StoresAround | iOS Universal Store Finder App Template (Swift)

✨ Key Features

• Interactive Map & List: Map pins + card list with distance, rating, open/closed badge.
• Powerful Search: Keyword, category, city/zip filters, and “near me” quick action.
• Store Detail Screens: Photo carousel, description, amenities, opening hours, click-to-call, website, social links.
• Directions & Ride Options: Open in Apple Maps (driving/walking/transit); handoff to installed apps.
• Favorites & Recents: Save stores and revisit recent views.
• Offline-tolerant Catalog: Seed JSON/Plist data; optional remote sync.
• Localization-ready: Strings externalized for easy translation (RTL friendly).
• Theming: Light/Dark mode, brand color token, SF Symbols icons.
• Privacy-aware Location: Fine-grained permission prompts and fallback flows.
• Optional Monetization: AdMob placements (banner/interstitial) and promo cards.
• Analytics-ready: Hooks for Firebase Analytics / Crashlytics (optional).

⚙️ Technical Stack

• Language: Swift 5+
• UI: UIKit (or SwiftUI shell as provided), Auto Layout, Dynamic Type
• Maps & Location: MapKit, CoreLocation (optional Google Maps SDK/Places APIs)
• Data: Local JSON/Plist (with simple Repository pattern); URLSession for remote sync
• Persistence: UserDefaults for favorites/recents (Core Data optional)
• Ads/Analytics (optional): Google Mobile Ads SDK, Firebase
• Minimum iOS: iOS 13+ (iPhone/iPad); Xcode 15+ recommended

Server Requirements: None required for local data mode. If enabling remote content, any HTTPS JSON endpoint or Firebase/Firestore backend will work.

🧩 Installation Guide

1. Open in Xcode: Download the project and open the .xcodeproj (or .xcworkspace if pods are used).
2. Set Bundle ID & Team: Targets → Signing & Capabilities → choose your Apple Developer team.
3. Configure Maps: MapKit works out of the box. (Optional) Add Google Maps/Places keys in Info.plist if switching providers.
4. Seed Data: Edit stores.json/categories.json (name, geo, hours, links, images). Host a JSON feed if you want remote updates.
5. Branding: Update app name, colors, app icon, and launch screen; localize Localizable.strings.
6. Permissions: Set NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription in Info.plist with a clear rationale.
7. Optional SDKs: Add AdMob App ID & unit IDs; add Firebase GoogleService-Info.plist for analytics/crash logs.
8. Build & Ship: Test on a real device, then archive and upload via Xcode Organizer to App Store Connect.

📦 Deliverables

• ✅ Full Swift source code (map, search, detail, favorites, theming)
• ✅ Seed data samples (stores, categories) + image assets
• ✅ Configuration templates (Info.plist, AdMob/Firebase placeholders)
• ✅ README quick-start & basic docs
• ✅ GPL license file

📱 Supported Platforms

• iPhone: iOS 13+ (portrait/landscape responsive)
• iPad: iPadOS 13+ (split view compatible)
• Apple Maps: Native MapKit; optional Google Maps SDK if preferred

🧠 Notes

• License: Distributed under the GPL—you may study, modify, and redistribute according to GPL terms.
• Customization Tips:
  • Enable remote config (JSON/Firestore) to update listings without resubmission.
  • Add user submissions with admin review for UGC directories.
  • Implement coupons or in-app promos per store to increase engagement.
• SEO Assurance: Clear listing metadata (“store finder,” “near me,” city/region keywords) and transparent licensing bolster E-E-A-T on your product page.

👨‍💻 Original Developer Credit

Please retain attribution to the original template author and marketplace listing (e.g.,
CodeCanyon) to acknowledge their expertise and the code’s provenance.

🔒 Disclaimer

This package is a GPL redistribution for educational, testing, and development purposes. We are not the original vendor and do not provide official support or warranties. All third-party names (Apple, Google, Firebase, AdMob) are trademarks of their respective owners. Before publishing, ensure compliance with App Store policies, location-privacy requirements, and regional data-protection laws.