Hi Steve,



As is often the case, a single word can have multiple meanings. In this case "shop," when used as a noun, can be short for "workshop" or it can mean a retail outlet. When used as a verb it can mean to buy, but it usually means to browse as distinct from buying (sort of like going hunting instead of going waiting or going killing).

To answer your question, I think the split came when we began to use the words to distinguish scale. A store (shortened from storehouse or storage) has more selection and/or a greater variety of offerings, whereas a shop tends to be more of a boutique, a smaller and/or more specialized retail establishment. Similarly, when you go to your job you work in a factory, as opposed to your smaller, more boutique-like, work facility at home which you call a shop.

Joe