Multi-store feature is an opportunity to set up and manage unlimited number of sub-shops within single back-office. Understanding the potential benefits of such a setup can highlight why this option is a great timesaver for those merchants who need to sell abroad, establish different prices per single product, more precisely target their customers, etc. Multi-store allows to exterminate everyday routine that you would have to handle while managing several shops from different admin zones.
Unsurprisingly, that all the top-end shopping carts aim to provide users with multi-shop option. PrestaShop that is currently considered to be one of the best e-Commerce platforms in the world didn’t stay behind and introduced the feature in version 1.5 and has continued to refine it through subsequent versions, including the latest PrestaShop 8.x. We already wrote about all the benefits of PrestaShop multi-store. So, now let’s discuss the technical part and discover some aspects of managing multiple shops.
How to Set Up PrestaShop Multi-Store
In order to activate multi-store feature you will have to follow some simple instructions.
- First of all log in to your PrestaShop back-office.
- Check the Preferences menu and go to General tab.
- Than find Enable Multistore checkbox and pick Yes option.
- Press Save button.
Terms
Before proceeding with multi-store configurations we need to check some key terms:
Multi-store tree - displays shop groups, stores and their URLs. Gives you a convenient way to navigate between your sub-shops.
Shop groups - a list of stores that you can group into separate folders in order to set up some common configurations or make some shared customizations, etc.
Multi-store options - displays available options for the existing shops.
Default shop - will serve a central hub for all the other stores. It shares details with other stores (products, shipping, payment, etc.), and is the one that appears when you log in to the admin panel.
Configuring Shops and Shop Groups in PrestaShop Multi-Store
To start working with multi-store go to Advanced Parameters menu and choose Multistore tab. In order to add new Shop group or Shop click on the corresponding button in the right top corner.
If you decide to add new Shop group you will have to name it and decide on the list of entities you would like to share between stores in this list: customers, orders, etc. Ensuring these relationships are preserved during any migration is crucial. Set the required settings and don’t forget to click Save button.
Now you can add new stores. First of all, provide a Name for a new sub-shop and then assign it into appropriate Shop group. You will be also able to establish root folder, categories, sub-categories and theme.
PrestaShop also offers a great opportunity to populate necessary entities from already existing sub-shops or default store. After setting up all the configurations press Save.
The final thing to do is to configure URLs and your multi-store will be ready to go. Properly migrating SEO URLs is vital for maintaining search engine rankings. At Multistore tree click at one of groups and then set a URL for required shops.
In this menu you will be able to set up your link structure in the most suitable for you way. After saving all the changes your store will be ready to sell.
And finally, taking into consideration sky-rocketing popularity of both the platform and its useful feature Cart2Cart developed a brand new option for PrestaShop multi-store migration. You can now migrate: several shops to PrestaShop Multi-Store, another multi-shop to PrestaShop Multi-Store, or PrestaShop Multi-Store to PrestaShop Multi-Store with no limitations or data loss. Check the detailed guide or visit our multi-store migration scenarios for more information.
Monthly Update – September 2025
In September 2025, the landscape of multi-store eCommerce is continuously being shaped by advancements in AI and automation. Retailers operating multiple storefronts are increasingly adopting AI-powered tools for personalized product recommendations, dynamic pricing across different markets, and streamlined inventory management. Automation is key to minimizing manual oversight, allowing businesses to efficiently scale their operations, manage localized content, and handle varying tax and shipping regulations across their diverse shop portfolio. A significant trend is the integration of headless commerce architectures, providing greater flexibility to customize front-end experiences for each sub-store while maintaining a unified backend. This approach is particularly beneficial for brands targeting distinct customer segments or geographical regions, ensuring brand consistency yet allowing for unique market adaptations. When planning a multi-store setup or migration, prioritizing platforms that offer robust API capabilities and extensive integration options will be crucial for leveraging these modern technologies effectively and future-proofing your eCommerce strategy. This strategic planning ensures that new data, customer information, and product catalogs are seamlessly integrated and managed across all your online properties, enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
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