Q: The App Store app on my iMac

There's a badge notification on the App Store app on my iMac, so I figure there's something I may need to update.  But when the app, it spins the little "wait" icon like it's loading something, but nothing ever happens.  The icons at the top (Featured, Top Charts, etc.) appear available but nothing happens when I click on them.  I can type in the Search option, but nothing happens when I hit enter.  I've left it running for 3 hours, but nothing ever loads on the page.  Has anyone encountered something like that or do you have suggestions on getting the app to work properly?