Links to a number of shops (5)
I believe the answer is:
chain
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'links' is the first definition.
(a chain is made up of links)
'number of shops' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'to a' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for chain that I've seen before include "Group of atoms" , "Tie" , "a number of hotels" , "restraint" , "Handcuff" .)