How to Set the Close Store Date and Add a Countdown Clock

A closed store date allows you to automatically stop customers from placing orders on your DecoNetwork website after a specific deadline. This is commonly used for fundraiser stores, team merchandise stores, or limited-time campaign stores where orders must be collected before production begins.

You can also display a countdown clock on your website so customers know exactly how much time remains before ordering closes. Once the countdown reaches zero, the store automatically becomes unavailable to customers.

In This Article

• Prerequisites
• Why set a closed store date?
• Step 1: Set the store close date
• Step 2: Add a countdown clock to your website
• Step 3: Customize the closed store page
• Best-Practice Tips
• Troubleshooting
• FAQs
• Additional Resources

Prerequisites

Why set a closed store date?

Setting a store closing date allows you to control when orders can be placed and helps coordinate production timelines. This is particularly useful when collecting orders for groups or campaigns.

• Automate order deadlines so customers cannot order after the campaign ends.
• Create urgency using a countdown clock that encourages customers to order sooner.
• Streamline production planning by ensuring all orders are received before production begins.
• Support fundraiser or campaign stores where ordering is only open for a limited time.

Step 1: Set the store close date

1. In the Admin panel, go to Store Configuration → Close Store Options.
2. Locate the Close Store Date (1) setting.
3. Select the date when you want your store to stop accepting orders.
4. Click Save.
5. Once the selected date arrives, the store will automatically close to customers.

Step 2: Add a countdown clock to your website

You can display a countdown timer on your website that automatically syncs with the close store date.

1. Go to Website → Edit Website.
2. Open the page where you want the countdown timer to appear (commonly the homepage or campaign page).
3. From the widget panel, locate the Countdown Clock widget.
4. Drag the widget onto the page.
5. In the widget settings, choose Use Close Store Date.
6. Select a clock style:
   • Flat
   • Flip
7. Save or publish the page.

Step 3: Customize the closed store page

When the store closes, visitors will see a default Store Closed page. You can customize this page to match your branding or provide additional messaging.

1. First ensure the store is closed by setting the close date to a past date.
2. Go to Website → Pages.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the pages list and locate the Others section.
4. Open the Store Closed page.
5. Edit the page content using the website editor.
6. Add elements such as:
   • A message explaining the store has closed
   • A banner or graphic
   • Information about future campaigns or ordering opportunities
7. Save your changes.

Best-Practice Tips

• Place the countdown clock prominently on the homepage so customers immediately see the deadline.
• Add clear messaging such as “Orders close in…” or “Last chance to order.”
• Use campaign banners or promotional graphics to reinforce urgency.
• Review the closed page in advance to ensure messaging appears correctly when the store closes.

Troubleshooting

The store did not close when expected

• Check that the Close Store Date is set correctly.
• Confirm the correct timezone settings for your store.
• Verify that the date has actually passed.

The countdown clock shows the wrong time

• Confirm the widget is set to Use Close Store Date.
• Check that the close date is configured correctly in Store Configuration.

I cannot edit the Store Closed page

• The page only appears once the store is closed.
• Temporarily set the close date to a past date to access it.

FAQs

Does the store close automatically?
Yes. Once the countdown reaches zero and the close date is reached, the store automatically closes to customers.

Can I reopen the store later?
Yes. Simply change the Close Store Date to a future date.

Can I close the store immediately?
Yes. Set the close date to a date before today.

Do customers see the countdown clock automatically?
No. You must add the Countdown Clock widget to a page in your website editor.

Additional Resources

• Using the Website Builder
• Editing Website Pages
• Creating Campaign Stores