or direct-to-consumer channels. While primarily a commercial retail classification, this NAICS code may intersect with gover...

NAICS 459210 – Book Retailers and News Dealers encompasses the retail sale of books, periodicals, newspapers, and other printed materials through physical storefronts, kiosks, or direct-to-consumer channels. While primarily a commercial retail classification, this NAICS code may intersect with government contracting when agencies procure reading materials for institutional libraries, correctional facilities, military bases, or educational programs within federal installations. These purchases often support morale, literacy, workforce development, or cultural enrichment initiatives, particularly in settings where access to diverse printed media is limited. The sector includes both large national chains and independent retailers, though government demand is typically fragmented and low-volume compared to other procurement categories. No contractor data is available for this NAICS code, indicating that no single entity has emerged as a dominant supplier in federal contracts. The competitive landscape is likely composed of small businesses, local booksellers, and niche distributors with specialized capabilities in handling bulk orders of educational or thematic publications, rather than large prime contractors. No agency data is available, suggesting that procurement activity is dispersed across multiple departments without a dominant buyer. Potential demand may originate from the Department of Defense for base libraries, the Bureau of Prisons for inmate education programs, or the Library of Congress for distributed outreach, though no concentrated spending patterns are evident. The market context reflects low opportunity density with infrequent, small-scale procurements. Contractors with experience in institutional distribution, compliance with federal accessibility standards for printed materials, and the ability to fulfill orders for specialized or hard-to-source publications may find niche opportunities. The trend toward digital content has likely reduced overall demand, making physical book procurement an ancillary rather than core function in federal acquisitions.

Small Business Size Standard

The SBA threshold that decides who can bid NAICS 459210 work as a small business.

$36.0M
Applies to the whole industry code

The SBA cap for this NAICS (13 CFR 121.201). A business at or under it can self-certify as small for work in this code, which is what makes it eligible for a small-business set-aside. The cap is set per NAICS, so the same company can be small in one code and not in another.

13 CFR 121.201, effective January 1, 2026. The SBA revises the table roughly once a year.

Top Contractors

Companies with the highest total award value under NAICS 459210, ranked by dollars won.

Ranked by total awards

Top Agencies

Federal agencies directing the most contract spending toward NAICS 459210.

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 459210, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Too few awards in NAICS 459210 report bidder counts (13 of 13) to summarize competition. The broader industry family below gives the closest honest picture.

How this code compares up the NAICS hierarchy. Parent cohorts pool every code under their prefix, so they are the steadier baseline when a 6-digit sample is thin.

Industry FamilyCompetitionMedian BiddersSingle-BidBidder MixReported Awards
459210This Code
Book Retailers and News Dealers
Not enough reported data———
13100% of 13
45921NAICS Industry
Not enough reported data———
13100% of 13
4592Industry Group
Book Retailers and News Dealers
Not enough reported data———
13100% of 13
459Subsector
Usually Single-Bid169%
1,60592% of 1,742
45Sector
Retail Trade
Usually Single-Bid181%
623,16530% of 2,053,116

Bidder counts reported on past federal awards in this NAICS (USAspending). An open opportunity has no bidders yet, so this is the historical norm for similar work, not a fact about this solicitation. Not all awards report bidder counts, and fewer bidders often means incumbent-held work rather than an easier win. Federal reporting of bidder counts fell from ~96% of awards (FY2016) to ~30% (FY2018 onward); the chart shows shares of reported awards, and washed-out stretches mark years with fewer than 30 of them.

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Book Retailers and News Dealers, by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

Explore contracts across multiple NAICS codes Browse all NAICS Codes

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NAICS 459210 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 459210 covers Book Retailers and News Dealers. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing new books, newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals (without publishing). Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

Recently Posted in Book Retailers and News Dealers

NAICS: 459210
New
SLED
Bookstore Retail Services
Solicitation # SRC-WSU-2027-000628-RFP
Winona State University, under the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, is soliciting proposals for comprehensive bookstore retail services. The selected vendor will operate the on-site campus store located in Kryzsko Commons and manage textbook services, including the provision of new, used, digital, and rental textbooks, custom printing, and Direct Digital/Inclusive Access services. Key operational requirements include maintaining a faculty adoption system, providing online ordering and direct shipping, and implementing end-of-term buyback plans. Performance will extend to alternate campus locations, such as residence halls and the Rochester Campus, with all primary deliveries routed through the Kryzsko Commons loading dock. Proposals are evaluated using a weighted scoring system focusing on vendor qualifications in higher education, staffing models, and a comprehensive work plan that addresses affordability, technology integration, and accessibility compliance. Financial proposals must detail gross margin percentages and a commission or revenue-sharing model. Mandatory submission requirements include a notarized Affidavit of Non-Collusion, an Affirmative Action declaration, and documentation of an information security program such as a SOC 2 Type II report or HECVAT. The vendor is also required to collaborate with the Director of Campus Safety to establish a Store Security Plan for high-traffic events.
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System

POSTED

5 days ago

DEADLINE

in 24 days
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NAICS: 459210
SLED
Bookstore Management Services
Solicitation # FY2026-RFP-066
The Collin County Community College District is soliciting proposals for Bookstore Management Services to operate across six campus locations: Celina, Central Park, Preston Ridge, Spring Creek, Technical, and Wylie. The contract features an initial five-year term with an option for a five-year renewal. The selected firm will be responsible for comprehensive operations, including staffing with a preference for college students, managing instructional material orders for both physical and online stores, and supporting traditional and non-traditional materials such as Open Educational Resources. Key performance requirements include responding to student and faculty inquiries within 24 hours and providing affordable shipping options. Proposals must be submitted by November 20, 2026, via the OpenGov portal and must include a detailed technical proposal, a pricing table, and a financial commitment spreadsheet. Financial proposals are required to cover various scenarios and include guaranteed annual scholarships, charitable contributions, commissions on gross sales, and capital investments for technology and facilities. Evaluation is based on a points-based system, with a significant focus on the proposed approach and methodology. The contract mandates compliance with various federal and state regulations, including FERPA for student records, ADA accessibility standards, and Texas Government Code for cybersecurity training and payment terms. Performance and payment bonds are required for bids exceeding specific monetary thresholds.
Procurement

POSTED

11 days ago

DEADLINE

in about 1 month
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NAICS: 459210
SLED
RFP 27-02 Digital First Course Material and Campus Retail Solution
Solicitation # 27-02
Montclair State University is soliciting proposals for RFP 27-02 to establish a Digital First Course Material and Campus Retail Solution across its Montclair and Bloomfield campuses. The project is divided into two primary scopes: Scope A focuses on a digital-first textbook and course materials platform that prioritizes electronic access and inclusive access programs while maintaining physical availability and faculty adoption tools. Scope B entails a modernized, brand-forward campus retail program integrating physical, mobile, pop-up, and e-commerce experiences for university merchandise. Bidders may propose for one or both scopes, with submissions due by November 18, 2026, via the Workday Strategic Sourcing portal. The resulting contract will have an initial ten-year term with an option to renew for an additional ten years. Compensation is structured as a percentage commission of gross sales paid to the university monthly. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale based on qualifications and experience, quality of proposed services, key personnel, and the ability to integrate technology with university enterprise systems. Awardees must comply with various New Jersey state laws, FERPA, and ADA/WCAG accessibility standards. Required documentation includes a Statement of Qualifications, a detailed financial pro forma, and various state-mandated certifications.
Montclair State University

POSTED

21 days ago

DEADLINE

in about 1 month
View Details
NAICS: 459210
SLED
BOOKSTORE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Solicitation # 88-270000-BO
Central Piedmont Community College is soliciting proposals for comprehensive bookstore management services, encompassing both onsite and online operations, including the sale of College Spirit Shop merchandise. The contract is for an initial term of three years with two optional one-year renewal periods. The selected vendor is required to pay the college a minimum annual guaranteed amount of 550,000 dollars. The scope of work includes managing course materials, as detailed in the academic adoption lists, and adhering to strict North Carolina state regulations, including E-Verify compliance and the North Carolina Statewide Data Classification and Handling policy for data classified as high risk. The procurement process utilizes a trade-off ranking method to determine the best value, prioritizing conformity to business specifications and risk factors over the lowest price. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Electronic Vendor Portal by October 20, 2026, with a projected award date around March 1, 2027. The agreement is governed by North Carolina law with venue in Wake County. Key operational requirements include maintaining industry-standard accounting records for three years and providing the college liaison with detailed monthly and year-end operating statements. All tangible deliverables are shipped FOB Destination, and any software or service changes impacting large audiences must be communicated six months in advance.
Central Piedmont Community College

POSTED

28 days ago

DEADLINE

in 8 days
View Details

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