Free local listings and local inventory Ads

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

A merchant is struggling to activate Free Local Listings and Local Inventory Ads through Google Merchant Center (GMC) despite meeting all requirements:

Setup Details:

  • Uses Shopify’s “Google & YouTube” app to sync ~100 products
  • Has Shopify POS configured
  • Store address verified in GMC

Specific Issues:

  • No checkbox appears in GMC’s “Data Sources” under the Content API feed to enable Free Local Listings or Local Inventory Ads
  • GMC shows status “Shopify connection requested” under Add-ons for both programs
  • Shopify displays “Awaiting Approval” status, but approval never comes
  • Receives automated emails from Google after each request, but no resolution

Current Status:

  • Problem persists for 4+ weeks with no progress
  • Both Google and Shopify support have been unhelpful
  • Seeking community guidance on missing configuration steps or troubleshooting approaches

The user included a screenshot showing the “Awaiting Approval” status in French. The issue appears to be a connection/approval bottleneck between Shopify and GMC that neither support team has resolved.

Summarized with AI on November 2. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I have an issue with the Free Local Listings and Local Inventory Ads programs, and I have a few questions. Google support has been as helpful as a refrigerator in an igloo… and while Shopify is trying to help, there has been no progress for four weeks now with the same problem.

Here’s a brief context and then my questions:

1. Context: I use the “Google & YouTube” app on Shopify to sync my products and inventory with Google Merchant Center (GMC). I also use Shopify POS. All GMC requirements for local ads are met: the address is correct, I have more than 10 products (actually, I have around 100), I use Shopify POS, and I use the “Google & YouTube” app. However, I am unable to get these programs to work and can’t run ads for local products.

2. My Questions:

  • In GMC, under “Data Sources,” when I select the “Content API” feed (created by the “Google & YouTube” app), should I see a checkbox to enable “Free Local Listings” and “Local Inventory Ads”? I don’t see anything, and I was under the impression I should be able to select both programs here.

  • In GMC, under “Tools and Settings” > “Add-ons,” and then in either “Free Local Listings” or “Local Inventory Ads,” I see the status “Shopify connection requested.” This is not the first time I’ve submitted the request, and each time, I receive an email from Google after a few days similar to the one below. In Shopify, I see the status as “Awaiting Approval” (or “en attente d’approbation” in French, as shown in the screenshot below). Essentially, I understand that Shopify should approve the request, but it’s not happening. Is there anything specific I need to do on my end apart from meeting GMC requirements?

![MiseEnCommun.jpg|1902x4200](upload://871INwiOhx32p2QLY88CpzKRUKa.jpeg)

3. Recommendations, suggestions, or moral support are welcome…
I’m desperate, and Google and Shopify support have been of no help.