If you’ve so much as dipped your toe into e-commerce, you’ve probably heard of Shopify. Shopify has become one of the most widely used e-commerce platforms around. As of 2026, it powers over 2.9 million live websites and nearly 5 million active merchants – that’s just over 10% of the global e-commerce market. Brands like Gymshark, Huel, Oh Polly, and Allbirds all run on it. It’s well established, and it’s only growing.
Basically, Shopify is hard to miss, and for good reason.
But deciding on a platform like Shopify and actually getting the most out of it are two different things. That’s where working with a Shopify Partner agency makes a real difference. And, spoiler alert – HUB is a Shopify partner. Here, we’ll tell you what that means and how it can transform your e-commerce business.
What is a Shopify Partner?
A Shopify Partner is an agency that has been formally recognised for their expertise in building and delivering websites on the Shopify platform. Becoming a Partner means they’ve demonstrated the ability to design, develop, and implement Shopify solutions to a high standard, not just build something that looks the part on the surface.
Partners have to earn this status. At HUB, we have three nice, shiny verified skills badges in the team, earned through Shopify Academy assessments covering development fundamentals, platform selling, and broader Shopify expertise. These badges mean our knowledge is current. They show clients that we genuinely know what we’re doing on the Shopify platform and can use these skills to take their business to the next level.
How does Shopify work?
So, let’s go back a few steps – what actually is Shopify?
Shopify operates as a SaaS platform, running on a subscription model that can scale from start-ups all the way to large enterprise operations via Shopify Plus. Because it’s SaaS, hosting, security, and platform updates are all managed as part of the subscription. There’s no need to maintain a platform yourself – it’s all handled for you. That typically means lower ongoing costs and fewer technical headaches. Instead, you can use more of your budget to actually develop and improve your store.
One of the key selling points of Shopify is its extensive app store. There are hundreds of pre-built extensions and the ability to integrate with most major third-party systems. There’s a sandbox environment too, which lets you explore and test new applications before anything goes live – great for businesses that want to move carefully and test the waters before implementing new features.
There are plenty of reasons Shopify has become such a popular choice for e-commerce merchants. It’s fast to build on, relatively straightforward to manage day-to-day, and flexible enough to grow with your business. It all comes back to one thing: Shopify removes friction. You don’t need heavy custom development to get something solid live, and you’re not left with complicated code to maintain afterwards. Whether you’re just getting started with your e-commerce store or you’re already running an established operation, Shopify is built to accommodate both.
What about Shopify Plus?
For larger or more complex businesses, Shopify Plus takes things even further. Shopify Plus is the platform’s enterprise tier, designed for high-growth businesses that need more advanced functionality. Think custom checkout flows, expanded API access, multi-territory management, and even greater scope for bespoke development. As certified Shopify Plus partners, HUB can access additional support and unlock that extra capability when a project calls for it.
What we do with Shopify at HUB
What does this all mean for HUB and our clients?
It means we have the skills and expertise to work on new Shopify builds and improve existing ones. We know the platform inside out. We can work on brand new stores being built from the ground up or migrations from other platforms that no longer fit your business. Or, if you already have a Shopify store, we’re a reliable option for maintenance, development, and growth.
Here’s a breakdown of what we can do:
Theme design and development
We bring e-commerce stores to life, with build types to suit different budgets and requirements, and no compromise on quality at any level.
Platform migrations
On another platform? We handle the full migration process – data, structure, content, you name it. Shopify is fast becoming the go-to for e-commerce, and moving to it shouldn’t be a headache. With a Shopify Partner like HUB, it isn’t.
Shopify Plus support
For businesses that need the full capability of the Shopify Plus platform, we’re set up to support it, whether that’s additional functionality, custom solutions, or working at scale.
Integrations
Got an existing third-party system for stock management, pricing, orders, or fulfilment? With Shopify Plus, we can integrate it. Your current tools and workflows can adapt and work within the Shopify platform.
Custom app development and recommendations
We know the Shopify app store like the back of our hand. We can point you towards the best off-the-shelf solutions where they exist or build custom options where they don’t.
Ongoing support and optimisation
Already live on Shopify? We work with existing stores too, whether that’s ongoing maintenance, performance improvements, or just having someone in your corner who actually knows the platform.
Is Shopify right for your business?
With all things considered, is Shopify right for you? For most e-commerce businesses, it’s seriously worth thinking about.
E-commerce moves fast, and the right platform moves with it. Shopify is a modern, well-maintained option with a flexible app ecosystem, plus a strong track record across a huge range of business types and sizes. The best part? It’s a platform that keeps developing. Shopify invests heavily, which means you benefit from new features and capabilities as they’re rolled out, rather than being stuck with what you launched with. And with the right partner agency behind you, you can get a lot more out of it than you might expect.
This is where HUB comes in. Working with a Shopify Partner agency like us means you’re not just getting a website built; you’re working with people who understand the platform and can make the right calls on how to adapt and grow it. We can support you far beyond the initial site launch.
If you’re building something new, thinking about migrating, or looking to get more from an existing Shopify store, it’s definitely worth a conversation. You need an agency that really knows its stuff within the Shopify platform, and without blowing our own horn too much, HUB ticks all the boxes.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with our team and see where HUB and Shopify can take your business.
