Let’s be real: trying to find the right partner for an enterprise e-commerce business is terrifying. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. You are essentially handing over the keys to your primary revenue engine, writing a check for six figures, and praying that the team on the other side cares as much about your Black Friday uptime as you do.
We’ve all seen the stats—nearly 70% of digital transformation projects fail to hit their goals. But numbers on a page don’t really capture the feeling of sitting in a boardroom, staring at a crashed checkout page during a flash sale, and realizing your “budget-friendly” dev shop has ghosted you. That specific pit in your stomach? I never want you to feel that. That is why vetting Shopify Plus agencies is probably the single most critical thing you’ll do this year.
The landscape for 2026 looks different. The ecosystem has matured. We aren’t just looking for people who can hack together a theme anymore. We need partners who understand headless architecture, retention marketing, and complex ERP integrations. You aren’t buying a website; you’re entering a technical marriage.
Here is our honest take on the partners who actually deliver.
Table of Contents
Use this list to jump around. We cover our criteria, the top 11 agencies, some niche mentions, and the questions we hear most often.
- TL;DR: The Quick List
- Comparison Table
- How We Evaluated These Agencies
- 1. The Marketing Agency
- 2. G & Co.
- 3. Netalico
- 4. We Make Websites
- 5. Blubolt
- 6. Eastside Co
- 7. DigitalSuits
- 8. Swanky
- 9. DevsData LLC
- 10. Space48
- 11. Avex
- Notable Mentions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts: The Missing Piece
TL;DR
If you don’t have time to read the deep dive, here is the cheat sheet on who to call based on what you actually need.
- The Marketing Agency: Best for brands that care about ROI and AI-driven growth just as much as the code.
- G & Co.: Best for luxury brands and massive digital transformations.
- Netalico: Best for merchants who want a fractional team to optimize constantly, not just a one-off build.
- We Make Websites: Best for international brands who need a safe, experienced pair of hands.
- Blubolt: Best for messy migrations and brands needing deep backend technical chops.
- Eastside Co: Best for a full-service approach (apps + strategy + marketing).
- DigitalSuits: Best for speed, efficiency, and “outstaffing” talent for headless builds.
- Swanky: Best for subscription brands obsessed with Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO).
- DevsData LLC: Best for hard-core engineering talent and AI challenges.
- Space48: Best for retailers who need a platform-agnostic perspective (Magento/BigCommerce experience).
- Avex: Best for fashion and lifestyle brands prioritizing “the vibe” and retention.
Comparison Table
Here is a quick breakdown to help you compare the pricing tiers and main selling points at a glance.
| Agency | Best Known For | Pricing Tier | Top Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Marketing Agency | Performance & ROI | Competitive / Value | AI-Driven Growth Systems |
| G & Co. | Enterprise Innovation | Enterprise | Scientific Market Analysis |
| Netalico | Fractional Growth Teams | Retainer Model | Monthly Optimization |
| We Make Websites | International Scale | Premium | Global Rollouts |
| Blubolt | Technical Heritage | Mid-to-High | Proprietary “bluCommerce” Tools |
| Eastside Co | Full-Service Ecosystem | Premium | Board-Level Strategy |
| DigitalSuits | Speed & Outstaffing | Flexible | Headless Commerce |
| Swanky | Subscription Growth | Premium | Data-Driven CRO |
| DevsData LLC | Technical Recruitment | Competitive | Top-Tier Engineering Talent |
| Space48 | Platform Agnostic | Enterprise | Complex Back-Office Integrations |
| Avex | Fashion & Lifestyle | Premium (NYC) | High-End Aesthetic & Retention |
What We Actually Looked For
Before we rip into the list, let’s set some ground rules. When we vetted these Shopify agencies, we looked past the shiny portfolios. A pretty portfolio often hides a messy backend. We looked at the stuff that keeps a business running when things go wrong.
Technical Pedigree & Scalability: This is non-negotiable. Can the agency handle high-volume transaction periods without the site buckling? We looked for teams that understand the unsexy stuff—ERPs, CRMs, OMS—and write clean code that doesn’t turn into spaghetti six months down the line.
Design & User Experience (UX): We aren’t looking for art projects; we want design that converts. The best Shopify Plus development agency prioritizes accessibility and navigation just as much as looking cool.
The “Aftercare” (Retainer Model): E-commerce is never “done.” We prioritized agencies that stick around. We want continuous optimization, not a team that launches the site and disappears into the ether. Opinions don’t pay the bills—data does. We looked for track records of increasing AOV and LTV based on hard numbers, not gut feelings.
Cultural Fit: You are going to be talking to these people every day. We valued transparency in pricing (no hidden fees), the use of real project management tools like Jira, and clear communication.
1. The Marketing Agency
Best Known For: Performance & ROI
The Marketing Agency sits at the top of this list because they solve the biggest problem most merchants face: building a beautiful site that nobody visits. They treat e-commerce as a growth channel rather than just a web design project.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 5/5
- Post-Launch Support: 5/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 5/5
Features
They handle the full scope—new builds, migrations (from Squarespace, Magento, etc.), and agile web development. But their secret sauce is integrating AI-powered campaigns and “scientific SEO” directly into the build. They make sure the site is ready to rank and convert before you launch.
Pros
Unlike agencies that hand over the keys and walk away, these guys focus on ROI. They use proprietary AI systems to analyze campaign data in real-time. Their pricing is also surprisingly competitive compared to the massive enterprise shops, making them a solid pick for brands that want high performance without paying for a fancy office address.
Cons
Because they are a holistic partner focused on growth systems, they aren’t the right fit if you just want a quick, cheap theme slap. They want to be involved in the long game.
The Verdict
Data-Driven CRO is a 5/5. Every decision—from site structure to metadata—is made with the bottom line in mind. Post-Launch Support is 5/5 because their retainers focus on moving the revenue needle, not just fixing bugs.
Price
Competitive/Value. New builds typically range from $8,000–$35,000. Monthly optimization retainers start at $2,500.
2. G & Co.
Best Known For: Enterprise Innovation Strategy
G & Co. positions itself differently than your standard dev shop. They are innovation leaders. If you are a legacy brand trying to figure out how to move to Shopify Plus without losing your soul, or a high-growth DTC brand that needs a serious enterprise strategy, these are your people. They excel at “digital transformation”—taking a business stuck in the past and dragging it into the future.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 5/5
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 5/5
Features
They offer bespoke development that feels truly custom. Their service list includes advanced SEO strategies and intelligent automation solutions. They think about how the build fits into your entire retail ecosystem.
Pros
What stands out is their “scientific approach” to market analysis. They fill the gaps that most creative agencies miss because they look at the data first. There is also a distinct focus on luxury—if you need your site to feel expensive and frictionless, they nail that vibe.
Cons
Quality costs money. This is an enterprise-level service. If you are a startup counting every penny, this is likely overkill for where you are right now.
The Verdict
We gave them a 5/5 on Technical Pedigree because of their ability to handle complex digital transformations involving new tech like AI. Their Design & UX also hit 5/5.
Community Reviews
Scanning through client feedback, people love their flexibility. One client from a software solutions company noted that G & Co. created a “unified and professional brand presence” for their SaaS product, MonkeyJar.
Price
Enterprise Pricing. You will need to get a custom quote, but expect it to reflect the premium nature of the work.
3. Netalico
Best Known For: Fractional Growth Teams
Netalico disrupts the traditional agency model in a way that I respect. Instead of the “launch and leave” approach, they act as a “fractional” e-commerce team. This works perfectly for mid-market merchants ($2M – $50M revenue) who need constant iteration but don’t want to hire a full in-house engineering department.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 4/5
- Design & UX: 4/5
- Post-Launch Support: 5/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 5/5
Features
Their core offering is a monthly retainer model that includes a dedicated project manager, GitHub version control (crucial for code safety), and urgent support access. They focus on high ROI through continuous tweaks.
Pros
The transparency here is refreshing. They have clear pricing tiers, which is almost unheard of in this industry. You also save on recruitment costs because you essentially rent a high-end team.
Cons
If you want a massive, one-time project build and then want to cut ties, this isn’t the right fit. They build relationships, not just websites.
The Verdict
They score a perfect 5/5 on Post-Launch Support because that is their entire business model. Their Data-Driven CRO is also a 5/5 because their work is predicated on making small changes that make you more money over time.
Community Reviews
Clients seem to view Netalico as an extension of their own staff. Ashley Taylor, Co-Founder of Taylor Custom Rings, mentioned being “pleasantly surprised at how well they customized an existing Shopify theme to make our website seem 100% custom.”
Price
Retainer Model. Retainers range from $2,700 to $10,000/month, with the average client spending around $4,500/month.
4. We Make Websites
Best Known For: International Scale
With offices in London and New York, We Make Websites (WMW) is a veteran. They have been around the block. Now acquired by the tech giant Tech Mahindra, they have the massive backing required to handle huge international rollouts. They pitch themselves as the agency for international brands, and they have the portfolio to back it up.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 5/5
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 4/5
Features
They cover the full spectrum: UX and design, heavy Shopify development, marketing, and e-commerce strategy. Their “safe pair of hands” reputation is well-earned.
Pros
The client roster is intimidating in a good way—Pangaia, Hasbro, David Beckham. If they can handle those brands, they can handle yours. They have deep experience in scaling brands globally, dealing with multi-currency and multi-language setups.
Cons
Since they are part of a larger conglomerate now, you might find they lack the boutique, scrappy feel of smaller independent agencies. Processes might be more rigid.
The Verdict
Technical Pedigree is a 5/5 simply due to the scale they operate at. You don’t work with Hasbro if your code crashes. Design & UX is also 5/5.
Community Reviews
They are ranked as the number 1 design, build, and marketing team on Shopify Experts. Their case studies claim clients have doubled revenue after working with them.
Price
Premium/Enterprise. Expect to pay for the safety and experience they bring to the table.
5. Blubolt
Best Known For: Deep Technical Heritage
Blubolt is fascinating because they didn’t start as a design agency; they started as a software company that built their own e-commerce platform. Eventually, they pivoted to Shopify, but that DNA remains. They understand backend architecture and data migration better than almost anyone because they used to build the engines themselves.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 4/5
- Post-Launch Support: 5/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 4/5
Features
They offer “bluCommerce” proprietary tools and custom app development. Their growth packages are comprehensive, and they are a standout in the partner directory for being the quickest agency to gain Shopify Plus Partner accreditation.
Pros
They have a 7-year average client partnership duration. In the agency world, that is an eternity. It suggests incredibly high client satisfaction. They are also very strong on complex migrations where data integrity is paramount.
Cons
Their rigorous process might be overkill for simple, low-SKU brands. If you just need a quick theme reskin, look elsewhere.
The Verdict
Technical Pedigree is a 5/5. Their history of building platforms gives them an edge in understanding the “why” behind the code. Post-Launch Support is 5/5, evidenced by that 7-year retention stat.
Price
Mid-to-High Tier. Projects generally take 3-9 months. They target brands with £5M+ revenue, so pricing will reflect that level of service.
6. Eastside Co
Best Known For: Full-Service Ecosystem
Eastside Co is a veteran that has grown alongside Shopify itself. They are privately owned and service clients globally. They are a safe bet for brands needing a blend of strategy, app development, and marketing under one roof. They don’t just build the store; they help you run it.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 4/5
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 4/5
Features
They offer full-service e-commerce strategy, app development, SEO, and email marketing. They are truly a one-stop shop.
Pros
They have worked with massive brands like Nike and Unilever. Their knowledge of the ecosystem is incredibly deep. They also provide board-level strategic advice, which is valuable if you need help steering the ship, not just rowing it.
Cons
High demand often means a waitlist or a rigorous vetting process for new clients. You have to be the right fit for them as much as they are for you.
The Verdict
Technical Pedigree is 5/5 due to their custom app development capabilities. Design & UX is 4/5, solid and reliable.
Community Reviews
Clients praise Eastside Co for their thoroughness. One review noted their “excellent communication skills” and the “level of detail provided in their work.”
Price
Enterprise/Premium. Pricing is custom and based on scope, but they are positioned for ambitious brands.
7. DigitalSuits
Best Known For: Speed and Outstaffing
DigitalSuits is an award-winning agency that focuses on efficiency. They are particularly strong in “outstaffing” models and headless commerce. If you need deep customization beyond standard themes and you need it done fast, these are your people.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 4/5
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 4/5
Features
They provide full-cycle services, headless commerce builds, and performance tuning. Unlike many other shops, they offer IT outstaffing, allowing you to augment your internal team with their developers.
Pros
They have proven results in increasing site speed—one case study notes a 50% speed increase. Their flexible cooperation models (outstaffing vs. project-based) allow you to scale your team up and down as needed.
Cons
While strong in design, their core DNA is heavily rooted in technical development. If you need pure, abstract brand conceptualization, you might want to pair them with a dedicated branding agency.
The Verdict
Technical Pedigree is 5/5. Their ability to integrate with ERPs, CRMs, and logistics systems is repeatedly praised in reviews.
Community Reviews
The reviews for DigitalSuits are glowing regarding their technical capability. A Product Manager at Aquablu noted that DigitalSuits “eliminated 60% of the manual work in the order handling process.”
Price
Flexible. Projects typically range from $8,000 monthly to $40,000 total. They offer strong value for cost.
8. Swanky
Best Known For: Subscription Growth & CRO
Swanky is a full-service Plus agency with a specific reputation for helping subscription brands grow. Their team includes experts across all e-commerce disciplines, but they shine brightest when optimizing the customer journey for recurring revenue.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 4/5
- Design & UX: 5/5
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 5/5
Features
They specialize in migration, web design, CRO, and marketing services, with a specific focus on subscription mechanics.
Pros
They have an excellent track record with subscription giants like Huel and Hello Fresh. If your business model relies on LTV and recurring orders, Swanky understands the psychology behind that better than most.
Cons
Their specialized high-growth focus requires brands to be ready for aggressive scaling strategies. They aren’t for the faint of heart.
The Verdict
Data-Driven CRO is 5/5. Their entire reputation is built on testing and optimizing for conversion. Design & UX is 5/5, specifically regarding the user flows required for subscription management.
Community Reviews
They are recognized for “creative design solutions” and “timely project completion.” The communication is noted as a strong suit.
Price
Premium Agency Pricing. You are paying for specialized expertise in the subscription niche.
9. DevsData LLC
Best Known For: High-End Technical Recruitment
DevsData is unique in this list. They function as a premium technology partner and recruitment agency. They are the go-to for brands that need “Google-level” experts to handle complex backend challenges, AI integrations, or custom software development within the Shopify environment.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 3/5 (Focus is dev)
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 4/5
Features
They offer staff augmentation, complex backend development, and AI/Machine Learning integration. They operate less like a creative shop and more like a high-end engineering firm.
Pros
You get access to top-tier engineering talent that is usually incredibly hard to find. Their flexible team structures allow you to tackle very specific, hard technical problems.
Cons
They are less focused on the “creative/branding” side compared to design-first agencies. They are better suited for technically complex projects where the code is the bottleneck.
The Verdict
Technical Pedigree is a hard 5/5. This is their bread and butter. Design & UX is rated 3/5 only because their primary focus is the engine, not the paint job.
Community Reviews
The CTO of GlossGenius, Inc. stated, “The quality of developers they deliver is beyond what we’ve received from any other vendor.”
Price
Competitive. Due to their global team structure, they can offer premium talent at competitive rates.
10. Space48
Best Known For: Platform Agnostic Expertise
Space48 has a footprint across Europe. They are platform agnostic, working with BigCommerce and Magento as well as Shopify. This gives them a broader perspective on e-commerce architecture. They are excellent for brands that have complex back-office requirements or are migrating from legacy platforms.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 5/5
- Design & UX: 4/5
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 4/5
Features
They offer eCommerce strategy, consulting, digital marketing, and complex migrations. Their multi-platform experience stands out.
Pros
Their deep technical expertise across multiple platforms means they won’t force you into a solution that doesn’t fit. Their remote-first culture attracts top global talent.
Cons
Because they serve multiple platforms, you need to ensure you get their dedicated Shopify Plus team to get the specific platform expertise you need.
The Verdict
Technical Pedigree is 5/5. Their experience with Magento (known for being complex) translates well to handling complex Shopify setups.
Community Reviews
A Director at a hair color products company praised them as a “one-stop shop,” noting their expertise in data, design, development, and marketing.
Price
Enterprise Pricing.
11. Avex
Best Known For: Fashion & Lifestyle Branding
Based in New York City, Avex is the agency of choice for high-end lifestyle brands like Hugo Boss and Kith. They focus heavily on the intersection of design, technology, and retention (email/SMS), ensuring that the brand aesthetic is preserved while maximizing LTV.
Criteria Ratings:
- Technical Pedigree: 4/5
- Design & UX: 5/5
- Post-Launch Support: 4/5
- Data-Driven CRO: 4/5
Features
They provide branding, UX/UI design, Klaviyo email marketing services, and headless builds. They deeply understand the “drop culture” and high-traffic events common in fashion.
Pros
They are deeply embedded in the fashion and luxury industry. They understand that for these brands, the “vibe” is just as important as the conversion rate.
Cons
Their niche focus on lifestyle and fashion might not suit industrial or B2B merchants who need a more utilitarian approach.
The Verdict
Design & UX is a resounding 5/5. They create beautiful, immersive experiences. Technical Pedigree is 4/5, capable of headless builds that support these heavy design requirements.
Community Reviews
Justin Gray, Founder of Enlightened, gave a glowing review: “These guys are legit. I’ll never hire another agency as long as I’m working.”
Price
Premium/NYC Agency Pricing. Projects typically range from $10,000 to $50,000+ depending on scope.
Notable Mentions
While they didn’t make the top list, these agencies offer specific expertise that might fit niche requirements:
- Charle: A London-based agency known for a subscription-based technical support method. Check them out here.
- By Association Only (BAO): Focused strictly on luxury fashion, beauty, and wellness. Experts in high-end design. Check them out here.
- Fostr: Gained fame for moving Gymshark to Shopify Plus. A go-to for massive scale in fashion and beauty. Check them out here.
- Arctic Grey: Specialized in speed and performance, catering to D2C and B2B merchants. Check them out here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Shopify Plus agency typically charge?
It’s all over the map, but for a full build or migration with a top-tier agency, you should expect to budget anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000+. Retainers for post-launch support generally run between $3,000 and $10,000 per month.
How long does a migration to Shopify Plus take?
A standard migration usually takes 3 to 6 months. However, if you are doing complex ERP integrations or headless architectures, that can easily slide to 9 months or more. If you are considering a move, it is vital to understand the full scope of a Retail Website Migration to avoid common pitfalls.
Do I really need a monthly retainer?
If you are doing serious volume, yes. E-commerce is not a “set it and forget it” game. A retainer ensures you have a team ready to fix bugs, update apps, and optimize conversion rates continuously. Without it, you are reacting to problems rather than preventing them. This is why agencies heavily push for this model—it protects your revenue.
What is the difference between a redesign and a refresh?
A refresh is usually just a facelift—colors, fonts, and minor layout tweaks—without touching the backend code. A redesign is a structural overhaul that often involves changing the theme, altering the user flow, and rewriting code for performance.
Can these agencies handle headless commerce?
Most of the agencies on this list, particularly G & Co., DigitalSuits, and Blubolt, specialize in headless. This separates the frontend design from the backend logic, allowing for faster load times and more design flexibility. A skilled agency will be able to tell you if headless is actually necessary for your specific needs (often, it isn’t).
Final Thoughts: The Missing Piece
Selecting one of these agencies solves the “Build” and “Maintain” phases of your e-commerce journey. These teams will construct a high-performance infrastructure for your business. But even the fastest infrastructure sits idle without fuel and a professional operator. A dev agency can build the race car, but they don’t always know how to drive it.
The Marketing Agency steps in where the build leaves off. While your technical partner focuses on infrastructure and code, we focus on Performance and ROI.
- Scientific SEO & Content: A beautiful Shopify Plus site needs traffic. We utilize a “scientific approach” to SEO, ensuring your new site ranks for high-intent keywords. You can see how this works in practice in our Shopify SEO Case Study.
- AI-Driven Growth: Just as Shopify Plus scales your tech, we scale your marketing using proprietary AI systems to analyze campaign data in real-time.
- Web Development Support: If you aren’t ready for a massive agency retainer, we offer agile web development services that prioritize conversion and speed.
By pairing a top-tier build with The Marketing Agency’s data-driven user acquisition strategies, you ensure that your platform doesn’t just function—it thrives. For more options on partners who can help drive traffic to your new build, check out our list of Ecommerce SEO Agencies. Ultimately, the right agency is the one that understands your bottom line.
Ready to fuel your new Shopify Plus store? Contact The Marketing Agency today to discuss your growth strategy.
