Links make this series of stores (5)
I believe the answer is:
chain
I believe this clue is a triple definition!
'links' is the first definition.
(a chain is made up of links)
'make' is a link.
'this series' is the second definition.
(chain is a kind of series)
'of' acts as a link.
'stores' is the third definition.
(chain store is a kind of store)
(Other definitions for chain that I've seen before include "Handcuff" , "Links - sequence - 22 yards" , "Shackle" , "Coupling" , "British biochemist identified?" .)