Stem clothing shops (5,4)
I believe the answer is:
small talk
'stem clothing shops' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'stem clothing shops' is the wordplay.
'stem' becomes 'stalk' (synonyms).
'clothing' indicates putting letters inside (some letters cover up or clothe others).
'shops' becomes 'mall'.
'stalk' enclosing 'mall' is 'SMALL-TALK'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for small talk that I've seen before include "chattering" , "Unimportant prattle" , "Light conversation" , "Polite conversation on trivial matters" , "Informal conversation" .)