/ Ecommerce
Shopify vs WooCommerce — which is better for my UK store?
Shopify for most SMBs — simpler, faster to launch, better checkout. WooCommerce if you have WordPress expertise and want lower monthly costs at higher complexity.
/ 01
The short version
Shopify has taken ~30% of UK ecommerce and there's a reason. But WooCommerce still has legitimate use cases if you know what you're doing.
/ 02
Where Shopify wins
Checkout — Shopify's checkout converts noticeably better than any WooCommerce equivalent. Hosting is included and reliable. Payment integrations are frictionless. App ecosystem is huge and well-maintained. Speed and security are handled for you.
/ 03
Where WooCommerce wins
Lower monthly cost at scale (no transaction fees, no per-app subscriptions). Total control over every line of code. Deep WordPress integration if you're a content-first business. Better for very unusual product configurations.
/ 04
The honest verdict
For 80% of UK SMBs starting an online store, Shopify is the right answer. WooCommerce becomes attractive at scale (£500k+ revenue) or if you already have deep WordPress infrastructure. If you're comparing the two from scratch with no existing site, start with Shopify.
/ 05
Where RIOT fits in
We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get your ecommerce build right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.
We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.
/ FAQs
Common questions
What about BigCommerce?
Solid platform, smaller UK community. Fine if a specific feature suits you, but you'll pay more for local support.
Can I move from Shopify to WooCommerce later?
Yes, and vice versa. Neither locks you in — the data exports cleanly both ways.
Still not sure?
Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.
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