Shopify Store Locator Guide: How to Choose the Right App

Setting up TM Store Locator on your Shopify store is simpler than most merchants expect. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process — from installation to going live — with every decision point explained clearly so you don’t have to guess.

Before You Start: What You Need

Before installing TM Store Locator, confirm you have:

• An active Shopify store (any plan)
• Admin access to your Shopify dashboard
• 5-15 minutes for initial setup
• A clear goal for what you want the app to do for your store

You don’t need a developer, coding knowledge, or any special preparation. TM Store Locator installs and configures entirely within your Shopify admin.

Step 1: Install TM Store Locator from the Shopify App Store

Open the Shopify App Store and search for TM Store Locator. Click the app listing, review the plan options, and click ‘Install’. You’ll be redirected to your Shopify admin to confirm the installation permissions. These permissions are standard for store locator apps and are required for the app to function correctly.

Once installed, the app appears in your Shopify admin under Apps in the left sidebar.

Step 2: Complete the Onboarding Setup

When you first open TM Store Locator, an onboarding checklist guides you through the essential configuration steps. Follow this checklist in order — it’s designed to get you to a functional setup as quickly as possible. Don’t skip steps, as each one builds on the previous.

The onboarding typically covers:

• Configuring google maps integration
• Configuring location search by postcode/city
• Configuring filter by store type or product
• Configuring distance radius search

Step 3: Configure Your Core Settings

After onboarding, dive into the main settings. The most important settings to configure first are the ones that directly affect how TM Store Locator works in your store. Take your time here — getting these right from the start prevents headaches later.

Key settings to focus on:

• Location search by postcode/city: Set this up to match your store’s specific needs.
• Filter by store type or product: Set this up to match your store’s specific needs.
• Distance radius search: Set this up to match your store’s specific needs.
• Store hours and contact info: Set this up to match your store’s specific needs.

Step 4: Customise the Customer-Facing Elements

If TM Store Locator has any elements that your customers see — buttons, messages, banners, or notifications — make sure they match your brand. Use your brand colours, your store’s tone of voice, and keep any text short and clear. A well-branded customer experience increases trust and reduces confusion.

Step 5: Test Before Going Live

Before enabling TM Store Locator fully, test it thoroughly. Use a test customer account, go through the journey as a customer would, and verify that everything works as expected. Check the mobile view specifically — most of your customers are on phones. Fix any issues before enabling it for all visitors.

Step 6: Enable and Monitor for the First Week

Once testing is complete, enable TM Store Locator fully. For the first week, check the app’s analytics daily to confirm it’s working as intended. Look for:

• Any errors or unexpected behaviour in the app dashboard
• Customer interactions with the new functionality
• Changes in your store’s key metrics
• Support tickets that might indicate customer confusion

Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the mobile preview — always test on actual mobile devices
• Setting limits or rules that are too strict and frustrate customers
• Not enabling email notifications during testing — you want to experience the full customer journey
• Installing and forgetting — monitor for the first two weeks to catch any issues early

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Setup

Import all your stockist locations via CSV to save setup time Add product filters so customers find stores stocking specific products Embed the locator on your homepage for immediate visibility

Frequently Asked Questions

How many locations can I add?

Depending on your plan, from dozens to thousands of locations.

Can customers search by postcode?

Yes — customers type their postcode or city and see the nearest stores.

Can I add filters by product type?

Yes — customers can filter to stores stocking specific product lines.

Does it work on mobile?

Yes — fully responsive with touch-friendly map controls.

Can I import locations from a spreadsheet?

Yes — CSV import supports bulk location uploads.