A website feature helping users discover nearby branches or retail locations with hours and contact info.
A store locator helps visitors find a business’s branches, shops or other customer-facing locations. It may use a map, a searchable list or both. The useful outcome is identifying a suitable location and getting the information needed to contact or visit it.
Distance is only part of that decision. Hours, available services, accessibility information and appointment requirements can affect which branch is appropriate. A nearby location may not offer the product or service the visitor needs, so the locator should communicate meaningful differences.
Keep the underlying location data accurate and provide usable routes to detailed pages. An interactive map alone can be difficult to navigate for some visitors or fail to load. A clear list and descriptive links can preserve access to essential information without making the map the only route.
Takeaway: Design the locator around the customer’s task, not just displaying pins. Make location-specific details easy to maintain as branches open, move or change services.
Example
A retailer has several branches, but only two offer equipment repairs. A visitor looking for repair support should be able to identify those branches and see their current contact and arrival information. Sending everyone to the nearest pin could create a wasted trip.
What to check
Test searches, filters and location links on different screen sizes and with keyboard navigation. Distinguish real customer-facing premises from service coverage areas. Do not create fictional branches to make the locator appear more comprehensive.
For more detail, see Google Maps Platform Locator Plus guide.