The sort to open shops of various kinds (5)
I believe the answer is:
types
'various kinds' is the definition.
'types' can be an answer for 'kinds' (type is a kind of kind). I am unsure of the 'various' bit.
'the sort to open shops' is the wordplay.
'the sort' becomes 'type' (type is a kind of sort).
'to open' suggests taking the first letters (take the opening letter).
The first letter of 'shops' is 's'.
'type'+'s'='TYPES'
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for types that I've seen before include "Sorts - varieties" , "Characters" , "Sorts; kinds" , "Writes using a keyboard" , "Uses a keyboard to write" .)