As of now, there is no specific top-level domain (TLD) with the exact text “.shopping”. However, there are similar category TLDs that are used for commercial and e-commerce activities. The .store and .shop are two examples of TLDs that are commonly used for e-commerce websites. For instance, https://www.emirates.store/ is an example of a website under the .store TLD.
Created by Radix, a domain registry company, .store aims at online stores and e-commerce websites. Radix received the rights to .store after a winning bid in an auction against six other domain registry companies, as reported by OnlineDomain.com. Today it serves the purpose of easy recognition and classification of a website belonging to the retail sector.
The .shop TLD is also intended for e-commerce, businesses, and shoppers. This TLD was created by GMO Registry, a Japanese domain registry company. The target audience for .shop domains are global online and offline shop owners and direct-selling manufacturers. It aims to provide a recognizable and trustworthy space for these entities to conduct their business. Websites like https://www.skybell.shop/ are enlisted under .shop TLD.
There is another related TLD called .shopping, but this exists as a second-level domain under country code TLDs (ccTLDs), such as co.uk, .ca, .us, etc. One example would be uk.shopping.com, which acts as an online marketplace, enlisted under .co.uk TLDs, firstly recognized by the country (UK) and then the nature of the website (.shopping).
The establishment and management of TLDs are managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is a nonprofit organization that oversees the coordination of the Internet’s naming system. There are several types of TLDs including generic TLDs (gTLDs), such as .com, .net, .org; country code TLDs (ccTLDs) such as .uk, .jp, .us); and sponsored TLDs (sTLDs), such as .edu, .gov, .int.
Before establishing a new TLD, it passes through a significant process in ICANN, often referred to as the “New gTLD Program”. This program allows for the expansion of TLDs, broadening the potential of the internet’s addressing system. Any established entity from anywhere in the world can apply for a new gTLD.
Sources:
- Radix website, www.radix.website
- OnlineDomain.com, “Radix Won The .Store New gTLD For More Than $5.5 Million“
- GMO Registry website, www.gmoregistry.com/en/
- ICANN website, www.icann.org
- Verisign, Domain Name Industry Brief, www.verisign.com/en\_US/domain-names/verisign-reports/reports.jsp
