When the first settlers arrived there were no general stores. Some supplies could be purchased at a trading post. Trading posts were built so the First Nations people and the furtraders could sell their furs and buy supplies. The trading posts were often surrounded by high walls (forts). Most of the forts were built near lakes and rivers.

a trading post at Cypress Hills, SK

"by permission: from "Saskatchewan Interactive"
http://interactive.usask.ca/ski/index.html"

When the railroad was built more settlers arrived and communities began to grow along the train tracks. The general store was often the first business in a community.

It was called a general store because there were many items for sale. The store sold supplies for the settlers and the townspeople. Farm families looked forward to their shopping trip to the store. If they had to travel far they shopped once or twice a month.

The general store was a place to meet people and hear the latest news.