What Is Shopify? A Complete Guide to the Leading E-Commerce Platform

So, you want to know what Shopify is? Strap in—because we’re about to dive into the platform that has over a million businesses treating it like the holy grail of online selling.

Shopify started in 2006 when a Canadian entrepreneur, frustrated by the lack of good e-commerce solutions for selling his snowboarding gear, decided to build his own platform. Fast forward, and today Shopify powers everyone from side-hustlers to billion-dollar brands. If you’re considering it for your own store, working with a trusted Shopify Plus development agency can help you build a site that stands out and scales fast.

Let’s break down what makes Shopify such a powerhouse in the e-commerce world.

Why Shopify?

Shopify combines elite design, innovation, and flexibility into one powerful platform. Whether you're launching your first store or running a global brand, Shopify provides everything you need to grow—and grow fast.

Major brands like Gymshark, Allbirds, Heinz, Kylie Cosmetics, and Staples trust Shopify to scale their operations, sell globally, and integrate seamlessly with other sales channels and tools.

Here’s what makes Shopify stand out:

1. Shopify App Store

With over 8,000 apps, Shopify makes it easy to customize and enhance your store. From AI-driven marketing to loyalty programs, subscription services, and inventory automation, there’s an app for nearly every need.

2. Headless Commerce

Shopify’s headless commerce capabilities allow businesses to separate their front-end design from the back-end engine. This means you can create unique, lightning-fast shopping experiences across multiple platforms—whether it’s your website, mobile app, or even an interactive digital kiosk.

3. International Selling

For brands expanding globally, Shopify’s international selling tools make it easy to operate in multiple currencies and languages. The platform automatically detects a customer’s location and adjusts the shopping experience accordingly, ensuring a seamless transaction whether they’re in New York, London, or Tokyo.

4. Shopify POS

For businesses with physical stores, Shopify’s POS system connects online and offline sales seamlessly. Customers can buy online and return in-store, or purchase in-store and have items shipped directly to their home, all while keeping inventory and sales data in sync.

5. B2B Features on Shopify Plus

For high-volume businesses, Shopify Plus unlocks powerful enterprise-level tools. With advanced checkout customization, automation workflows, and priority support, Shopify Plus is designed for brands processing thousands of orders daily.

Shopify Plus also includes built-in B2B functionality, offering:

Custom wholesale pricing
Net payment terms (e.g., Net 30, Net 60)
Bulk order processing
Dedicated wholesale storefronts

6. Marketplace Integrations

One of Shopify’s biggest advantages is its deep integration with top marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and eBay. Instead of managing multiple storefronts separately, Shopify allows you to oversee products, inventory, and fulfillment from a single dashboard.

7. Social Commerce

Shopify makes selling on social media effortless. Businesses can tag products in Instagram and TikTok posts, run shoppable ads, and enable customers to buy directly from social media platforms.

8. Shop App

Shopify’s Shop App is designed to improve customer retention and speed up checkout for returning shoppers. By connecting millions of Shopify stores in one place, it enhances the shopping experience and encourages repeat purchases.

Is Shopify Right for You?

Whether you’re a small business owner, a growing brand, or a global enterprise, Shopify offers the tools, integrations, and flexibility to help you sell smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Ready to try Shopify? Start your free trial today and get 3 months for just $1/month!

Get Expert Shopify Support with IWD Agency

If you need help building, optimizing, or scaling your Shopify store, IWD Agency is here to ensure you get it right. We specialize in:

Our team helps brands of all sizes maximize their online potential. Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Contact IWD Agency today and let’s build something amazing together!