Multi-Store Shopify Sourcing Automation Guide
Running multiple niche stores means repeating the same 1688-to-Shopify workflow across different CDN prefixes, handles, and SKU conventions. EasyCatch workspace switching solves this by isolating every store's sourcing DNA — CDN prefix, handle pattern, SKU prefix, and export template — so one click moves you from "pet supplies store" to "home gym store" without reconfiguring anything.
Bottom Line Up Front
- How to create and name EasyCatch workspaces for each Shopify store.
- Why per-store CDN memory eliminates broken image URLs in Matrixify imports.
- SKU and handle conventions that keep multi-store catalogs organized.
- How VA teams and Pro device limits support 5-store operations.
Why Each Store Needs Its Own Sourcing Profile
A single 1688 listing exported to three Shopify stores must look like three different products. The title, handle, SKU, image URLs, and even variant names change per brand voice and niche SEO strategy. Without workspace isolation, you risk pushing Store A's CDN links into Store B's CSV, duplicating SKUs, or mixing brand prefixes in your inventory system.
EasyCatch's local-first Chrome extension stores each profile in its own encrypted workspace on your device. Nothing transits our servers, so your store URLs, admin patterns, and supplier research stay private. This is especially important when developers or sourcing VAs need access without receiving admin passwords.
Per-Store Configuration Fields
When you create a workspace in EasyCatch Pro, the following fields are pinned to that workspace. Switching workspaces instantly swaps every value below.
| Field | Purpose | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| Workspace name | Human-readable label shown in the switcher | Pet Supplies USA |
| Shopify CDN prefix | Domain used for generated image URLs | cdn.shopify.com/s/files/... |
| SKU prefix | Prevents SKU collisions across stores | PET- |
| Handle prefix / suffix | Niche keyword or brand slug in URL | /premium-... |
| Export template | CSV column set: Shopify native vs Matrixify | Matrixify 57-col |
| Default variant map | Which 1688 option maps to color, size, material | color → Color, size → Size |
Setting Up Your First Multi-Store Workspace
Step 1 — Create a Workspace Per Store
Open the EasyCatch extension popup, open the workspace menu, and choose "Add workspace." Name it after the store niche or brand so VAs can identify it instantly. Each workspace is a fully isolated profile.
Step 2 — Sniff the CDN Prefix Once
Open the target Shopify admin in a tab and click "Detect Store." EasyCatch reads the CDN prefix in ~0.02 seconds and saves it to the active workspace. From now on, every image URL exported from this workspace points to the correct store.
Step 3 — Define SKU and Handle Rules
Set a unique SKU prefix and a handle convention. This is the difference between SKU-12345 existing in three stores and each store having PET-12345, GYM-12345, and TOY-12345. Handles follow the same rule — one prefix protects your catalog from collisions.
Naming Convention Examples
The same 1688 supplier product, exported across three niches, should produce three distinct, collision-free product records. Use this pattern to keep your PIM, inventory software, and Shopify admin aligned.
| Store Niche | Generated Handle | Generated SKU |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Supplies | premium-portable-pet-water-bottle | PET-1688-284756-BLU |
| Home Gym | collapsible-silicone-gym-water-bottle | GYM-1688-284756-BLK |
| Outdoor Gear | lightweight-hiking-water-bottle-750ml | OUT-1688-284756-GRY |
| Kids & Toys | fun-kids-leak-proof-water-bottle | TOY-1688-284756-PNK |
The supplier ID 284756 stays constant, so your procurement team can trace any SKU back to the original 1688 listing. The niche prefix and color suffix keep each Shopify store independent.
Instant Store Switching in Action
After workspaces are configured, your daily workflow becomes a sequence of one-click switches. Capture a product in the "Pet Supplies" workspace, switch to "Home Gym," and re-capture the same 1688 page. EasyCatch applies the new SKU prefix, handle convention, and CDN prefix automatically.
Typical Multi-Store Capture Flow
- Open 1688 product detail page.
- Select the active workspace from the EasyCatch popup.
- Click Capture — title, price, variants, and images are extracted.
- Review SEO handle and SKU in the sidebar.
- Export the store-specific ZIP package.
- Switch workspace and repeat for the next store.
Because settings are workspace-scoped, there is no risk of exporting a "Pet Supplies" handle into your "Home Gym" Matrixify CSV. Each ZIP is self-contained and ready for that store's import.
VA Team Workflows
Multi-store operators often delegate sourcing to virtual assistants. EasyCatch's workspace model lets VAs work inside a controlled environment: they see only the workspaces you share, cannot edit global templates, and never need your Shopify admin password.
Export packages are saved locally as ZIP files, which VAs can drop into a shared drive or upload directly into Matrixify. With Pro supporting up to five active devices, a small team can run parallel sourcing sprints without account friction.
For technical teams building custom dashboards, the developer page explains how exported JSON and webhook payloads are structured, so you can pipe EasyCatch output into your own ERP or inventory tracker.
Pro Supports Up to 5 Devices
The Free plan gives you one workspace and five captures per day — enough to test the workflow. EasyCatch Pro unlocks unlimited workspaces, unlimited captures, and up to five simultaneous device activations. That maps cleanly to a lean multi-store team: owner laptop, sourcing VA desktop, fulfilment VA laptop, developer workstation, and a spare device for growth.
When to Upgrade to Pro
- You operate 2 or more Shopify stores.
- You need separate SKU prefixes and handle conventions per niche.
- You export Matrixify ZIP packages regularly.
- Your team needs more than one active device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can EasyCatch manage more than one Shopify store at the same time?
Yes. EasyCatch Pro lets you create a dedicated workspace for each Shopify store. Each workspace remembers its own CDN prefix, handle convention, SKU prefix, and export template, so switching stores takes one click.
Does each store need its own 1688 account or supplier login?
No. 1688 sourcing is supplier-side; the store-level differences are on the Shopify side. EasyCatch separates store memory so the same 1688 product can be exported with different handles, SKUs, and image URLs for each store.
How do VA teams use EasyCatch across multiple stores?
Pro supports up to five active devices. VAs can log into a shared workspace, capture 1688 listings, and export store-specific packages without touching admin passwords or reconfiguring settings. Activity stays local-first and encrypted.
What happens if two stores use different Shopify CDN prefixes?
EasyCatch's 0-Click Shopify CDN sniffing records the correct cdn.shopify.com prefix per workspace. When you switch workspaces, generated image URLs automatically point to the right store's CDN.