---
title: Build Your First Store
description: Follow the shortest path from a store idea to a reviewed storefront and publication checks.
---

**What this covers:** You will create a store, give Runner a useful request, review the preview, and understand when it is ready to publish.

Use this guide for your first complete Runner workflow. It deliberately separates preview,
publication, and checkout so you can verify each result.

**Entry path:** Workspace **Home** → **+ Store**.

## Before you start

- Sign in and open the workspace where the store should live.
- Decide whether to use Runner's native store or connect Shopify.
- Prepare a short description of what you sell, who it is for, and the style you want.

## Main controls and results

| Control | What happens after you select it |
| --- | --- |
| **+ Store** | Opens **Create Store** for the current workspace. |
| **Build new** | Starts a native Runner store setup after required details are complete. |
| **Connect Shopify** | Starts the Shopify connection path; it does not create a native store. |
| **Send** | Starts the current Runner request. |
| **Storefront** | Opens the current preview and storefront tools; it does not make the store public. |
| **Publish** | Opens or starts the publication workflow after the required readiness checks. |

## Build the first store

1. Select **+ Store** in the workspace.

2. Choose **Build new** or **Connect Shopify**, enter the required details, and continue.

3. In the project conversation, describe the business, audience, visual direction, and required pages.

4. Answer any follow-up questions Runner shows.

5. Watch the work state and open **Details** when you need the step-by-step activity view.

6. Open **Storefront** after a preview is available.

7. Check the main page, product path, text, images, and desktop/mobile preview.

8. Ask for focused changes in chat or use **Design Mode** for a visible selection.

9. Add at least one sellable product and complete the store, stock-location, and shipping details Runner requests.

10. Select **Publish** and resolve every readiness item shown on screen.

![Storefront preview](https://ixft9x6szo.ufs.sh/f/Cc8uxBgAYTzgymaWrcB38OLrMsdNW2nkuew17FYjt6iTyfxz)

## Checkpoints

| Checkpoint | What proves it | What it does not prove |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Project created | The store appears in the workspace and its conversation opens. | No storefront has been built yet. |
| Task completed | Runner marks the turn completed and explains the result. | The storefront may still be preparing. |
| Preview ready | **Storefront** shows the generated site. | The site is not necessarily public. |
| Published | Runner provides a live storefront result or URL. | Checkout may still require a payment connection. |
| Checkout ready | The payment status shows a connected, usable provider. | Future storefront changes are not live until published. |

## Common problems

### Waiting for input

answer the displayed question or form before expecting more work.

### Failed or stopped task

read the result, then send a smaller, corrected request instead of repeating an unchanged one.

### Preparing preview

wait for the current build, then refresh the preview if Runner offers it.

### Publish blocked

use **Open Store Operations**, **Fix with AI**, or **Retry check** according to the item shown.

### Store is live but checkout is unavailable

complete the payment connection shown in the publish handoff or **Apps**.

## Related guides

- [Create a Runner store](./create-runner-store.mdx)
- [Connect Shopify](./connect-shopify.mdx)
- [Welcome tour and daily credits](./welcome-tour-and-daily-credits.mdx)
- [Chat with Runner](../work-with-runner/chat-with-runner.mdx)
- [Track task states and Details](../work-with-runner/task-states-and-details.mdx)