@MontereyJack,
Quote:
notions department
sports equipment
Of course these things that seem so natural, and therefore the only way, are largely a matter of convention.
I'd say that these two are exceptions, and there may well be others. I believe they use the "plural" form because the "singular" form holds other meanings.
You can't buy a 'notion' from the 'notions' department.
A 'sport' is an agreeable person.