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Compare Shopify and WooCommerce for your local retail store. Discover which e-commerce platform is best for boutiques, gift shops, and local retailers.
All-in-one e-commerce platform
Shopify is a fully hosted e-commerce platform designed specifically for selling products online. It handles hosting, security, and payments in one integrated solution.
Flexible WordPress e-commerce
WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that transforms any WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It offers complete control over your store.
See how Shopify and WooCommerce stack up across key factors for local businesses.
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
Setup Time Shopify is ready much faster | 1-2 days | 1-2 weeks | Winner |
Monthly Cost WooCommerce has lower base cost | $29-299 | $10-100 | Winner |
Transaction Fees WooCommerce has no platform fees | 0-2% | 0% | Winner |
POS Integration Shopify POS is industry-leading | Excellent | Good | Winner |
Inventory Management Shopify includes robust inventory tools | Built-in | Via Plugins | Winner |
Theme Quality Shopify themes are consistently high-quality | Curated | Variable | Winner |
SEO for Products WooCommerce + WordPress SEO is powerful | Good | Excellent | Winner |
Shipping Options Shopify includes carrier integrations | Built-in | Via Plugins | Winner |
Customization WooCommerce code is fully accessible | Limited | Unlimited | Winner |
Support Shopify provides dedicated support | 24/7 | Community | Winner |
Our recommendations based on the specific needs of different local businesses.
Shopify's beautiful themes and easy inventory management are perfect for fashion retail.
Quick setup and excellent POS integration let you sell in-store and online seamlessly.
WooCommerce handles complex shipping rules and subscriptions better for specialty foods.
Content + commerce works well for bookstores with blogs and author events.
High-quality product presentation and secure checkout are crucial for jewelry sales.
WooCommerce's flexibility handles seasonal products and variable pricing well.
For most local retail businesses, Shopify is the clear winner. Its integrated approach, excellent POS system, and reliable support make it ideal for retailers who want to focus on selling, not website management.
Choose Shopify if you want to launch quickly, need POS integration, or prefer hands-off technical management. Choose WooCommerce if you have an existing WordPress site, need maximum customization, or want to minimize monthly costs.
Common questions about choosing between Shopify and WooCommerce.
WooCommerce has lower monthly fees, but factor in hosting, security, and your time. For most retailers, Shopify's all-in-one pricing provides better value when you account for the full picture.
Both support major payment processors. Shopify charges additional fees (0.5-2%) if you don't use Shopify Payments. WooCommerce has no platform transaction fees regardless of payment processor.
Shopify has excellent built-in local pickup and delivery features. WooCommerce can do this with plugins like Local Pickup Plus, but Shopify's solution is more polished.
Yes, products, customers, and orders can be migrated between Shopify and WooCommerce. It's easier to move from WooCommerce to Shopify than vice versa due to Shopify's import tools.
Let us help you make the right decision for your specific business needs. Get a free consultation with our team.