A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, or the key part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. TLDs are mainly classified into two categories: generic TLDs (gTLDs) and country-specific TLDs (ccTLDs). In the context of your question, .STORE is a specific type of gTLD, styled for businesses and individuals seeking to brand their online presence with a domain that is more descriptive of what they do.
.STORE was introduced and regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a non-profit private American corporation with responsibilities for maintaining the security and stability of the Internet’s systems of unique identifiers, including the distribution of top-level domains.
.STORE was launched in June 2016 by Radix, one of the world’s largest domain portfolio registries and Asia’s largest gTLD applicant to ICANN. Radix operates various domain names including .online, .tech, .store, .website, .site, .host, .space, .press and .fun.
.STORE is a targeted domain extension focusing on the e-commerce market. It is designed to be used by any business that is looking to sell products or services online, or to promote a physical store online. From small businesses to large enterprises, anyone can register a .STORE domain name. It is a universal and easy-to-understand term across multiple languages and cultures, making it a strong choice for businesses operating in the international e-commerce sphere.
The use of .STORE also means a shorter and more meaningful domain name, as it instantly associates the website with a storefront, and is likely to improve search engine rankings for searches related to shopping or purchasing. Registering a .STORE domain also creates branding opportunities, as the word ‘store’ is used and recognized worldwide, making it easier for customers to remember and revisit the site. Some famous brands using this TLD include Emirates (emirates.store), The Meredith Corporation (people.store), and Dude Perfect (dudeperfect.store).
Exact legal and technical specifications for .STORE and other domains are detailed in ICANN’s registry agreements. To become a registrar for the .store TLD, companies go through an application process with ICANN.
For a registrar to maintain a .store domain, they must pay an annual fee to Radix and follow certain operational standards, detailed in their registry-registrar agreement as well as ICANN’s Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA).
Sources:
1. ICANN
2. Radix
3. Radix.registry – Success Stories
4. ICANN – Registry Agreements
5. Registry Services Evaluation Process (RSEP).
