How to Set Up Magento 2 Multi-Store

Magento 2 offers a powerful feature enabling the creation of multiple stores under one unified admin panel. This is particularly beneficial for growing brands aspiring to tap into multiple markets or regions. By employing the multi-store setup, businesses can enjoy:

• Centralized management through a single configuration.
• Cost savings on third-party modules and integrations.
• Retaining a unified customer database.

Whether you’re planning to introduce multiple languages or cater to diverse customer segments, Magento 2’s multi-store capability is a game-changer.

For Magento beginners who might be muddled about the differences between ‘store’ and ‘store view’, further reading is advised. Moreover, Magento 2’s single store mode can be activated whenever necessary to deactivate store view options and scope indicators.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the sequential steps to set up your Magento 2 Multi-Store:

Understanding Magento’s Multi-Store Hierarchy

1. Website: The apex level, housing all storefronts, shipping and payment methods. All stores under the same Magento website will inherit common shipping, payment methods, and pricing structures.
2. Stores: An intermediate level, with each store having at least one store view. Different store views enable variations in design, languages, currencies, etc.
3. Store Views: The final tier of the hierarchy determining your store’s aesthetics. It’s instrumental when introducing multiple languages or diverse designs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Multi-Store:

Step 1: Creating a Website

• Where? Admin Panel > Stores > Settings > All Stores.
  1. Click ‘Create website’.
  2. Input the necessary details:
     • Name: Assign a title to the new website.
     • Code: Create a unique identifier.
     • Sort Order: (Default is ‘0’ but can be adjusted).
  3. Click ‘Save website’.
  4. Repeat if you’re planning multiple websites.

Step 2: Setting up Stores

• Where? Admin Panel > Stores > Settings > All Stores.
  1. Click ‘Create store’.
  2. Populate the fields:
     • Web Site: Link it to the website created in Step 1.
     • Name: Assign a name (e.g., meetanshi).
     • Code: Assign a unique code.
     • Root Category: Select the appropriate category.
  3. Click ‘Save store’.
  4. Replicate for additional stores.

Step 3: Configuring Store Views

• Where? Admin Panel > Stores > Settings > All Stores.
  1. Click ‘Create store view’.
  2. Input the required information:
     • Store: Link to the store you set up previously.
     • Name: Assign a title (e.g., Meetanshi).
     • Code: Create a unique identifier.
     • Status: Activate the store view.
     • Sort Order: (Default is ‘0’ but can be adjusted).
  3. Click ‘Save store view’.
  4. Continue for any additional store views.

Step 4: Defining Base URL

• Where? Stores > Settings > Configuration > General > Web.
  1. Select the website from Step 1.
  2. Under Base URLs, input:
     • Base URL
     • Base Link URL
     • URLs for Static View Files and User Media Files.
     • If secure access (https) is needed, configure under Base URLs (Secure).

Step 5: Refreshing Magento 2 Cache

• Where? System > Tools > Cache Management.
  1. Click ‘Flush Magento Cache’.

Benefits of Magento Multi-Store

• Centralized Administration: Manage multiple storefronts from one dashboard.
• Localization Ease: Simplify translations and regional customizations.
• Enhanced Targeting: Segment audiences for more tailored shopping experiences.
• Efficient Order Management: Distribute responsibility amongst individual vendors.
• Backend Autonomy: Provide individual sellers with backend access, fostering self-management.

With this comprehensive guide, expanding your eCommerce venture across borders or catering to distinct customer segments becomes a seamless endeavor.