I made a little town plaza so to speak. The resident center, museum, nook's cranny, and able's are all in one location. It's quite nice. And I still have space for another building to go in this shopping plaza
I personally would have them together for convenience sake (I often have visitors daily lol) so if ever they want to check the shops, it'll be easily accessible as they are on the same area, but right now I have them separated as I am terraforming atm and my island is a big WIP lol
Unlike most islands I've seen, I decided to be edgy and keep them separated from each other. Nook's is in the southwestern corner, and Able Sister's is in the center-left area.
I think it's a good idea to have them close/next to each other so visitors don't get lost trying to find them! It was always my plan to have them next to each other to create a little shopping precinct, including the museum and resident services. It depends on what type of island you're going for though - if it's a city/more developed I'd definitely say together, but if you're going for a more natural look then maybe not?
They used to be next to each other but am currently relocating them. They will still be close by each other, but will be separated by Fang's house/a library.
Seems like I'm in the minority here, with my shops not close together! I didn't really think about it when putting them down, but my Nook's is next to the southern river mouth, and Able's isn't far from my house.
And in the end, the latter decision turned out to be a very good one, because in my headcanons my player character & the Able sisters live together :3 So the shop being so close to my house makes perfect sense!
I have them together yet separated by a level hehe.
It's my shopping district, I like having the shops together as it's easier for both visitors and myself, but I liked the idea of still having them separated from one another.