# Step 6 — Add your stores from Google Places

> Find your stores in Google Places, add them to the platform and give each one a unique store code so retail staff can be linked to their store.

How-to guide · Platform Installation › Install the platform · Last updated 15 September 2026

URL: https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/platform-installation/step-6-add-your-stores-from-google-places/

Add your retail stores to the platform by finding them in Google Places, then give each one the unique store code your organisation uses. Store codes are what link Retail Admin staff to their store, so complete this step before you upload retail users. Allow 1–2 minutes per store.

## Before you begin

- An HQ Admin account with the Admin role.
- A Google Maps API key. If you entered it in the Installation Wizard, it is already saved; otherwise add it in the first procedure.
- Your **Brand Name** saved in [Step 5](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/platform-installation/step-5-upload-your-brand-logos-and-icons/) — the store search uses it.
- The list of unique store codes your organisation uses for its stores.

## Add the Google Maps API key (if not entered during installation)

1. In the left navigation, select **Platform Admin**.
2. Under **Enabled Features**, select **Google Maps/Places**.
3. Enter your key in **Google Maps API Key**.
4. Select **Save Changes**.

## Add the stores

1. In the left navigation, select **Stores / Branches**.
2. Select **Add New Store(s)**.
3. Search Google Places using your brand name to list your stores, or add a location manually if it is not listed.
4. Select each store you want to add, then confirm.
5. In the **Stores / Branches** list, open the first new store. The **Store Details** tab opens.
6. In **Store Name**, remove the brand name so only the store's own name remains — for example change `One NZ Warriewood` to `Warriewood`.
7. In **Store Code**, enter your organisation's unique code for that store, or select **Auto-Generate Code**.
8. Select **Save Changes**.
9. Repeat steps 5–8 for each store you added.

> **Important:** Every store needs a unique **Store Code**. The code is mandatory when you [upload Retail Admin users](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/company-set-up-and-users/upload-retail-admin-users-for-your-stores/), because it is what assigns store managers and staff to their store.

> **Note:** For production, connect the platform to Google Business Profile so store data stays synchronised with Google Maps and Places automatically — see [Connect the platform to Google Business Profile](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/integrations-and-3rd-party-guides/connect-the-platform-to-google-business-profile/).

## Verify it worked

The **Stores / Branches** list shows each store with its **Store Code**, **Brand Name**, **Store Name** and **State**, and the store count in the page heading has increased.

## Troubleshooting

### The search finds no stores

**Cause.** The Google Maps API key is missing, invalid or does not have the Places API enabled.

**Fix.** See [Adding a store finds nothing in Google Places](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/troubleshooting/adding-a-store-finds-nothing-in-google-places/).

## Next step

[Step 7 — Restrict platform access by IP address](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/platform-installation/step-7-restrict-platform-access-by-ip-address/)

## Related

- [Stores & Retail Data](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/stores-and-retail-data/) — maintaining stores after set-up
- [Add a store](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/stores-and-retail-data/add-a-store/)
- [Update a store code](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/stores-and-retail-data/update-a-store-code/)
- [Upload Retail Admin users for your stores](https://personalisationhub.com/support-centre/company-set-up-and-users/upload-retail-admin-users-for-your-stores/)