how to add custom fields into a website/store?

[eversun]

I need to add additional fields in the website, store and store view, including - store type, store address, contact number, store hours, etc. Could someone provide detailed steps for how to make this change? Also, after the new fields are added, I also need the SOAP API return the additional store information.

http://www.magentocommerce.com/api/soap/miscellaneous/store.info.html

[theMageComp]

@eversun

There is no need to add extra custom fields. Magento 1.9 default provides these fields:
Go to: System > Configuration > General > Store Information tab

[eversun]

thanks for your reply. I do see some of the fields there, but I need to add additional fields, e.g. website type, it will be a drop down list to allow people to choose the type, and store owner name etc. What are the required change do I need to make in order to make it work?

[theMageComp]

Look, you are taking about the core magento customization. So better idea is to create a custom extension and add these fiels into that and used that field according to your requirements.

[eversun]

any idea of how to  create a custom extension for this purpose? 

[theMageComp]

@eversun

If you are not familiar with the magento module, please visit this link: http://www.silksoftware.com/magento-module-creator 

It will help you out creating an extension. You will still need to code for adding custom fields into a website.