Online stores can support a variety of applications, including seasonal campaigns and longer-term opportunities. When a customer needs stronger branding, controlled access, flexible payment options, or an ongoing ordering destination, a Company Store may create a better fit and a longer-term sales opportunity.
What makes a company store different?
Company Stores are designed to handle more complex ordering requirements and are often used for long-term programs. They give customers greater control over branding, user access, product visibility, payment options, approvals, and integrations. With user groups and permissions, a single store can also serve multiple audiences.
The company swag store
Company swag stores can help corporate clients offer branded goods to their employees, boosting morale and recognizing milestone achievements. They can be set up to offer a consistent product selection year-round, giving employees ongoing access to an approved collection of branded merchandise. For clients who want more variety, Company Stores can also be set up to support different departments or even different locations if the client has multiple offices.
The employee uniform and supply store
Uniform and supply stores are perfect for companies that have specific branding and apparel they need employees to wear. This could be any type of business that has employees working in the field, such as landscaping or real estate, or in roles that involve direct customer contact, like hospitality. These stores can be configured with user groups and permissions based on department, plus:
- Restrict or display products based on department or job function
- Use inventory controls and account balances to manage ordering
The recognition and incentive store
A recognition store is similar to a swag store but is specifically designed for team member rewards programs. Companies can build these programs around points, budgets, or account balances, allowing employees to select approved products without using a traditional payment method at checkout.
Note: Points are a Premium Company Store feature, while Budgets are currently listed as an add-on.
The public retail store
Public retail stores help organizations sell branded products directly to customers or supporters. They allow clients to build a customized, retail-like storefront to enhance the shopping experience. Plus, custom domains and branding, including logos, colors, and other configurable design elements, can help reinforce the company’s identity.
The spirit wear store
Typically, the best-known in the branded merchandise industry, spirit wear stores serve schools, athletic organizations, students, parents, and fans with customized team apparel and accessories. With a Company Store, clients can organize products by team or shopper category. And they can support payment, inventory, or approval requirements that go beyond a standard campaign.
This is especially helpful for spirit wear programs that span numerous teams, styles, and sizes. Centralizing products and orders can simplify program management while giving students, parents, coaches, and fans a more convenient, retail-like ordering experience.
Questions to ask before recommending a Company Store
Before you recommend a Company Store, consider the following questions to help guide your suggestions:
- What is the customer trying to accomplish?
- Who will use the store?
- Does access need to be restricted?
- What branding requirements must be followed?
- How will shoppers pay?
- Are order approvals or spending controls required?
- Does the store need to connect with another business system?
Company Stores are strongest when customers need more than just a place to display products. By identifying programs with ongoing ordering needs, multiple shopper groups, or specialized purchasing requirements, branded merchandise businesses can pursue opportunities that deliver value well beyond a single campaign.
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