PrestaShop migration to Shopify

If your current online store runs on PrestaShop, but updates, modules , and technical challenges are increasingly consuming your time and resources, migrating to Shopify is a logical next step. As a web agency support you with the complete PrestaShop to Shopify migration – including data transfer, redirects, tracking, and the final go-live.

Instead of questionable "one-click migration" promises, we rely on a structured project plan with tests, backups and quality control to ensure that your new Shopifystore not only runs, but also performs better than your previous solution.

PrestaShop vs Shopify: A direct comparison at a glance

Before switching from PrestaShop to Shopify, an honest PrestaShop vs. Shopify comparison. Which shop system is better suited for growing e-commerce businesses?

• Hosting & Server
  : Dedicated hosting required, server configuration necessary.
  Shopify: Fully hosted, no server management required.
• Updates & Maintenance
  : PrestaShop: Manual updates, PHP version must be compatible, Symfony dependencies.
  Shopify: Automatic updates, no technical support required.
• security
  : Security is the responsibility of the shopkeeper.
  Shopify: PCI-DSS Level 1 certified, integrated security features.
• performance
  : Dependent on server, caching, optimization – highly variable GTMetrix results.
  Shopify: Optimized infrastructure, consistently better performance.
• Scalability:
  PrestaShop: Server upgrades required with growth.
  Shopify: Unlimited scalability without technical adjustments.
• Multi-store / Multi-language
  PrestaShop: Multi-store possible, but complex to manage.
  Shopify: Simple multi-store management with Shopify Plus.
• Modules & Apps
  : Many modules, frequent conflicts after updates.
  Shopify: Curated app store with stable integrations.
• Technical know-how for
  PrestaShop: Developers required for maintenance and customizations.
  Shopify: Usable without developer knowledge.

Conclusion: For shops that want to grow and scale, Shopify as a shop system significant advantages in terms of stability, maintenance effort and long-term profitability.

From conversations with shop owners, we know the most common reasons that lead to a switch from PrestaShop to Shopify :

• Complex PrestaShop updates: Moduleconflicts after version changes, complex PHPcompatibility issues, and Symfonyframework dependencies complicate every upgradeprocess.
• Performance problems: As the number of products and installed modules increases, speed suffers – negative performance results in performance tests become more frequent.
• High technical support costs: Ongoing costs for technical support or in-house developers, especially when changing PHP versions .
• Problems with multi-store setups: Multilingualism and multi-shopmanagement quickly become confusing, multi-storeadjustments are complex.
• Server management: Hosting costs, serveroptimizations, and securityare your responsibility.
• Limited scalability: Growing traffic and product numbers require costly upgradesto the server infrastructure.
• Version updates are becoming a challenge: Every new PrestaShopversion brings with it potential moduleincompatibilities.
• Outdated PrestaShop versions: Many online shops are still running on older versionsbecause an upgrade seems too risky.

Instead of investing in another PrestaShop redesign or a major system upgrade , many merchants are doing the math: "If we look at the next 3-5 years, moving to Shopify makes more economic sense than constant updates and adjustments to the old shop system."

👉 Secure your free initial consultation now

We work with a clearly structured 6-step process for your migration from PrestaShop to Shopify. Each step has defined tasks, responsibilities, and a verifiable result. Our approach as e-commerce specialists ensures that you are kept fully informed throughout the entire PrestaShop migration process .

The first step when switching from PrestaShop to Shopify is a thorough analysis of your current system:

• Joint call (approx. 60–90 minutes) for project definition
• Review of your PrestaShoponline store: installed version, active modules, multi-store/language configuration
• Recording of product numbers, categories, combinations and variants
• Checking the current PHP version and Symfony framework configuration
• Analysis of the existing URL structure and SEO settings
• Clarifying the project goal: 1:1 takeover or direct restructuring during the move?
• Identification of critical modules and customadjustments
• Assessment of whether a PrestaShopupgrade before migration is advisable or whether a direct migration is recommended.

Result: You will receive a detailed migration plan with a timeline, to-dos, and clear priorities for your migrationproject. We will also show you the risks of remaining on your current PrestaShopversion .

Before we migrate from PrestaShop to Shopify, we create a complete backup of your system (files + database) so that a fallback is possible at any time.

We then export systematically:

• Products including variants, attributes, features and graphics
• Categories and manufacturers
• Customer data and delivery addresses (GDPR compliant)
• Orders for history and evaluations
• CMS pages (e.g., terms and conditions, shipping, privacy policy)
• Ratings (depending on the installed module)
• Configurations from installed modules and extensions

Depending on the setup and PrestaShop version , we use PrestaShop's built-in export function, proven migration modules, or a direct database export for very large shops . For complex multi -store configurations with multiple languages, the export is store-specific. Particular care is required with older PrestaShop versions , as data structures can vary between versions

Result: Cleaned, structured export files as a solid basis for importing into your new shop system.

In parallel with the data export, we will set up your new Shopifystore . Our Shopify experts will take care of:

• Choosing a suitable theme or developing a custom design by our web design team from Basel
• Mapping your current navigation and category structure in Shopify
• Setting up tax rates, shipping zones and payment methods
• Installation and configuration of relevant apps as a replacement for PrestaShopmodules
• Integration of Analytics, Google Shopping and other marketing tools
• Configuration of multi-currency and multi-language settings (if required)

Result: A Shopify stagingstore, where you can already test the design, navigation, and structure. This stagingstore serves as a test environment for all further steps.

The data from PrestaShop is now being transferred precisely to Shopify. Correct mapping is crucial here if you switch from PrestaShop to Shopify :

• PrestaShop combinations → Shopify variants
• Features & Attributes → Shopify Options / Metafields
• Categories → Shopify Collections
• CMS pages → Shopify pages
• Customer data and orders → Customer accounts & order history
• Specific moduledata → suitable Shopify apps or customadjustments

We first test the import with a small data package before transferring the entire data set. This allows us to avoid errors and ensure that all functionalities are correctly implemented – without the technical limitations of the old shop system . Your new online shop benefits from Shopify's modern architecture.

Result: Your Shopifystore now contains products, categories, pages and customers – fully testable in the staging environment, ready for a successful migration.

This is where it's decided whether your hard-earned Google rankings are preserved or lost. Our SEO specialists approach the migration systematically:

• Full crawl of your old PrestaShoponline store (e.g. with Screaming Frog)
• Export all relevant URLs (category, product, and CMS pages)
• Creating a detailed mapping table: old URL → new Shopify URL
• Implementing 301 redirects via Shopify tools, apps, or reverse proxy
• Import of title tags, meta descriptions, alt tags and H structures
• Correct setup of canonicals

We then update all relevant SEO components:

• XML sitemap for faster indexing
• robots.txt configuration
• Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools
• Structured Data (Schema Markup)

Result: The new Shopifystore is perfectly prepared from an SEO perspective. All important PrestaShop URLs redirect to the appropriate new page via 301 redirects – your rankings remain protected throughout the entire migration.

Before we launch your shop , we will undergo a comprehensive testing phase:

• Ordering process (desktop, tablet, mobile)
• All payment methods (credit card, PayPal, invoice, etc.)
• Shipping rules and tax calculations
• Product filter, search function, variant selection
• Tracking: Google Analytics / GA4, Google Tag Manager, Meta Pixel
• Performance tests using tools like GTMetrix to verify performance results
• Mobile loading times and Core Web Vitals
• Functional test of all migrated modulefunctionalities

Only after all tests have been successfully completed will we move the domain from PrestaShop to Shopify. This final switch includes:

• Domain migration / DNS adjustment
• SSL certificate verification
• Final data comparison of newly added orders
• Monitoring of the first hours after go-live

Result: Your Shopifystore replaces the PrestaShopstore – without any “hard breaks” for customers and search engines.

After completing your "Migrate PrestaShop" project, you will have a fully functional Shopifystore with the following features:

• A modernly designed, mobile-optimized online shop without the limitations of the old shop system
• All relevant products, categories, graphics , and content from PrestaShop
• Working customer accounts with order history (as far as migrated)
• Correct 301 redirects from all important old URLs to new content
• Set up tracking for sales, conversion rates and marketing campaigns
• A technical foundation that you can use in everyday life without developer knowledge – no more complex PHPskills required.
• Professional support even after go-live
• Scalable infrastructure for future growth – without serverupgrades or versionchanges
• Automatic updates and securitypatches without manual effort
• A future-proof online shopthat grows with your business.

Migrating to Shopify presents specific technical challenges that require professional support:

Symfony framework and PHP version compatibility

PrestaShop is based on the Symfony framework and is heavily dependent on the installed PHP version . Upgrading from PrestaShop 1.6 to 1.7 or later not only changes the Symfony components but also the PHP requirements . This often leads to compatibility issues with existing modules .

Many shop owners avoid the necessary upgrade to a current PrestaShopversionbecause the risks seem too high. Their online store then runs on an outdated version with security vulnerabilities. With Shopify, these challenges are completely eliminated – no PHPdependencies, no Symfonyframework updates, no manual versionchanges.

Many PrestaShop stores use dozens of installed modules for extended functionality. When upgradingwithin PrestaShop, all modules be checked for compatibility. When migrating to Shopify, we analyze each module and find a suitable alternative within the Shopify ecosystem or develop customsolutions.

The advantage: Shopify apps are continuously maintained and are compatible with every Shopifyversion – no more manual testing after each upgrade is necessary.

PrestaShop offers multi -store functionality, but managing it can be complex. Migrating multi -store setups with different languages, currencies, and product ranges requires special care. Shopify Plus offers more elegant solutions for multi -store management without the technical complexity of the older system.

Many shop owners face a decision:upgrade to a newer version or switch systems completely? In our experience, several reasons argue against another upgrade:

• High upgrade costs: Upgrading to 1.7 or 8.x is very complex.
• Module incompatibility: After each upgrade , all modules be checked and, if necessary, re-licensed.
• Recurring problems: The next upgrade to the next PrestaShopversion is already due in 1-2 years.
• No fundamental improvement: An upgrade does not solve the structural problems of PrestaShop as a self-hosted system.
• Future-proof: With Shopify, you invest in an online storethat automatically stays up-to-date.

An upgrade only postpones the problems – a migration to Shopify solves them permanently.

To ensure the migration is efficient and smooth, we need the following information from the outset:

• Access to the PrestaShop backend and (depending on the setup) server/hosting access
• Overview of must-havemodules, apps and interfaces (ERP, inventory management, newsletter tools)
• Information on the current PrestaShop version and PHP version
• Details on customadjustments and developments in the current system
• Decision whether content should be adopted 1:1 or directly optimized
• Contact person for questions regarding SEO, technology, finance and marketing strategy
• Existing brand assets (graphics, logos, color codes, fonts)
• Documentation of existing modules and their functionality
• History of past upgrades and known issues with your current version