Discover Exciting New Features in the Latest Shopify Update!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Admin Updates and Color Schemes
3. Shopify Bundles App
4. Shopify Flow
5. Shopify Subscriptions
6. Context Menu
7. Meta Object Templates
8. Flex Sections
9. Dawn 11 Update
10. Shopify Sidekick
11. Checkout Improvements
12. Duplicating Your Store
13. Shopify Collective Partnership

Introduction

Yesterday, Shopify announced their latest features and updates during their biannual event, Shopify Editions. While some of the features may not be relevant to all Shopify store owners, there are several exciting additions and improvements that will impact the average store. In this article, we will explore these features that range from enhancements to the admin interface to new apps and tools designed to improve the overall Shopify experience. Let's dive in and discover the future of e-commerce on Shopify.

2. Admin Updates and Color Schemes

One of the first updates mentioned was the refreshed look of the Shopify admin interface. While the changes are mostly cosmetic, with a cleaner and more modern design, it does provide a fresh look for store owners. Additionally, a new feature called "color schemes" has been introduced. Previously, users could only set specific colors for their store, but now, with color schemes, they can select predefined combinations of colors for different sections of their website. This allows for greater flexibility in customizing the appearance of the site and ensures a cohesive visual experience across different sections.

3. Shopify Bundles App

The next feature announced is the Shopify Bundles app. While it is categorized as an app, it is seamlessly integrated into the Shopify platform, making it feel like a native feature. With the Bundles app, store owners can create product bundles by selecting the products they want to include and defining the options for each bundle. Once created, the bundle appears as a new product in the store, enabling customers to purchase the bundle as a single item. Although the Bundles app has some limitations, such as the variant limit of 100 and the restriction of three bundle options, it provides a straightforward solution for creating bundled products.

4. Shopify Flow

Shopify Flow, an automation app previously restricted to Shopify Plus users, has now been made available to all merchants. It allows store owners to create automated workflows, triggering actions based on specific conditions. With Shopify Flow, users can set up triggers to perform actions when inventory levels change, products are created, or certain conditions are met. This powerful tool gives store owners the ability to automate various tasks and save valuable time.

5. Shopify Subscriptions

While not yet released, Shopify Subscriptions will soon be available as an Early Access feature for select merchants. This feature allows customers to choose between purchasing a product one-time or subscribing to it, receiving the product on a recurring basis. By integrating the subscription option into existing products, store owners can easily offer subscription services without the need for separate subscription products. This feature is expected to provide more flexibility to merchants and a convenient way for customers to receive their favorite products regularly.

6. Context Menu

The Context Menu feature is particularly beneficial for stores with multiple markets or target audiences. With the Context Menu, store owners can create sections and blocks specific to different markets or contexts. This allows for greater customization and targeted messaging on a per-market basis. Store owners can design unique pages and provide tailored information to specific regions or customer groups, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

7. Meta Object Templates

Meta Object Templates introduce a new way to create custom types of content on Shopify. Previously, store owners were limited to default content types like products, collections, and blogs. With Meta Object Templates, store owners can define new types of content, such as services or retailers, with custom fields. This gives them the ability to create pages tailored to these new content types, complete with unique sections and blocks. The Meta Object Templates feature allows for more flexibility and customization in displaying different types of content on a Shopify store.

8. Flex Sections

Flex Sections is an upcoming feature that enhances the flexibility and control store owners have over designing their Shopify stores. With Flex Sections, sections and blocks can be organized into groups, offering more fine-grained control over the layout and structure of the store. This feature enables store owners to create complex, multi-layered layouts, similar to design tools like Figma or Framer. While it is not yet released, Flex Sections is anticipated to provide advanced customization options for store owners.

9. Dawn 11 Update

Dawn 11, the latest version of Shopify's default theme, comes with improvements tailored for wholesale stores. It includes features like a quick order list section on product pages, optimized for wholesale customers. Additionally, volume pricing with price breaks is now available, allowing store owners to offer discounts based on purchase quantities. While the update brings several enhancements for wholesale stores, store owners who heavily customize their themes and rely on third-party apps may want to wait for Flex Sections to be released before updating to Dawn 11.

10. Shopify Sidekick

Shopify Sidekick introduces an AI-powered chatbot that provides assistance and guidance within the Shopify platform. Built on ChatGPT, Sidekick understands and responds to user queries, making it easier for merchants to navigate the Shopify documentation and find the information they need. Additionally, Sidekick offers insights and suggestions based on sales data, analyzes analytics, and even performs actions on behalf of the merchant, such as putting products on sale or creating a customized theme. Shopify Sidekick aims to streamline the user experience and help merchants make data-driven decisions.

11. Checkout Improvements

Shopify announced several improvements to the checkout process. The most anticipated change is the introduction of a one-page checkout, eliminating the need for customers to navigate through multiple pages. This streamlined checkout experience is expected to reduce cart abandonment rates and improve conversion rates. Furthermore, checkout extensibility will be available for Shopify Plus users, allowing the integration of apps directly into the checkout process. This feature enables store owners to enhance the customer experience with additional functionalities like local delivery with date pickers or personalized upsells.

12. Duplicating Your Store

The ability to duplicate a store is an upcoming feature that will benefit store owners who frequently work on their stores and need a separate environment to test changes. Instead of relying on unpublished themes or manually transferring changes between different themes, store owners will be able to create a development store directly within Shopify. This development store can be duplicated, including all data and themes, allowing store owners to work on changes without affecting their live store. This feature provides a safer and more organized way to experiment and make modifications to a Shopify store.

13. Shopify Collective Partnership

Shopify Collective introduces a new approach to e-commerce by promoting collaboration and partnership between Shopify stores. With Collective, store owners can include products from other Shopify stores in their own store, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. By featuring complementary products, merchants can provide customers with a one-stop shopping experience, offering a wider range of products without the need for inventory or manufacturing. Shopify Collective offers a unique opportunity for store owners to expand their offerings and reach new audiences while forming connections within the Shopify community.

Conclusion

Shopify Editions showcased a range of features and updates designed to enhance the Shopify platform for merchants. From improvements to the admin interface and color schemes to the introduction of new apps like the Bundles app and Shopify Flow, merchants now have more tools at their disposal to create and manage their online stores effectively. Furthermore, upcoming features like Flex Sections, Shopify Subscriptions, and Shopify Sidekick hold the promise of further streamlining the e-commerce experience. Shopify continues to innovate and empower store owners, setting the stage for a thriving e-commerce ecosystem.