Headless Commerce
Headless commerce separates the frontend (the visible storefront) from the commerce backend. The frontend is custom-built and fed with store functionality via APIs.
In a classic store architecture, the platform delivers frontend and backend as one unit — on Shopify, via Liquid themes. Headless means the frontend is a standalone application (e.g. built with React or Next.js) that pulls products, cart and checkout functionality through APIs — on Shopify, the Storefront API.
The advantage is maximum freedom: custom user journeys, your own tech-stack decisions and the ability to run multiple frontends (web, app, kiosk) on the same backend. The cost is substantial: headless projects require a development team for build and operations, and many theme and app features have to be rebuilt from scratch.
For most merchants, headless is not the right path: modern Shopify themes with Online Store 2.0 cover nearly all requirements at a fraction of the cost. Headless pays off mainly for brands with highly individual frontend requirements, heavy content needs or specific performance goals — and the team to sustain it long-term.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Headless Commerce
Is headless better than a Shopify theme?
Not per se. Headless offers more freedom but costs significantly more in development and operations. For most brands, a well-built Online Store 2.0 theme is the more economical solution.
What do I need for a headless store with Shopify?
A custom frontend (e.g. with Hydrogen or Next.js), the Storefront API for product and cart data, and a development team for build, hosting and ongoing maintenance.
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