What is the difference?

Question

between a shop and a store?Thanks so much.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

In broad. simple terms, people in N. America use the noun 'store' instead of 'shop'.

In Britain, I think it's still the opposite.

There are some other differences, too.

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

In California it's mainly a matter of size.

Shops are small and carry a limited number of items for sale, usually related to one particular consumer need: a card shop, a ceramics shop, a shoe repair shop, a sandwich shop, a candle shop, a flower shop.

Stores are large and carry a large number of items for sale: a grocery store, a drug store, a department store.

CJ

Dave Phillips · Answer

CliveHi,
In broad. simple terms, people in N. America use the noun 'store' instead of 'shop'.
In Britain, I think it's still the opposite.

There are some other differences, too.

Clive

Yes Clive more te we do use shop more than store, but I tend to agree with CJ. A store has a bigger range of goods on sale to me.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Agreed. As I said, I was focusing on the main difference.

In N. America, I hear eg

Q: Where's Tom?

A: He's gone to the store (for milk).

I don't hear 'He's gone to the shops', as I would (or used to) in Britain.

I do sometimes hear the verb form, eg He's gone shopping, although this woiuld not likely be said for a simple trip to buy milk.

Clive

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