Pronunciation: [stˈɔːz] (IPA) 
The word "stores" is spelled with the phoneme /s/ followed by the morpheme "-tore" and the inflectional morpheme "-s". The /s/ sound is represented in writing by the letter "s". /t/ is represented by the letter "t" and /ɔːr/ by the letters "or". The final sound of /s/ is represented by the letter "s" again as an inflectional morpheme indicating plural. The word "stores" refers to multiple retail establishments selling goods or merchandise.
Stores, in its noun form, refers to establishments or premises where goods, merchandise, or items are kept and made available for purchase. These physical locations serve as commercial spaces, typically operated by retailers, where customers can browse and select products they wish to buy. These establishments may range in size, from small neighborhood stores to sprawling department stores or chains, and can specialize in a wide variety of goods and services.
Within the context of retail, the term "stores" can also be used to refer to the collections or inventories of merchandise within these establishments. These assortments of products are organized and displayed, often grouped by category or department, for customers to easily locate and examine before purchasing.
Additionally, "stores" can also be used as a verb, specifically in the present tense, to describe the act of keeping items in a deliberate and organized manner for future use or consumption. In this sense, it implies storing goods or belongings for safekeeping or as a means of maintaining inventory or supplies.
In summary, "stores" can refer to the physical locations where goods are sold, the inventories of merchandise found within these establishments, or the act of keeping items for future use or consumption.
• The necessary supplies provided; in the army or navy, a supply of provisions, clothing, &c., or of arms, ammunition, &c.
• To supply or furnish with stores; to lay up; to hoard.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "stores" originated from the Old French "estore", derived from the Latin "instaurare" meaning "to restore". In Middle English, the term evolved to "stores", referring to provisions or goods stored or stored-up supply.
