Second Store URL

[Rillik]

Our store has been up and running for about 18 months and has been more successful than expected. Unfortunately we have run into a few minor issues with customers wanting to pick up in store but much of the online parts we sell are drop ship. We have made the decision to open a second store. One will support our brand (using current URL)and reflect products and pricing we offer at our B&M locations. The second will continue down the path we have been going but under a completely different brand (and URL) in no way tied to our  B&M stores.

My question is this:

Would it be smarter to re brand the store we have now and change the URL.?We would then create the second site as our corporate branded site. Or do we adjust the currently site and then create a second site with the new brand.

The only real hold up is that the re branded store will generate far more revenue and the current site is optimized very well. However if i change the URL the optimization will go out the window .

[becole]

Hi Rillik, that's a good question. Since you have already established a brand, I wouldn't go create a new brand. Your current customers, even though they know you online, are familiar with your first brand. It would take time to create the new brand and get it established.

The best option would be to use your current brand and current URL (domain name), and add a section to that current site. If you wanted to separate the in-store pickup, then I recommend setting up a subdomain on your current domain/URL. For example, instore.domain.com or store.domain.com or cityname.domain.com (i.e., Dallas.domain.com).

Taking the time to create a new brand and establish that new brand is not really a good idea--you should capitalize on the brand that you have already established.

[Rillik]

Hey Bernadette thanks for the insight. I agree that creating a second site is not the best option. Unfortunately we really do not have the luxury of setting up a sub domain. Because of countless outside (and internal) forces we must open the store as described above.