// GMC add-on setup guide

How to set up Local Inventory Ads in Google Merchant Center

Local Inventory Ads (LIA) advertise your physical store inventory on Google Shopping — showing "in stock nearby" to searchers within driving distance. Requires physical locations, verified Business Profile, and two separate feeds.

// Add-on
Local Inventory Ads
// Impact
In-store conversions
// Setup time
6 steps · ~15-30 min
// Direct link
Open in GMC ↗

Requirements

  • ✓ Verified Merchant Center account
  • ✓ Physical store location(s) with verified Google Business Profile
  • ✓ Primary product feed active for online listings
  • ✓ Local product feed (catalog per store)
  • ✓ Local product inventory feed (stock levels per store)
  • ✓ Local Inventory Ads program interest form submitted + approved
  • ✓ Available in supported countries — US, UK, DE, FR, AU, JP, and more

Step-by-step setup

  1. 1
    Submit LIA interest form
    Merchant Center → Growth → Manage programs → Local Inventory Ads → complete Google's interest form. Approval takes 1-2 weeks.
  2. 2
    Link Business Profile
    Settings → Linked accounts → Business Profile → verify each physical store location.
  3. 3
    Upload local products feed
    Data sources → Add feed → Feed type: "Local products" → upload catalog of items sold in-store.
  4. 4
    Upload local inventory feed
    Add second feed → Feed type: "Local product inventory" → columns: item_id, store_code, quantity, price.
  5. 5
    Complete store audit
    Google may schedule an audit to verify inventory data accuracy. Respond promptly.
  6. 6
    Enable in campaigns
    Google Ads → Shopping campaign → Settings → check "Enable local inventory ads".

Common issues + how to fix

⚠
Audit failure
Google auditors call/visit to verify inventory. Ensure staff can confirm SKU-level stock levels.
⚠
Store code mismatch
store_code in inventory feed MUST match Business Profile store code exactly.
⚠
Inventory refresh too slow
Google requires feed refresh at least every 24 hours. Ideal is hourly for high-turnover items.

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