The History of .store Domains
The ".store" domain was introduced back in 2016 by Radix, one of the world's largest domain registry operators. The goal was simple: to provide a dedicated virtual space for e-commerce businesses. But the journey to its creation started much earlier.
ICANN expanded the available domain extensions to better categorize websites online. As a result, more than 1,200 new TLDs were introduced, including .store. ICANN is the organization responsible for managing the internet's domain name system.
The Competition for .store
Several businesses put in a bid to nab the TLD including Google, Amazon, and Uniregistry to name a few, but Radix won out.
The Growth and Adoption of .store Domains
The .store domain has gained popularity since its launch, as businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies are using it. Over 250,000 .store domains are already registered, with the number increasing daily. Big companies like Amazon, Apple, Nike, and Emirates, and luxury brands like Hanes and Jimmy Choo, have already bought or created websites with the .store extension.
The .store top-level domain is utilized not just for eCommerce and selling merchandise among NBA teams, F1, PSG, and Stipe Miocic, but also by performance artists Khalid, Foster The People, and Lorde.
The Impact of .store Domains
The introduction of .store domains was a game-changer for the e-commerce industry. It offered a new way for businesses to brand themselves and differentiate from the competition. The .store domain extension has not only provided a dedicated virtual space for e-commerce businesses but also played a significant role in shaping the way businesses present themselves online.
Why Choose a .store Domain?
If you're looking to build an online store, a .store domain can be a great way to differentiate yourself and stand out from the competition. Let's explore some of those reasons now.
Clear Communication
Choosing a .store domain for your e-commerce business has several advantages. First and foremost, it immediately communicates what your website is all about. When customers see a .store domain, they know they're dealing with an online store. This can help build trust and confidence, which can lead to higher conversion rates.
SEO Benefits
Second, a .store domain can help with SEO. Search engines recognize the relevance of your domain to e-commerce, which can improve your visibility in search results. This can lead to increased traffic and, ultimately, more sales.
Stand Out from the Crowd
Lastly, a .store domain can help you stand out from the crowd. As the e-commerce industry becomes increasingly crowded, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. A .store domain can help you do just that.
Real-World Examples
Let's take a look at some real-world examples of the .store TLD in use.