Top-level domain (TLD) is the suffix or the last part of a domain name. It is part of the Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure and is used by web browsers to locate specific websites on the Internet. Examples of TLDs include “.gov” for government entities, “.edu” for educational institutions, and “.com” for commercial entities.
Regarding the TLDs related to specific sectors, there are several new TLD possibilities that were proposed to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) after they opened the application process for new generic TLD gTLD in 2012 (ICANN, “New generic Top-Level Domains”).
Speaking specifically about a TLD ‘.homegoods’, as of the time of this research, there is no ‘.homegoods’ TLD currently listed in the IANA’s official database of TLDs. The IANA, or “Internet Assigned Numbers Authority,” maintains the official list of all top-level domains in use (IANA, “Root Zone Database”). Therefore, ‘.homegoods’ is not a recognized top-level domain at this time.
It’s worth noting, however, that there are over 1,500 gTLDs listed in the IANA’s database, including more specific TLDs such as ‘.plumbing,’ ‘.kitchen,’ and ‘.construction.’ So, it’s not a stretch to think that a ‘.homegoods’ TLD could exist in the future as more specific or niche TLDs continue to be created.
Moreover, it should be noted that the creation of a new TLD is a complex process that involves an application to ICANN, evaluation and approval, and subsequent enforcement and management of the new TLD. A new gTLD can be proposed by organizations or businesses willing to manage and enforce the policies of that gTLD, as described by ICANN in their applicant guidebook (ICANN, “Applicant guidebook”).
In the past, certain corporations have launched TLDs for their exclusive use, such as Google’s ‘.google’ and Amazon’s ‘.amazon,’ and, theoretically, ‘HomeGoods,’ the American brick-and-mortar chain of discount home furnishing stores, could do the same with a ‘.homegoods’ TLD if it chose to go through the application process.
As a closing note, the evolution of the internet and its naming systems is an ongoing process and further expansion of the TLD system is likely in the future. Organizations and businesses that invest in specific TLDs tend to do with strategic intent, such as bolstering brand recognition, improving search engine optimization, or creating a more intuitive and streamlined user experience.
Sources Used:
1. ICANN. “New generic Top-Level Domains.” https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/
2. IANA. “Root Zone Database.” https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
3. ICANN. “Applicant guidebook.” https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb
