This tutorial will walk you through the setup of multiple store fronts running off one Magento back-end and database. Once we have set the store up in the database we will be exploring two methods of creating the store fronts on the physical server. The method you select will have to do with server requirements, how you wish your store to operate, and, to some extent, budgetary constraints.

Using separate directories for all stores
Works for all versions of Magento.

Using a shared directory for all stores
This is my preferred method. I find it to be the most expedient when working with a large amount of store fronts. This method works on all versions of Magento higher than 1.4

Create a New Store in Magento

To start off, the first step in setting up multi-store functionality is to create the new store(s) in the Magento Admin application. Follow the steps below to create a new store:

In the Name field, enter your new store name. Under Is Active select Yes.

1. Go to System→Manage Stores.
   

Click Create Store.
In the Website field, select the website you just created. In the Name field, enter a name for your store. In the Root Category field, select the Root Category you wish to use for the store front. Then click Save Store.

Click Create Store View.
In the Store field, select the store you just created. In the Name field, give your view a name (typically “English”). In the Code field, enter a unique string to identify the store view. Change the Status to Enabled. Then click Save Store View.

Go to System→Configuration.
In the Current Configuration Scope, select the Website you just created.

Select the Web menu option, and expand the Unsecure and Secure sections by clicking them.
For each section, deselect the Use Default box next to the Base URL and enter the URL for your store, including the trailing slash. When you are done, click Save Config.

You have successfully set up a Magento store. Repeat the steps above for any additional stores you wish to create.

Now that you have your new store created, you need to configure the server to load the right store. There are several methods for doing this. We present the two most popular methods below. The first method is the older of the two, and will work for any version of Magento. The second method takes advantage of changes made to the index.php file introduced in version 1.4.0.1.

Method 1: Separate Directories for Each Store (Using Secondary Domains)

Ensure that the domain name you wish to use is pointing to the server.

Use the following guide to create a Secondary Domain for your new store.

Using either FTP or SSH, copy the .htaccess and index.php files from your Magneto Installation to the document root of your new domain.

Finally, using SSH, create the following symbolic links in the document root of your new domain:

 

You have successfully set up your secondary domain to work with Magento. You may now load your new domain in your browser and begin developing your new store.

 

You have successfully set up your pointer domain to work with Magento. You may now load your new domain in your browser and begin developing your new store.

Try the following:

Edit the .htaccess file in the document root of your Magento Installation.