Retail customers still want to visit physical stores. Even when they discover a brand online, many prefer to see products in person, check availability nearby, or visit an authorized retailer before buying. That is where a well built store locator for retail brands makes a difference.
A store locator is no longer just a map with pins. For retail brands with multiple stores or reseller networks, it is a key part of the buying journey.
Why retail brands need a store locator
Retail shoppers often search phrases like “store near me” or “where to buy” before making a decision. If your website does not clearly show where your products are available, customers may move on to a competitor that does.
A store locator helps retail brands:
- Guide customers to the closest store or reseller
- Reduce friction in the path to purchase
- Support both owned stores and third party retailers
- Increase foot traffic from high intent website visitors
According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby on their phone visit a related business within a day.
Owned stores vs authorized retailers
Many retail brands operate a mix of owned locations and authorized stockists. A good store locator makes that distinction clear.
With the right setup, you can:
- Label owned stores differently from resellers
- Add filters for store type
- Show extra details like services, hours, or product availability
This avoids customer confusion and builds trust with your retail partners.
Filters make a real difference
Retail brands often underestimate how important filters are. When customers can filter by city, service type, or store category, they find what they need faster.
Common retail filters include:
- Store type
- Services offered
- In store pickup or support
Real examples from retail brands
Many Storemapper customers in retail manage hundreds or even thousands of locations across different platforms. Some use WordPress, others Shopify or custom websites. What they have in common is the need for a consistent, brand aligned locator experience across all markets.
You can explore real retail examples in our case studies section.
‍
What to look for in a retail store locator
When choosing a store locator for retail, look for:
- Easy bulk import of locations or Google Business Profile integration
- Custom styling to match your brand
- Flexible filters and search
- Support for large location counts
- Simple embed on any website
- A support team to help you in every step of the way
A locator should grow with your retail network, not limit it.
‍
Create your retail store locator with Storemapper
Storemapper helps retail brands create fast, customizable store locators without heavy development work. Whether you manage 10 stores or 1,000 retailers, you can launch quickly and stay in control.
