What is ActiveRecord::Store? Store provides a simple means of accessing and storing key/value pairs related to a model. Store gives you a thin wrapper around serialize for the purpose of storing hashes in a single column. In simple words, it is used for storing mutiple columns under a single column. Its serailized/deserialized to save and load the data for easy access. Example You have a Music application, you want to cache the last volume adjustment for the user. So that when he returns back, same volume level is applied, similarly other volume related settings. Now you can