Multi-Store Installs
Manage multiple Shopify stores with a single ReturnMate instance.
ReturnMate supports managing returns across multiple Shopify stores from a single dashboard. This guide covers setting up and managing multi-store installations.
Multi-Store Overview
Multi-store support allows you to:
- Manage all stores from one dashboard
- Share configurations across stores
- Centralise reporting and analytics
- Maintain separate customer-facing portals
Adding Additional Stores
Prerequisites
Before adding a store:
- Install ReturnMate on the primary store
- Have Shopify admin access to additional stores
- Plan your store hierarchy
Connection Process
Access Store Settings
Go to Settings → Stores → Add Store
Authenticate
Click Connect Shopify Store and log in to the new store's Shopify admin.
Authorise Permissions
Grant ReturnMate access to:
- Orders
- Products
- Customers
- Fulfillments
Configure Store
Set up store-specific settings:
- Store name
- Return address
- Portal configuration
Store Hierarchy
Flat Structure
All stores operate independently:
- Separate configurations
- Separate return addresses
- Separate portals
- Unified reporting
Hub-and-Spoke
Central hub store with satellite stores:
- Hub receives all returns
- Satellites can initiate returns
- Centralised processing
- Unified inventory
See Master Store / Hub Routing for hub setup.
Store-Specific Settings
What Can Be Store-Specific
| Setting | Store-Specific | Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Return Address | ✓ | |
| Portal Branding | ✓ | |
| Return Reasons | ✓ (or per-store) | |
| Email Templates | ✓ | |
| Carrier Accounts | ✓ | |
| Team Members | ✓ |
Configuring Per-Store Settings
- Go to Settings
- Select the store from the store picker
- Configure settings for that store
- Changes apply only to selected store
Store Picker
Switching Between Stores
Use the store picker in the header:
- Click the current store name
- Select another connected store
- Dashboard updates for that store
All Stores View
For aggregate views:
- Select "All Stores" in picker
- View combined data
- Filter by store if needed
Cross-Store Features
Unified Dashboard
View metrics across all stores:
- Total returns today
- Combined SLA status
- Aggregate analytics
- Cross-store search
Cross-Store Search
Search for returns across all stores:
- Ensure "All Stores" is selected
- Enter order number or customer email
- Results show store attribution
Reporting
Generate reports for:
- Individual stores
- Store groups
- All stores combined
Team Access
Store-Level Permissions
Control which stores team members can access:
- Go to Settings → Team
- Edit team member
- Select accessible stores
- Save permissions
Permission Options
| Access Level | Description |
|---|---|
| All Stores | Full access to everything |
| Specific Stores | Access only selected stores |
| Store Admin | Admin for specific stores only |
Best Practices
- Plan store hierarchy before setup
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Configure store-specific return addresses
- Set appropriate team permissions
- Test each store's portal individually
Common Configurations
Multiple Brands
For companies with different brand stores:
- Separate portals with brand-specific styling
- Shared team access
- Unified reporting
- Optional shared carrier accounts
Regional Stores
For geographic separation:
- Store per region
- Regional return addresses
- Local carrier preferences
- Regional team access