BigCommerce to Shopify Migration
Approach
Before Anything Moves, We Map How Your BigCommerce Store Operates
Businesses that migrate BigCommerce to Shopify need to account for more than products and orders. Catalogue structure, customer groups, pricing rules, apps, and connected systems all shape how the store operates.
We map those relationships to determine what can transfer directly, what needs a different Shopify model, and what should be rebuilt. Depending on the scope, this can include products, customers, orders, categories, images, content, reviews, discounts, and SEO data.
The aim is to preserve the commercial logic that matters without recreating BigCommerce screen by screen. This work forms part of our broader Shopify migration services.
Your BigCommerce Catalogue Needs More Than a Direct Import
BigCommerce and Shopify organise catalogue data differently. Before products move, we define how categories, options, custom fields, filters, and navigation should work inside Shopify.
From Categories to Shopify Collections
BigCommerce category hierarchies are translated into the right combination of Shopify collections, menus, and filtering rules. We preserve the paths customers use to discover products while simplifying duplicated or overly complex layers that no longer support the new storefront.
Because Shopify supports both manual and rule-based collections, parts of the catalogue can be organised dynamically around product data instead of rebuilding every category relationship manually.
Product Options, Custom Fields, and Metafields
Product options and custom fields are reviewed according to how they function in the catalogue. They can then be mapped to Shopify variants, standard product data, category metafields, or custom metafields.
This is particularly important when technical specifications, dimensions, compatibility details, or other structured information influence product selection. Shopify supports up to three options and 2,048 variants per product, but high-variant catalogues also require checks across themes, apps, sales channels, and the way inventory is managed.
Where the existing BigCommerce structure exceeds that model, we determine whether products should be reorganised, separated into related listings, supported through Shopify Combined Listings on eligible plans, or handled through an app or custom product-selection workflow. Metafields can preserve structured product information, but the final approach depends on which combinations require their own price, inventory, SKU, and purchasing logic.
Customer Groups and Price Rules Need a New Shopify Model
BigCommerce customer groups can control pricing, discounts, catalogue access, and buying conditions. Those rules do not transfer into Shopify as a ready-made structure.
We identify what each group changes for the customer, then rebuild that logic through the appropriate Shopify model. For B2B stores, this can include company accounts, customer-specific catalogues, quantity rules, volume pricing, and controlled product access.
BigCommerce Apps Do Not Simply Follow the Store
BigCommerce apps and connected systems are reviewed by the function they perform, not replaced name for name. Some needs are covered by Shopify, others require a new app, while direct ERP, PIM, fulfilment, or business-system connections may need to be reconfigured or rebuilt.
The migration is also a chance to remove overlapping or difficult-to-maintain tools. The new setup should support how the business operates now, not preserve every technical decision made on the previous platform.
Does the New Store Need Shopify or Shopify Plus?
Moving from BigCommerce does not automatically mean moving to Shopify Plus. The right plan depends on B2B requirements, catalogues, customer-specific pricing, payments, markets, and connected operations.
Shopify Plus becomes more relevant when the business needs unlimited B2B catalogues, direct catalogue assignment, advanced payment controls, or a complex enterprise setup. For example, a wholesaler that needs different product catalogues and negotiated pricing for individual companies or locations may require Shopify Plus, because direct catalogue assignment and unlimited B2B catalogues are not available on the standard plans.
We assess those requirements before approving the architecture, avoiding unnecessary costs and limitations discovered too late.
What Changes When BigCommerce Is No Longer the Operating Core?
Moving to Shopify can change how the team manages catalogue updates, apps, integrations, promotions, and everyday store operations.
We compare the current BigCommerce setup with the proposed Shopify model to clarify what will be managed natively, what will rely on apps, and where technical support may still be needed. This gives the business a realistic view of platform costs, responsibilities, and operational trade-offs before committing to the move.
Shopify is not automatically simpler or cheaper. The aim is to give every tool a clear role and ensure the team understands what the new store will cost, require, and make easier to manage.
For a deeper look at the decisions that shape project scope, cost, and timeline, read our guide on what to know before moving from BigCommerce to Shopify.
Protecting SEO During the Move from BigCommerce to Shopify
BigCommerce stores can build organic visibility across products, categories, brand pages, and supporting content. Because Shopify uses a different site and URL structure, SEO planning begins before the new storefront is published.
Mapping BigCommerce URLs and 301 Redirects
Existing URLs, metadata, internal links, and indexed pages are reviewed before the Shopify structure is finalised. Relevant pages are mapped to the most appropriate equivalent destinations, with 301 redirects prepared and tested before launch.
Keeping Orders, Tracking, and Customer Journeys Working
Category hierarchies, brand pages, filters, and navigation influence both organic visibility and the way customers find products. We rebuild those discovery paths inside Shopify so valuable catalogue connections remain intact after migration.
Once the new store is live, we monitor indexation, crawl issues, redirects, and organic performance to identify problems early.
From BigCommerce Discovery to Shopify Go-Live
- Step1
Operational Discovery
We review the catalogue, customer rules, pricing logic, apps, integrations, and workflows to identify what the Shopify store must preserve, replace, or improve.
- Step2
Shopify Architecture and Mapping
We define the Shopify catalogue, customer, B2B, integration, and URL model before development begins.
- Step3
Build, Migration, and Integration Work
The storefront is developed, approved data is transferred, and required apps and integrations are configured and tested.
- Step4
Validation, Go-Live, and Monitoring
Before launch, we test data accuracy, redirects, analytics, key customer journeys, and operational workflows. After go-live, we monitor the areas most likely to reveal migration issues.
Relevant Shopify Replatforming Work
Our Shopify work includes catalogue restructuring, custom storefronts, migration planning, SEO preparation, and integrations that connect ecommerce with wider business operations.
BigCommerce → Shopify migration and three-market launch for a premium Serbian menswear brand with 25+ retail stores.
Premium leather travel accessories. Shopify Plus migration with custom inventory sync, B2B portal and a headless storefront across 10+ markets.
Topical pain-relief brand running three Hydrogen storefronts (CA / AU / NZ) on one codebase, with B2B + DTC on the same Shopify Plus stack.
BigCommerce to Shopify Migration Questions
Can BigCommerce customer groups be migrated to Shopify?
Customer records can be transferred, but customer-group rules do not move as a ready-made structure. Pricing, access, discounts, and B2B logic need to be rebuilt within the appropriate Shopify model.
How are BigCommerce custom fields handled in Shopify?
Custom fields can be mapped to standard Shopify product data, variants, category metafields, or custom metafields, depending on how each field is used.
Do we need Shopify Plus for a BigCommerce B2B store?
Not always. The right plan depends on catalogue assignments, company accounts, customer-specific pricing, payment requirements, markets, and the level of B2B control required.
What happens to BigCommerce apps and integrations?
They are assessed by function. Some can be replaced with native Shopify features or apps, while direct connections to business systems may need to be reconfigured or rebuilt.
Will moving from BigCommerce to Shopify affect organic traffic?
Some fluctuation is possible during any platform migration. We reduce avoidable risk through URL mapping, 301 redirects, metadata and internal-link reviews, technical testing, and monitoring after launch.