Anonline locator service (also known aslocation finder,store finder, orstore locator, or similar) is a feature found on websites of businesses with multiple locations that allows visitors to the site to find locations of the business within proximity of anaddress orpostal code or within a selected region.[1][2] Types of businesses that often have this feature includechain retailers,hotels,restaurants, and other businesses that can be found in multiplemetropolitan areas.[citation needed]
The locator also provides important information about each location, including its address, phone number, hours of operation, services provided, and sometimes directions to the location.[3] On many sites, searches can be narrowed to locations providing certain services not provided at all locations (e.g. 24-hour operation, handicap accessibility, pharmacies).
Location finders often operate in conjunction with a well-known online map service, such asGoogle Maps,MapQuest, orBing Maps, allowing the user to see on a map where the particular location is found on a map.[4][1]
Store locators uselocator software in order to allow visitors to find nearby stores and business locations. In a common form, a visitor inputs aZIP code and the locator returns all locations in adatabase within a specifiedradius. It is often used in conjunction with mapping/driving direction software onbrick and clickcorporate websites to help customers locate a physical business location.
Some online locators determine user location from the user's IP address, rather than asking a user to input his or her location. The company utilizes IP geolocation software fromDigital Element to power the “My Local Ace” section of its website. Based on a site visitor’s location, the website can show the visitor how many stores are in their area, as well as a city-level locator map to help the customer find the store closest to their address.[5]
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