Shopify Update · Published May 23, 2026 · Source: POS-specific Shopify Function logic

Shopify Adds Location-Based Function Logic for Retail and Online Channels in 2025

What Changed

Shopify has introduced a new retailLocation field in the Function APIs, enabling developers to customize checkout logic based on whether a transaction occurs in a physical retail store or online. This addition allows you to detect the sales channel and specific store location, making it possible to implement different business rules for in-store versus online purchases without requiring separate apps or complex workarounds.

Why This Matters

For omnichannel retailers, this is a significant step toward unified commerce experiences. You can now create location-specific discounts, apply different tax rules, adjust inventory handling, or modify promotions exclusively for retail customers—all within Shopify's native function framework. This reduces development complexity and gives merchants powerful tools to optimize profitability across channels while delivering consistent, channel-appropriate customer experiences.

What You Should Do

Review the updated Function API documentation at shopify.dev to understand the retailLocation field structure and available properties
Test the new field in your development store using the unstable API version, and plan your migration to stable once it's released
Audit your existing discount, payment, and fulfillment functions to identify opportunities where location-based logic could improve your merchant's operations

How GetShopifyToken Helps

When building and testing location-aware Shopify Functions, you'll need secure API access with proper OAuth scopes. GetShopifyToken streamlines the authentication process, ensuring your app can safely request and manage the permissions required to access Function APIs and retailLocation data.

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