BigCommerce vs Shopify: 2025 Comparison for UK Retailers

The UK eCommerce sector is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation in 2025. With consumers increasingly shopping online and expecting seamless, personalised experiences, choosing the right eCommerce platform is more critical than ever. Shopify and BigCommerce are the two leading cloud-based solutions, each offering robust tools for businesses of all sizes. However, their approaches, strengths, and suitability vary, making it essential for UK retailers to understand their unique features and limitations before making a decision.

Two names dominate the conversation: Shopify and BigCommerce. Both are powerful, cloud-based platforms trusted by thousands of UK businesses. But which one is the best fit for your unique needs?

This guide explores every facet of Shopify and BigCommerce, providing an in-depth analysis to help UK businesses select the platform that best aligns with their goals, technical requirements, and growth aspirations.

At Digital Web London, we’ve helped hundreds of UK retailers thrive on both platforms. In this definitive guide, we’ll break down every aspect you need to consider—SEO, design, payments, scalability, support, and more—so you can make an informed, confident choice.

• Shopify is for most UK retailers who want simplicity, stunning design, and a vast app ecosystem for rapid growth.
• BigCommerce is ideal for businesses seeking advanced customisation, built-in B2B features, and zero transaction fees.
• Still unsure? Book a free consultation with our eCommerce experts.

1. Platform Overview: Shopify vs BigCommerce

Shopify: A hosted SaaS platform, Shopify powers approximately 30% of all UK eCommerce sites. It is renowned for its user-friendly interface, extensive app ecosystem, and strong community support. Shopify is particularly popular among direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle businesses

BigCommerce: Also, a hosted SaaS solution, BigCommerce is gaining momentum, especially in the B2B and wholesale sectors. It offers advanced customisation options and robust built-in features, making it a preferred choice for businesses with complex catalogues or unique requirements.

2. Design Flexibility & User Experience

• Shopify: Shopify is renowned for its clean, modern, and conversion-focused templates. With over 140 free and paid themes, UK retailers can quickly launch a professional-looking store that works beautifully on any device. The drag-and-drop editor allows even non-technical users to make layout changes, update content, and refresh their brand’s look in minutes.

Notable Shopify design features:

• Responsive, mobile-first templates
• Easy customisation via the Theme Editor
• Access to a vast library of third-party themes
• Built-in tools for product galleries, lookbooks, and video integration

• BigCommerce: BigCommerce offers a robust theme marketplace and a flexible Page Builder. While its out-of-the-box themes are modern, the true power lies in its advanced customisation options. Developers can access HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create truly bespoke experiences—perfect for brands with unique requirements or in-house development teams.

BigCommerce design highlights:

• Advanced theme customisation (Stencil framework)
• Drag-and-drop Page Builder for content management
• Support for headless commerce and custom frontends
• Easier integration with external CMS like WordPress

Pro Tip: At Digital Web London, our designers craft custom Shopify and BigCommerce themes tailored for UK shoppers—maximising both aesthetics and conversion rates.

3. SEO Performance: Winning UK Search Traffic in 2025

SEO remains a top priority for UK eCommerce brands. Ranking well in Google and Bing can make the difference between steady sales and being invisible online.

Shopify SEO: User-Friendly with Powerful Apps

• Clean URLs: Shopify generates SEO-friendly URLs, but with some limitations (e.g., enforced /products/ and /collections/ prefixes).
• Meta Data: Easily edit titles, meta descriptions, and image alt tags.
• SEO Apps: Access to 300+ SEO apps, including Yoast, Plug-in SEO, and Smart SEO.
• Blogging: Built-in blog for content marketing, though somewhat basic compared to WordPress.
• Speed: Mobile-first themes and built-in performance monitoring for Core Web Vitals.

BigCommerce SEO: Advanced Tools for Power Users

• Full URL Control: Customise URLs for every product, category, and page—no forced prefixes.
• Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Faster load times and better crawlability.
• Built-in Schema & Microdata: Enhanced rich snippets and product visibility.
• AMP Support: Native support for Accelerated Mobile Pages for lightning-fast mobile experiences.
• WordPress Integration: Use WordPress as your blog/CMS while selling on BigCommerce.

SEO Feature Comparison Table

Local SEO for UK Retailers

Both platforms allow you to target local keywords, set up Google Shopping feeds, and optimise for “near me” searches. Shopify’s app ecosystem makes it easy for beginners, while BigCommerce gives advanced users more control.

Case Study:
A London-based fashion retailer used Shopify’s SEO apps and blog to rank for “sustainable fashion London,” driving a 40% increase in organic traffic in 12 months.

4. Payment Gateways & UK Transaction Fees

Shopify: Wide Range, But Watch the Fees

• Supported Gateways: Over 100, including Shopify Payments, Klarna, PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• UK-Specific Options: Shopify Payments (0% extra fees), Klarna, and popular wallets.
• Transaction Fees: Up to 2% if you use a third-party gateway instead of Shopify Payments.
• Security: PCI DSS compliant, with built-in fraud analysis.

BigCommerce: No Extra Transaction Fees

• Supported Gateways: 65+ including Braintree, Worldpay, SagePay, PayPal, Stripe, and more.
• No Additional Fees: BigCommerce never charges extra transaction fees, regardless of payment provider.
• UK-Focused Integrations: Supports leading UK gateways out of the box.
• Security: PCI DSS certified, advanced fraud prevention tools.

VAT & Tax Compliance

Both platforms handle UK VAT rates, EU tax rules, and digital goods compliance. BigCommerce offers more built-in flexibility for complex VAT scenarios, while Shopify relies on third-party apps for advanced tax logic.

Expert Tip:
For high-volume UK stores, BigCommerce’s no-fee policy can save thousands annually compared to Shopify.

5. Multichannel & Omnichannel Selling

Shopify: Seamless Selling Everywhere

• Native Integrations: TikTok Shop, Instagram, Facebook, Google Shopping, Pinterest, and more.
• POS System: Shopify POS for in-store sales, inventory sync, and unified reporting.
• Cross-Border Commerce: Shopify Markets simplifies international selling, currency conversion, and tax handling.
• Marketplace Apps: List products on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and more with a few clicks.

BigCommerce: Strong, But More Manual

• Multichannel Tools: Sell on Amazon, eBay, Facebook, and Instagram, but some integrations require third-party apps or manual setup.
• POS Integrations: Compatible with Square, Vend, and other POS systems.
• International Selling: Multi-currency and multi-language support, but setup can be more technical.

Cross-border Tip: Shopify Markets and BigCommerce’s multicurrency features make international selling easier than ever

6. Built-in Features vs. App Dependency

Shopify: App Ecosystem for Every Need

Shopify’s app store is legendary, with over 8,000 apps covering everything from subscriptions and loyalty programmes to advanced shipping and analytics. However, many features require paid apps, which can increase monthly costs.

Popular Shopify Apps:

• Recharge (subscriptions)
• Bold Custom Pricing (wholesale)
• Judge.me (reviews)
• Klaviyo (email marketing)

BigCommerce: More Out-of-the-Box Power

BigCommerce includes many advanced features natively, reducing reliance on third-party apps. This is especially valuable for B2B, wholesale, and complex catalogue management.

Built-in BigCommerce Features:

• B2B customer groups and custom pricing
• Advanced shipping rules and promotions
• Product filtering and faceted search
• Multi-storefront management

7. Scalability & Performance

Shopify Plus: Enterprise Power

• Custom Checkout: Fully customisable for high-conversion experiences.
• Dedicated Account Manager: Personalised support for scaling brands.
• Headless Commerce: Hydrogen + Oxygen for custom frontends and lightning-fast performance.
• API Access: Robust APIs for integrations and automation.

BigCommerce Enterprise: Flexible & Robust

• API-Driven Architecture: High API call limits for deep integrations.
• Performance: Optimised for large catalogues and high-traffic spikes.
• Custom Workflows: Automate complex B2B or B2C processes.
• Headless Ready: Integrate with any CMS or frontend framework.

Performance Note: Shopify generally loads faster out-of-the-box, but BigCommerce’s SSR and AMP support can close the gap with proper optimisation

8. Support & UK Community

Shopify: Massive UK User Base

• 24/7 Support: Live chat, email, and phone.
• Community: Active UK Facebook groups, forums, and meetups.
• Training: Shopify Academy and partner webinars.

BigCommerce: Quality Support, Smaller Community

• 24/7 Support: Excellent phone and chat support.
• UK Community: Growing, but smaller than Shopify’s.
• Training: BigCommerce University and partner resources.

Agency Advantage:
Digital Web London offers hands-on support, platform training, and managed services—no more waiting on hold!

9. UK Pricing Breakdown (2025)

Note: Shopify charges fees for third-party payment gateways; BigCommerce does not.
Total Cost of Ownership: Remember to factor in app costs, premium themes, and payment processing fees when budgeting.

10. Security & Compliance

Shopify

• PCI DSS Level 1 compliant
• GDPR tools: Cookie banners, data export, and erasure tools
• SSL certificate included
• Fraud analysis: Built-in for all plans

BigCommerce

• PCI DSS certified
• GDPR-ready features
• Advanced fraud protection
• SSL certificate included

Both platforms are trusted by major UK brands and meet all regulatory requirements for handling customer data securely.

11. Customer Success Stories

1.Quality Foods Online: A Digital Transformation Success Story:

Background:

Quality Foods Online, a well-established UK-based grocery retailer, faced the challenge of evolving customer expectations in the digital era. With a diverse catalogue ranging from fresh produce to specialty ingredients, they needed an online platform that could handle complex inventory, offer a seamless shopping experience, and scale with their growing customer base.

Our Approach:
Digital Web London began with a deep dive into Quality Foods Online’s customer journey, mapping out key touchpoints from product discovery to checkout. We implemented advanced search and filtering options, allowing customers to quickly find products by category, dietary preference, or brand. The site was built with mobile-first design principles, ensuring a fast, intuitive experience for shoppers on any device.

Key Features & Solutions:

• Integration with local delivery partners for same-day and next-day service
• Custom loyalty program and personalised offers to reward repeat customers
• Secure payment gateway supporting all major UK payment methods

 Results & Impact:
Within six months of launch, Quality Foods Online saw a 70% increase in online orders and a 50% boost in returning customers. The streamlined checkout and improved site speed led to a noticeable drop in cart abandonment rates. Customer feedback praised the new site for its ease of use and the convenience of delivery tracking.

Clients Testimonial: Prash is best in the game. Attention to detail is the second to none. Very trustworthy and always so reliable. We have formed a great relationship and continue to work with DWL for many many years.

2.Grace & Thorn: Transforming the Online Floral Experience with UX/UI Excellence

Grace & Thorn, a trailblazing East London florist celebrated for its unconventional, artistic arrangements, teamed up with Digital Web London to refresh their digital presence. The goal: deliver a seamless, visually captivating online experience that truly reflects the brand’s creative ethos and makes shopping for flowers a delight.

Our team led a comprehensive UX and UI overhaul, focusing on intuitive navigation, mobile-first design, and immersive imagery. We streamlined the customer journey—from browsing signature bouquets and houseplants to booking bespoke wedding florals—making it easier than ever for customers to find, customise, and purchase their favourite arrangements.

Clients Testimonial: Prash and his team have been pleasure to work with, they have made many tweaks and fixes and implemented strategies which have improved the customer experience and driven sale.

3.Roto VR: Launching a Next-Generation VR Brand with a Bespoke Shopify Experience

Roto VR, an award-winning UK tech innovator and Made for Meta partner, is transforming immersive gaming with its revolutionary Roto VR Explorer chair—a motorized, 360° rotating VR chair designed to solve motion sickness and elevate virtual reality experiences. As Roto VR prepared for its global launch and rapid expansion, they needed a digital platform as advanced and intuitive as their flagship product.

Digital Web London partnered with Roto VR to deliver a complete transformation: not only did we overhaul their UX/UI, but we also designed and built a brand new website on Shopify. Our team focused on creating a sleek, immersive online store that reflects the excitement and sophistication of the Roto VR brand. The new site showcases the chair’s unique features—such as Look & Turn technology, full-body haptics, smart charging, and it’s Made for Meta certification—through bold visuals, interactive content, and clear product storytelling.

We implemented a seamless eCommerce experience, making it easy for customers worldwide to learn about, explore, and purchase the Roto VR Explorer and its modular accessories. The Shopify platform was tailored for scalability, supporting international sales and integrating with major retail partners. As a result, Roto VR’s new website has driven higher engagement, increased online orders, and positioned the brand as a global leader in VR hardware.

4.SK Foods: Powering Online Growth for a Leading UK Meat & Poultry Supplier

Background & Challenge:
SK Foods Ltd, with over 25 years in the UK food wholesale industry, wanted to modernise their brand and expand their reach beyond traditional B2B channels. Their goal was to create a digital presence that reflected their heritage, quality standards, and commitment to both trade and retail customers.

Our Approach:
We started by developing a fresh brand identity, drawing inspiration from SK Foods’ roots in poultry and seafood. The website was built to serve both B2B and B2C audiences, with tailored navigation and content for each segment.

Key Features & Solutions:

• Detailed product catalogue with high-resolution imagery
• Wholesale account registration and custom pricing for trade buyers
• Educational blog and recipe section to engage and inform customers

Results & Impact:
SK Foods’ new brand and website were unveiled at a major industry exhibition, receiving excellent feedback from partners and customers. Online enquiries and orders increased significantly, and the brand’s digital presence now attracts both new trade clients and individual consumers seeking quality halal foods.

Why eCommerce Success Stories Matter

Studying real-world eCommerce success stories provides invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. These case studies highlight what works (and what doesn’t), reveal growth strategies used by market leaders, and offer insights into consumer behavior and preferences. By learning from others’ journeys, you can avoid common pitfalls, fast-track your own growth, and adopt proven methods for scaling your online business

12. Mobile Commerce Trends in the UK

Mobile shopping now accounts for over 65% of UK eCommerce traffic. Both Shopify and BigCommerce offer responsive themes, mobile-optimised checkout, and support for Apple Pay/Google Pay.

Shopify leads with its mobile app and robust analytics, while BigCommerce offers AMP support for faster mobile pages.

13.Future Trends: Why Are Shopify and BigCommerce Heading?

• AI & Personalisation: Both platforms are investing in AI-driven product recommendations, chatbots, and predictive analytics.
• Headless Commerce: Expect more brands to use headless setups for lightning-fast, app-like experiences.
• Sustainability: Tools for carbon tracking, eco-friendly delivery options, and green payment solutions are on the rise.
• Social Commerce: Deeper integrations with TikTok, Instagram, and emerging platforms will drive new sales opportunities.

14.Advanced Integrations and Ecosystem

Shopify

Shopify’s app ecosystem is one of its biggest strengths. With over 8,000 apps available, businesses can add almost any functionality they need, from advanced analytics to subscription management and loyalty programmes. Popular integrations include:

• Email Marketing: Klaviyo, Omnisend
• Loyalty & Rewards: io, LoyaltyLion
• Shipping & Fulfilment: ShipStation, Shippo
• POS Systems: Shopify POS, Lightspeed

Shopify’s marketplace integrations are seamless, allowing retailers to list products on Amazon, eBay, and other platforms with minimal effort.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce’s app store is smaller but growing, with around 1,000 apps. However, many advanced features—such as B2B pricing, multi-storefront management, and advanced shipping rules—are built into the platform, reducing the need for third-party solutions. Key integrations include:

• ERP & CRM: SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics
• Shipping: ShipStation, Shippo
• POS: Square, Vend

BigCommerce’s open API makes it easier to connect with custom or niche systems, which is a significant advantage for businesses with unique requirements.

15.Customer Service and Support Experiences

Shopify

Shopify’s support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone. The platform’s extensive documentation, tutorials, and active community forums make it easy for users to find answers to common questions. Shopify also offers training through Shopify Academy and partner webinars, helping businesses get the most out of the platform.

Shopify’s large user base means there is a wealth of third-party resources, including YouTube tutorials, blogs, and paid courses. This ecosystem is invaluable for new users and those looking to expand their skills^.].

BigCommerce

BigCommerce also provides 24/7 support via phone and chat. The platform’s documentation is comprehensive, and BigCommerce University offers training resources for users of all levels. However, the community is smaller than Shopify’s, which can make it harder to find third-party tutorials or advice.

BigCommerce’s support team is known for its technical expertise, making it a good choice for businesses with complex requirements or those needing hands-on assistance.

16.Third-Party Reviews and Industry Recognition

Both Shopify and BigCommerce are highly rated by industry experts and users. Shopify is often praised for its ease of use, extensive app ecosystem, and robust support. BigCommerce is recognised for its advanced features, flexibility, and strong performance with large catalogues^[2].

According to Net Solutions, Shopify is the better choice for most small to medium-sized businesses, especially those in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. BigCommerce is recommended for B2B, wholesale, and businesses with complex product catalogues or unique technical requirements.

17. Multicurrency Support

Shopify

Shopify offers robust multilingual and multicurrency support, especially with Shopify Markets. This feature simplifies international selling by handling currency conversion, localised pricing, and tax compliance. Shopify’s app ecosystem includes translation apps to help businesses reach global audiences.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce also supports multiple languages and currencies, but the setup can be more technical. The platform’s API-driven architecture allows for deep customisation, making it possible to create fully localised experiences for international customers.

19.Future Outlook: What’s Next for Shopify and BigCommerce?

Both platforms are investing heavily in AI, personalisation, and headless commerce. Expect to see more advanced analytics, predictive recommendations, and seamless omnichannel experiences. Sustainability and social commerce will also play a larger role, as brands seek to meet evolving customer expectations^[1].

20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which platform is better for SEO in the UK?
BigCommerce offers more advanced built-in SEO features and full URL control, but Shopify’s app ecosystem and speed make it a strong choice for most brands.

Does Shopify or BigCommerce have lower transaction fees?
BigCommerce charges no extra transaction fees. Shopify charges up to 2% on third-party gateways unless you use Shopify Payments.

Can I use my own payment gateway?
Yes, both platforms support major UK gateways (Worldpay, SagePay, Braintree, PayPal, Stripe).

Which is better for B2B or wholesale?
BigCommerce is generally better for B2B and wholesale due to its built-in features.

Is it easy to migrate from WooCommerce or Magento?
Both platforms offer migration tools and agency support to ensure a smooth transition.

How do Shopify and BigCommerce handle VAT and UK tax compliance?
Both support UK VAT rules, but BigCommerce offers more advanced built-in tax logic for complex needs.

15. Final Verdict: Which Platform Should UK Retailers Choose in 2025?

Need Help Deciding? Let’s Talk.

At Digital Web London, we offer unbiased advice, expert Shopify and BigCommerce design, and long-term SEO strategies to help your UK business thrive in 2025 and beyond.

We don’t just build websites – we launch eCommerce brands that scale.

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