"i have read that stores have been averaging 2 a month"
Not really.
eBay has been offering two promotions a month but not to everyone. In most instances, those promotions have nothing to do with having or not having an eBay store.
Most promotions this year have been "by invitation" only. I personally average one invitation per month. One was issued earlier this month. Please take the time to review posts on this board dealing with promotions.
There was a promotion earlier this month: http://pages.ebay.ca/promo/2015/0707/ListMore.html
Did you receive it?
eBay does not advertise how they select sellers for promotional invite.
Keep in mind that quite often there will be a promotion available and no email is received. It is always best to regularly (daily) check your Selling Manager. That is where promotions show up ("Promotional Offers" panel at right).
Having a store does not seem to have a whole lot of impact on promos these days. eBay uses the promos to see which ones generate good business. For a while, about a year ago, it seemed there were a lot. Not so much lately.
No-one knows how they are handed out. Looking in "secret" place won't help you.
