E-commerce Domain Guide

.shop vs .store

The complete comparison for e-commerce businesses. Choose the perfect domain extension for your online retail venture.

Quick Decision Guide

Choose .shop if:

  • • You want maximum e-commerce recognition
  • • Your business is primarily online retail
  • • You're targeting younger, digital audiences
  • • You want better availability and pricing

Choose .store if:

  • • You have physical stores too
  • • You prefer more traditional terminology
  • • Your brand emphasizes established retail
  • • You want broader business appeal

Pricing Comparison at namepick.co

Recommended
.shop Domain

Modern E-commerce

Registration£24.99/year
Renewal£29.99/year
Transfer£29.99/year
E-commerce AppealHighest
AvailabilityGood
Traditional
.store Domain

Established Retail

Registration£34.99/year
Renewal£39.99/year
Transfer£39.99/year
Business CredibilityHigh
Premium PositioningYes

.shop costs £10 less per year than .store

Perfect Use Cases for Each Extension

.shop is Perfect For:
  • Online-Only Retailers:

    Pure e-commerce businesses

  • Fashion Brands:

    Clothing and lifestyle products

  • Dropshipping Businesses:

    Third-party fulfillment models

  • Digital Products:

    Software, courses, downloads

.store is Perfect For:
  • Omnichannel Retailers:

    Both online and physical presence

  • Established Brands:

    Traditional retailers going online

  • Department Stores:

    Large retail operations

  • Premium Brands:

    Luxury and high-end products

Customer Psychology & Perception

How Customers View .shop:

  • • Modern, digital-first approach
  • • Associated with online shopping
  • • Appeals to younger demographics
  • • Suggests competitive pricing
  • • Implies easy, quick shopping

How Customers View .store:

  • • Traditional, established feel
  • • Suggests comprehensive selection
  • • Appeals to all age groups
  • • Implies quality and reliability
  • • Associated with department stores

Both extensions clearly communicate commerce, but .shop feels more modern while .store feels more established and comprehensive.

SEO and Marketing Considerations

.shop Marketing Benefits:
  • Shorter, easier to type and remember
  • Strong association with online shopping
  • Works well in social media campaigns
  • Appeals to mobile shoppers
.store Marketing Benefits:
  • Conveys comprehensive shopping experience
  • Works for both online and offline
  • Premium, established brand feel
  • Broader appeal across demographics

Our Recommendation

For Most E-commerce: Choose .shop

.shop offers better value, stronger e-commerce association, and appeals to modern digital shoppers. Choose .store only if you need to emphasize traditional retail credibility.

Digital-First Brands

Online retailers, modern brands

Established Retailers

Traditional stores, premium brands

Ready to Launch Your Online Store?

Choose the perfect domain extension for your e-commerce success

Free WHOIS privacy • UK support • E-commerce focused