The top-level domain (TLD) “.shop” was introduced as a definitive online shopping space that provides a globally recognized web address for all e-commerce activities (shopping websites and retailers). Originally, it was proposed to ICANN in 2000 as an unrestricted TLD, but its approval was postponed until 2015 when it was acquired by GMO Registry Inc. for the sum of $41.5 million.
The .shop TLD is widely used across fashion, sports, technology, and other retail sectors. For example, in the digital market platform Shopify, various sites like “jeans.shop” or “books.shop” might employ the .shop domain to signify that their site’s central goal or primary service is indeed shopping. Substantial usage could also be seen in multinational retail giants like Walmart which uses “walmart.shop” to direct its consumers.
According to Domain Name Wire, “Amazon was one of the nine applicants for the .shop top-level domain name”. However, they later withdrew their application, and ultimately GMO Registry Inc. won the rights to the .shop TLD.
Benefits of having a .shop domain can be numerous. First, this TLD gives a direct hint to the consumer that the website’s main purpose is about selling products or services. Secondly, considering that the .shop domain is not as populated as .com domains, it also gives businesses a better chance of getting their desired URL, thus increasing the uniqueness and brandability of their e-commerce presence. Finally, it can also help in SEO and web traffic. It enhances search engine optimization because search engines like Google rank domains based on relevance, and having a .shop in your domain name can make your website more relevant when customers are searching for places to shop (G2.com).
In conclusion, the .shop TLD can be a powerful tool for businesses to elevate their e-commerce strategy, and it has already seen pronounced usage across a spectrum of companies. This domain sets a transparent premise of an online shop, allowing businesses to attract the right audience, heighten their brand visibility and boost internet traffic.
Sources:
1. https://www.thedomains.com/2016/01/28/shop-sells-for-41-5-million-to-gmo-registry
2. https://domainnamewire.com/2015/11/17/icann-posts-auction-results-amazon-dot-shop/
3. https://www.g2.com/articles/what-is-a-domain-name
4. https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/what-are-alternative-top-level-domains/
