Shopify is an online selling platform that allows entrepreneurs to easily and quickly build online stores. This e-commerce solution operates under the SaaS (Software as a Service) model. Currently, Shopify offers four pricing plans. The cheapest one starts at 27 euros per month and provides features enabling small businesses to sell online. This alone makes it worth considering.
In this article, you will learn why companies adopt Shopify, how they do it, and what limitations you should know.
Shopify as one of the most popular e-Commerce platforms
According to Demandsage, by the end of 2024, Shopify was powering over 5.17 million active stores worldwide. The following companies sell their products through stores built on the Shopify platform:
- Gymshark – a sportswear manufacturer,
- Lakers – well-known among basketball fans,
- Mattel – the producer of the iconic Barbie dolls.
Among Polish companies using Shopify are:
- Bizuu – a fashion brand,
- Your Kaya – body care products,
- Teatr Muzyczny w Gdyni – is well-known among musical lovers.
It is worth asking why so many businesses choose Shopify.
Easy online store creation
A Shopify storefront can be created in several ways.
The drag-and-drop (WYSIWYG) editor is the simplest method, requiring no technical skills. The Shopify Theme Store also gives users access to over 200 templates. This extensive selection allows businesses from different industries to find a suitable theme, and each theme can be customized to individual needs.
For those requiring greater customization, Shopify offers Hydrogen, a React-based framework. This enables the creation of dynamic, headless storefronts using the Shopify Storefront API.
Intuitive admin panel
A significant advantage of Shopify is its intuitive admin panel. Even less experienced users can quickly learn how to leverage the platform’s potential. The panel allows for order management, store settings modification, layout editing, and app management.
Shopify supports its users by providing guidelines and instructions through a dedicated help center. Available video tutorials and live chat support with advisors further simplify the user experience.
How do you increase online sales with Shopify App Store functionalities?
Shopify enables users to expand their store’s functionalities without needing a development team. This is possible through the Shopify App Store, where users can purchase dedicated applications. With a wide range of apps available and demo previews, users frequently take advantage of these solutions.
According to statistics from Analyzify, over 85% of Shopify merchants use apps to enhance their stores. Below are some of the most interesting Shopify-dedicated applications.
Judge.me Product Reviews App
This app allows users to add product reviews and view customer ratings. The basic features are free, but the provider charges 15 euros per month for integrations with Klaviyo, more widget options, or full customization.
Chatty AI Chatbot & Live Chat
This tool combines live chat functionality with automated customer support. The chatbot operates 24/7, instantly answering common customer questions based on predefined responses. If the chatbot cannot assist, the conversation is smoothly transferred to a live agent.
Key benefits:
- supports multiple languages, including Polish,
- customizable chat appearance,
- access to interaction statistics for optimizing customer service processes.
Smile: Loyalty Rewards Program
This app enables the creation of various loyalty programs, including point-based systems, referrals, and VIP rewards. It also allows users to earn rewards for social media engagement. A major advantage is its integration with marketing automation platforms like Klaviyo, helping to boost sales and enhance customer loyalty.
Shopify Plus – the e-commerce platform for large enterprises
For businesses with high sales volumes, Shopify offers Shopify Plus, a customizable and scalable solution beyond standard plans. Its key benefits include:
- Unlimited staff accounts,
- 24/7 priority technical support,
- Sales support for 50 markets, facilitating international expansion.
Shopify Plus also allows customization of the checkout process, including adding custom fields and implementing unique integrations.
Shopify limitations – what you should know
When choosing Shopify, several limitations should be considered. Shopify claims its checkout process increases conversion rates by 15% compared to competitors. However, its customization is restricted—full checkout customization is only available with Shopify Plus (starting at $2,300 per month). The same applies to B2B features. Additionally, unlike platforms like Magento, Shopify is a closed SaaS platform with no access to databases or backend editing capabilities.
Users who do not opt for the Hydrogen framework should also consider SEO limitations. Limited control over metadata and headers, automatically generated canonical tags, and internal linking restrictions can make search engine optimization more challenging.
However, following SEO best practices can yield excellent search engine results despite these challenges. Shopify App Store also offers high-rated SEO apps like Tiny SEO Speed Image Optimizer, which helps enhance store optimization.
Conclusion
Shopify enables businesses to build a simple online store within 2-3 months, assuming a budget of tens of thousands of PLN. It can be an attractive option for companies just starting their online sales journey and those looking to expand.
However, Shopify may not be sufficient for businesses requiring highly customized functionalities. In such cases, alternative e-commerce platforms like Adobe Commerce (Magento), Shopware, commerce tools, or Oro should be considered.
Sources
- Shopify App Store Statistics: 2025 Report by Meetanshi
- Latest Shopify Statistics (2025) | StatsUp
- Shopify Pricing – Setup and Open Your Online Store Today – Free Trial – Shopify Poland
- Chatty AI Chatbot & Live Chat – Chatty: Live chat & customer support solution for Shopify | Shopify App Store
- Smile: Loyalty Rewards Program – Smile: Loyalty & Rewards – World’s Most Trusted Loyalty App | Shopify App Store
- Tiny SEO Speed Image Optimizer – SEO, Speed & Image optimizer – Best Shopify SEO app… | Shopify App Store
- Tiny SEO Speed Image Optimizer – SEO, Speed & Image optimizer – Best Shopify SEO app… | Shopify App Store
- Ecommerce Website Templates – Free and Premium Themes for Your Online Store.
- Shopify App Store
- Czym jest Shopify i jak działa? (2025) – Shopify Polska
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