In looking through documents that make primary, or secondary, reference to the late 18th century, one finds the term "store" used in contexts that are at best ambiguous.

While one is tempted to interpret this in the modern sense - a "store" being a place where goods may be bought and sold - it is also more than likely that the intent may be as a "storehouse" - that is, a place where goods are collected for trans-shipment. In other words, a "warehouse" in modern terms. 

The difference is one of emphasis; one being primarily a place to buy and sell, with storage functions attached; the other being primarily a place of storage, with the capacity to buy and sell, perhaps.

Can anyone put a finer point on this?

Philip Lord, Jr.
Acting Chief, Historical Survey
New York State Museum
Albany, NY 12230
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Website: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov