Shopify Editions Winter 2024: Recap
Big updates, smarter selling: Shopify’s latest game-changers.
February 14, 2024 / Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Shopify Editions Winter 2024 drop just landed, and trust us—it’s stacked. This isn’t just another round of tweaks; it’s a full-blown upgrade designed to help you sell smarter, run faster, and give your customers a shopping experience that slaps. From a 2,000-variant limit to AI-guided search and native exchanges, Shopify’s making moves to set you up for next-level success.
At HRVST, we’re all about taking these features and turning them into wins for your brand. So, let’s get into it—here’s your no-bs breakdown of the updates that are going to change the game.
Merchandising
Shopify finally heard us. They’ve axed that laughable 100-variant limit, bumping it up to 2,000. Got ten colours, six sizes, and a custom embroidery option? Go wild. No more splitting up product listings like some amateur.
This is a total flex for brands scaling their catalog. Managing inventory is now simpler, faster, and hassle-free. Shoppers love choices, and now you can deliver all the options without awkward workarounds or bloated setups. It’s smoother for you, better for them, and an instant win for everyone involved.
Discounts
Discounts just got a glow-up. Free shipping and fixed Buy X, Get Y promos are now front and centre in your cart. Even better, discounts now work on draft orders, which means customizing offers for specific clients or sales reps is easier than ever.
Visible, straightforward discounts mean fewer abandoned carts. When customers see their savings early, they’re more likely to check out. Draft order discounts let you create bespoke deals that convert, whether it’s B2B or VIP clients. You’re not just offering value—you’re serving it up on a silver platter.
Shopify app store
Scrolling endlessly through apps? Dead. Shopify’s new AI-guided search lets you type exactly what you need—“boost SEO,” “simplify returns”—and spits out the perfect app for the job. No fluff, no guesswork.
Time is money, and this update saves you both. AI-powered suggestions mean fewer “meh” apps clogging up your store. Instead, you get streamlined solutions tailored to your needs, so you can focus on scaling without distractions.
Storefront performance
The new web performance dashboard finally gets real about what matters: load speed, interactivity, and visual stability. It’s all laid out in Analytics > Reports > Web Performance, and Shopify even dialed back those scary thresholds that used to make everyone sweat.
You’ll know exactly where your store stands and what needs fixing—without panicking over metrics that barely move the needle. Faster load times and smoother interactions equal happier customers, fewer bounces, and higher conversions.
Shopify subscriptions
Subscriptions are officially built in. Shopify’s free subscriptions app handles auto-renewals, customer management, and emails. No frills, but it gets the job done.
Recurring revenue is the holy grail, and now it’s baked into Shopify without extra costs. Perfect for brands testing subscription models or adding it as a new revenue stream. It’s basic, but sometimes basic is exactly what you need to get started.
Combined listings
Shopify Plus merchants, rejoice: Combined Listings is here. One listing, fully customizable for each variant with unique descriptions, images, and SEO-friendly URLs. It’s currently in early access, so jump on it if you qualify.
Streamlined catalog management meets SEO magic. Having variant-specific URLs and details improves search rankings while making your store easier to navigate. It’s cleaner, smarter, and built to scale with your brand.
Native exchanges
Returns and exchanges are getting a serious upgrade in early 2024. Shopify’s native exchanges will handle automatic refunds, inventory updates, and tax calculations—all without needing a third-party app.
Clunky return processes are out. This seamless system keeps your customers happy and your backend clean. Smooth exchanges mean less friction, more trust, and more repeat buyers.
Semantic search
Semantic search is now live for Shopify Plus stores with fewer than 200,000 products. It’s smarter search functionality that understands human language. A customer types “dark waterproof ski gloves,” and they actually get dark waterproof ski gloves—not a random scarf.
Better search equals better shopping. Customers find what they want faster, meaning fewer frustrations and more completed purchases. If you’ve got a large inventory, this is a must-have to stay competitive.
Shop Pay
Shopify Enterprise stores now have stored payment details, bringing you closer to that coveted one-click checkout experience.
Fewer steps in the checkout process mean fewer abandoned carts. Repeat customers can breeze through transactions, boosting loyalty and lifetime value.
B2B on Shopify
For B2B sellers, Shopify’s new permissions system gives sales reps access only to their assigned accounts. Precision is the name of the game here. This update keeps things tidy and secure. Sales reps can manage their clients without stepping on each other’s toes, and sensitive data stays locked down. It’s a win-win for efficiency and trust.
Building a memorable brand isn’t just about checking the right boxes—it’s about creating a cohesive experience that feels unmistakably yours. At HRVST, we dive deep into your brand’s essence to craft visuals, messaging, and interactions that resonate and leave a lasting impression.
Ready to take your brand to the next level?
Let’s collaborate and create something that stands out, connects, and drives impact.