Expansion Stores
Expansion stores are additional Shopify Plus storefronts included with a Plus contract, typically used for international markets, separate brands, or distinct B2B channels. A standard Plus contract includes the primary store plus 9 expansion stores at no additional licence cost.
Common use cases:
- International rollouts with localised currency, language, tax handling, and payment methods per region
- Separate B2B wholesale stores that share back-end data with a D2C storefront but maintain isolated branding and access
- Distinct brand portfolios under one Plus organisation
- Outlet or specialty channels with separate inventory and pricing
Expansion stores share the parent Plus contract's licence and platform fee calculation. Each operates as a fully independent Shopify Plus store with its own theme, apps, payments, and admin. Beyond the 10 included stores, additional expansion stores cost roughly $300/month each, or a negotiated revenue share across all stores.
Most international rollouts on Plus use Shopify Markets for primary localisation work and expansion stores only where Markets isn't enough (significantly different SKUs per region, distinct fulfilment networks, or regulatory requirements that need separate stores).
Frequently asked questions
How many expansion stores come with Shopify Plus?
A standard Plus contract includes the primary store plus 9 expansion stores, 10 in total, at no extra licence cost.
Should I use expansion stores or Shopify Markets?
Start with Shopify Markets for currency, language and duties. Use expansion stores when a region needs different SKUs, a separate fulfilment network or a separate legal setup.
Do expansion stores share data?
No. Each expansion store is an independent Shopify store with its own theme, apps, payments and admin. Shared data needs an integration or a PIM.
Related terms: Shopify Markets, Shopify Plus, Variable Platform Fee (VPF). For hands-on help, see the Shopify Plus pricing calculator.
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