[Grammar] The prices are better than in the shops

[angelene001]

I'd like to say that the prices in the specific online shop are better than in any regular shop.

The prices are better than in shops.

Does "in shops" convey the meaning "shops in general" here?
Can I express the same with:
The prices are better than in a shop.

What about this sentence:
The prices are better than in the shops.
By saying "in the shops" I mean a specific group of shops, for example in my city, right?

And:
The prices are better than in the shop.
Does "the shop" mean one specific shop? Or can I use it for "shops in general" like in this sentence:
The bear is a wild animal ---> meaning 'bears in general'.

 

[billmcd]

I'd like to say that the prices in the specific online shop are better than in any regular shop.

The prices are better than in shops.

Does "in shops" convey the meaning "shops in general" here? Yes.
Can I express the same with:
The prices are better than in a shop. Yes.

What about this sentence:
The prices are better than in the shops. Same meaning.
By saying "in the shops" I mean a specific group of shops, for example in my city, right? Not necessarily. Depends on context.

And:
The prices are better than in the shop.
Does "the shop" mean one specific shop? Possibly. I would infer that meaning. But again, depends on context. Or can I use it for "shops in general" like in this sentence:
The bear is a wild animal ---> meaning 'bears in general'.

b.