Multistore - what is it and when is it worth implementing?
In an increasingly complex and distributed e-commerce environment, managing multiple online stores is becoming an everyday occurrence. Companies running multiple product lines, operating in different markets or serving customers in different regions need flexible tools.
In this case, the multistore functionality (also known as Multiple Store) can show its full usefulness. What exactly does it mean and what benefits can its implementation bring?
Table of Contents:
What is a multistore?
Multiple Store/Multistore is a functionality available on many e-commerce platforms that allows you to run several online stores based on a single management system. With this solution, companies can manage different domains, currencies, languages and assortments, which is crucial for international operations. The stores are managed centrally, allowing for greater control and optimization of sales processes.
Examples of multistore support platforms include Magento 2, PrestaShop, WooCommerce and Shopify Plus. Magento 2 is distinguished by its flexibility and extensive integration capabilities with sales management support tools, making it a popular choice among mid- to large-scale companies.
Sellina's system, based on Magento 2, also supports multistore functionality, as our cooperation with Liberty Motors also confirms. Details of this implementation and the results of the cooperation can be found in the case study.
Main advantages of multistore implementation
The decision to implement a multistore/multiple store comes with many benefits that make it much easier to run an e-commerce business.
Centralized store management
One of the main advantages of multistore is the ability to manage all stores from a single panel, which translates into significant savings, especially in terms of integration. Instead of implementing and managing separate systems for each store, all key decisions - such as changes in assortment, prices or promotions - can be made simultaneously across all stores.
This not only saves time, but also reduces the risk of errors. In addition, centralization allows for easier control over customer data and ordering and logistics processes, which simplifies daily operations.
Scalability and optimization of operating costs
Multistore is the perfect solution for companies that plan to expand into new markets or develop new brands. With the ability to easily add new stores to the existing digital architecture, a company can quickly scale its business. What's more, managing multiple stores from a single system reduces operating costs by eliminating the need to maintain separate teams or IT infrastructure for each store.
When is it worth considering a multi-store implementation?
The decision to implement a multistore/multiple store should be based on an analysis of the needs of a particular business and its structure. There are several key factors that indicate that a multistore can be a beneficial solution.
If your company:
manages several brands,
operates stores dedicated to different geographic markets,
Has a wide range of assortment, which can be divided into smaller groups
focuses on stores dedicated to different customer segments.
In this case, multistore may be the answer to your needs. With this feature, you can centrally manage pricing policies, product offers, languages and currencies, which can be important for international expansion, for example.
Industries where multistore is beneficial
Multistore is especially useful in industries with a wide assortment, such as fashion, where stores can be divided into different categories.
Imagine a clothing company that sells clothing and accessories in multiple markets. This company may operate separate online stores for different customer groups, such as a store dedicated exclusively to luxury fashion, a store offering sportswear, and a casual fashion store. All of these stores are managed from a single multistore/multiple store system, making it possible to centrally update offers, adjust prices to local markets, and control logistics.
Central management makes it easier to control assortment, marketing campaigns and customer service, providing a consistent experience for customers in each market while taking into account local needs.
Choosing an e-Commerce platform that supports multistore
There are many platforms on the market that support multistore, and choosing the right one depends on the specifics of your business. Here are the most popular platforms that offer this functionality:
Magento 2: Ideal for larger companies that need scalable and flexible solutions. Magento offers extensive integration capabilities with tools that support sales, inventory management or analytics.
PrestaShop: This is an open-source platform that offers a robust solution for smaller businesses. It is flexible and the cost of maintenance is relatively low.
WooCommerce: As a WordPress plugin, WooCommerce is easy to use and great for small businesses. However, with more complex multistore structures, it can be less effective.
Shopify Plus: A popular SaaS solution that is easy to use while providing scalability and support.
Sellina: a Magento 2-based system designed specifically to support multistore stores. Sellina offers advanced cross-channel sales management capabilities and integrations with external tools. It is ideal for companies that need central management of multiple stores and want to take advantage of Magento 2's flexibility.
Multistore store management: challenges and solutions
Although multistore/multiple store brings many benefits, managing multiple stores can be complicated. Here are the key challenges and tools that can help you overcome them.
Product catalog management and logistics
When managing multiple stores, central management of the product catalog is crucial. It's worth investing in a PIM (Product Information Management) system that enables efficient management of product data across stores, ensuring consistency and easy updating. An example of such a solution is the one we are implementing Akeneo PIM. It offers advanced tools for the organization and distribution of product data, supporting the management of multiple sales channels.
Integration with WMS (Warehouse Management System) systems further supports inventory and logistics management, which is essential for companies with large-scale operations. Akeneo PIM's cooperation with WMS systems ensures a smooth flow of information, minimizing errors in inventory management.
Operational complexity
Managing multiple stores means greater operational complexity, especially in terms of orders, payments and claims. Implementing an ERP system that integrates all these processes can make management much easier. ERP systems allow ordering, warehousing and finance to be handled seamlessly in one place, streamlining operations.
Integrations and plugins for multistore
Key integrations
Well-integrated tools are key to optimal multistore operations. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems help manage inventory, pricing, orders and production, enabling companies to centralize key operational processes. By integrating with ERP, companies can better monitor inventory, automate logistics processes and adjust prices across markets, which is essential when managing multiple stores.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, on the other hand, support the management of customer data, enabling personalization of offers, tracking of order history and automation of marketing campaigns. Integrating CRM with multistore provides a better understanding of customer needs in different markets, resulting in more personalized service and more effective promotional campaigns.
In addition, integrations with payment and logistics systems make it easier to handle orders in different markets, ensuring smooth sales and delivery processes.
Plugins to boost performance and SEO
Performance and SEO optimization are key aspects, especially in the context of multiple stores. Plugins for Magento 2 can help speed up page loading, optimize URL structures and improve performance by managing server resources. Additionally, SEO tools can improve the visibility of stores in search results, which directly affects conversions and traffic.
In the context of inventory management, Magento 2 offers MSI (Multi-Source Inventory), which allows you to manage multiple warehouses from a single system. MSI allows companies to assign different supply sources to individual products and stores, making it easier to manage inventory across multiple locations. With this tool, logistics processes can be optimized, increasing operational efficiency and eliminating problems related to product availability at different warehouses.
Security and efficiency in the multistore
Data protection
Managing multiple stores means processing a lot of data, including customers' personal information. It's worth investing in proper security measures, such as data encryption, SSL certificates and regular backups. Platforms such as Magento 2 offer advanced data protection mechanisms and safeguards against DDoS attacks.
Optimize technical performance
For smooth operation of many stores, it is crucial to ensure adequate performance. It's worth using dedicated servers or cloud solutions that can handle heavy traffic. Caching (e.g. Varnish, Redis) and CDN (Content Delivery Network) can significantly speed up page loading, which is crucial, especially for stores serving customers from different parts of the world.
Multistore implementation is an ideal solution for companies managing multiple stores or planning to expand into new markets. Centralized management, scalability and optimization of operating costs are its main advantages. With this tool, you can easily manage different stores, product offerings, languages and currencies from one place, allowing you to run your business efficiently.
The decision to implement a multistore/multiple store is worth making after a thorough analysis of your company's needs. It is also crucial to choose the right platform, such as the aforementioned Magento 2, which supports extensive solutions and offers rich integration possibilities. An example is the system Sellina, which, based on Magento 2, effectively supports multistore stores, providing central management and flexibility to adapt to different markets. It is worth remembering that, despite the challenges, multistore can be an important step in the development of a company and expansion into new markets.
Bottom line: is a multistore right for your business?
Multistore implementation is an ideal solution for companies managing multiple stores or planning to expand into new markets. Centralized management, scalability and optimization of operating costs are its main advantages. With this tool, you can easily manage different stores, product offerings, languages and currencies from one place, allowing you to run your business efficiently.
The decision to implement a multistore/multiple store is worth making after a thorough analysis of your company's needs. It is also crucial to choose the right platform, such as the aforementioned Magento 2, which supports extensive solutions and offers rich integration possibilities. An example is the system Sellina, which, based on Magento 2, effectively supports multistore stores, providing central management and flexibility to adapt to different markets. It is worth remembering that, despite the challenges, multistore can be an important step in the development of a company and expansion into new markets.
