Crossword Genius

Feature of gents’ retailers? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chain

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'feature of gents' retailers?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

This is the entire clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chain that I've seen before include "Rope of metal links" , "unwelcome to house seeker" , "number of shops" , "Series of interconnecting links" , "One kind of mail" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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