It has nothing to do with the success of iTunes, just the digital storefront idea.

I dont read it that way. There are more digital store fronts besides iTunes. Why didn't OP choose one of those? The idea is interesting but the way the OP is comparing it to iTunes makes me feel like this is a toy idea.

I think the iTunes comparison is that it has DRM and you can only print one of each item. I think it's a little early for this kind of service though. The ones who like to tinker with 3D printers will be lukewarm to the DRM stuff, while the ones who just want to buy things will get superior prints through Shapeways.

I would like to add a big BUT though - if home or even in-store 3D printers take off and "just works" I believe there will be a huge opportunity for a marketplace like this. So maybe this will be a prime buy candidate for Makerbot/3D systems or Shapeways some time in the future.

Well, it's the most recognizable one. I don't see why he should pick something more obscure.

I can see that too. iTunes I think has an implied meaning. It was (arguably) revolutionary and is way more than a "store front". It was a way to really integrate iPods with software to make them seamlessly integrate with the OS. Now, today it is a lot more.

Like I said I read it differently that what the OP meant to imply perhaps. Maybe if OP has said "ITunes Store Front for 3D Printing"

Maybe "Steam for 3D printing"? Well, I guess Steam has social features too... How about just "A store front for 3D printing."