Being a unique identifier on the internet, each top-level domain (TLD) has a specific purpose and significance. A TLD is a part of a URL that comes at the very end, typically after the final dot. For example, in “www.example.com”, “.com” is the TLD. Different types of TLDs are sponsored (e.g., .gov, .edu), generic (e.g., .com, .net), and country code specific (e.g., .us, .uk) [1].
However, a search through the listing on the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) shows no results for .MARSHALLS [2]. IANA is a department of ICANN, a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces and numerical spaces of the Internet, ensuring the network’s stable and secure operation. It’s the authority that manages global top-level domains.
While “.marshalls” might suggest a connection to the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific, the assigned TLD for the Marshall Islands is actually .mh, not .marshalls.
Indeed, TLDs are typically short, typically not more than a few characters long. Most commonly, ccTLDs or country code top-level domains (like .us for United States, .uk for United Kingdom, .au for Australia) follow the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country codes [3].
If we consider “.marshalls” from a branding perspective, the name instantly reminds us of Marshalls, a chain of American and Canadian off-price department stores owned by TJX Companies. However, their official website uses the “.com” gTLD, not “.marshalls” [4].
When certain corporations, especially multinational ones, want to further solidify their brand identity, they may apply for a branded TLD. For example, “.google” for Google, “.bmw” for BMW [5]. However, for .marshalls, no usage in this context is presently known or listed.
To summarize, as of the time of this writing, there does not exist any TLD as “.marshalls” according to the IANA database, which is the gold standard for such information. It is neither associated with the country of Marshall Islands nor currently tied to the branding of Marshalls department stores.
Reference:
[1] W3C, “Understanding PURL domains and top level domains,” Available: https://www.w3.org/standards/domains/#types
[2] IANA, “Root Zone Database,” Available: https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
[3] ISO, “Country codes – ISO 3166,” Available: https://www.iso.org/iso-3166-country-codes.html
[4] Marshalls’ official website, Available: https://www.marshalls.com/
[5] Verisign, “The New gTLDs Opportunity – 2014 and Beyond,” Available: https://www.verisign.com/en\_US/company-information/new-gtld-services/index.xhtml
