Plan multiple storefronts for one business with a shared core product range and controlled differences between the stores.
This guide is for store owners who will use Abicart's multi-store system, also called multishop. The feature requires Abicart Pro and activation. It's a choice of store structure, not just an extra domain or a translation.
1. Decide if a multi-store system is suitable
A top level collects products and shared information, among other things. One or more sub-stores display selected parts to customers. The top level does not function as a regular public sub-store.
Sub-stores can have different domains, themes, and product selections.
Payment and shipping methods can be shared, selected from common methods, or unique according to the system's settings.
A shared structure doesn't mean all prices, texts, and settings must always be the same. Document what is shared and what applies per sub-store.
The system is intended for one company. Do not use the same multi-store system for multiple separate legal entities that need their own contract and accounting flows. If the need is only for different prices or payment terms for resellers, customer groups in a regular store might be a simpler alternative.
2. Confirm scope and agreements before activation
Under Abicart's standard pricing model, you pay for a Pro subscription for the top level. The first sub-store is included. Sub-store 2 and subsequent sub-stores are priced as Plus subscriptions, with Pro-level functionality. The top level is the administration level, not an additional public store.
Pro-level functionality does not mean that all add-ons, external integration services, or supplier agreements are free of charge. Contact customer service and review which sub-stores, domains, payment agreements, integrations, and languages are needed. Confirm the current amounts, add-ons, and renewal terms in the offer or My subscription.
Activation cannot be reverted to a regular store through a standard setting. Existing standalone stores cannot simply be merged into a multi-store system. Therefore, plan the structure and any potential migration before the feature is activated. Sub-stores that should no longer be displayed can be hidden; do not assume they can be deleted or that hiding them cancels a subscription.
See Abicart's current subscription information and the agreed scope for commercial terms. Older or individual agreements may differ.
3. Create and manage sub-stores
When the feature is activated, Store system appears in the left menu. Open Store system → Stores for sub-stores and their properties.
Always check which level you are working on. Common product changes should not be confused with a selection or a local setting in a sub-store.
4. Select products in each sub-store
Create and maintain the basic product range at the top level under Catalogue → Products.
Open Store system → Stores → Properties for the intended sub-store.
Select Product selection and which product groups to include. Save and check the visible product range.
Removing a product from a sub-store's selection is not the same as deleting the common product. Check the affected sub-stores before making common changes to product numbers, stock, or price.
5. Choose how to share payment methods
Open Store system → Settings and check the system's mode for payment methods.
Common methods: the top-level methods are used in the sub-stores.
Selection of common methods: each sub-store selects which of the top-level methods to use.
Separate methods per store: the methods are configured in each respective sub-store.
For selection: open the sub-store's Properties.
Select the Payment methods tab and select the intended methods.
For separate methods: select Switch to store and configure them under Settings → Payment methods in the correct sub-store.
A technically available method does not mean that the supplier agreement automatically covers all domains or sub-stores. Check the agreement connection, currency, country, and customer type before using the checkout.
6. Select delivery methods
Common delivery methods are created at the top level under Settings → Shipping and delivery. Open Store system → Settings to choose how they are used.
If each store should have a selection, select Each store has a selection of the store system's delivery methods. Then open the correct sub-store's Properties.
Select the Delivery methods tab and select the methods that should be available there.
7. Check each store before opening
Review the domain, active theme, language, product selection, prices, inventory, payment methods, and delivery methods for each sub-store. Check the order flow and intended integration. Shared basic information is not a guarantee that all local choices and external agreements are correct.
Track sales for the correct sub-store
Select Switch to store for the sub-store you want to track and open Orders. Define the period with the search parameters and read Summary for that selection. Check that you are not at the top level, where orders from multiple sub-stores can be included. Use the same store, period, selection, and currency basis when you compare or export results. A shared inventory balance does not show which sub-store created a sale.
Quick start
Confirm that a shared company and shared basic structure are suitable.
Determine the top level, sub-stores, and agreements before activation.
Select products, payment, and delivery methods per store.
Check each domain and customer flow before the store is opened.
Subscription
The multi-store system requires Pro and activation. Under the standard pricing model, the first sub-store is included in the top-level Pro subscription. Sub-store 2 and subsequent sub-stores are priced as Plus subscriptions, with Pro-level functionality. Older or individual agreements may differ. Separate add-ons and supplier agreements may incur additional costs. Hiding a sub-store does not automatically cancel its subscription.
