7 Shopify Custom Templates to Elevate Your Store

Level Up Your Store With the Perfect Shopify Template

Choosing the right Shopify template is crucial for a successful online store. It's the foundation of your brand's online presence. It impacts everything from user experience and conversion rates to your overall aesthetic appeal. A poorly optimized template can lead to slow loading times, confusing navigation, and ultimately, lost sales.

Conversely, a high-performing, well-designed template can streamline the customer journey. It can boost your brand image and significantly improve your bottom line. Whether you're a burgeoning eCommerce startup, a rapidly growing brand generating substantial monthly revenue, an established enterprise on Shopify Plus, or simply seeking to optimize your existing Shopify store, selecting the right template is paramount.

This carefully curated list of top-tier Shopify custom templates will equip you with the knowledge to transform your online store. We'll explore key factors to consider when selecting a template. These include:

• Performance
• Customization Options
• Mobile Responsiveness
• Built-in Features

We'll delve into how specific template functionalities address common pain points. These can include:

• Complex Product Displays
• Slow Page Speeds
• Difficulty Integrating Third-Party Apps

We'll also discuss pricing models (ranging from free options to premium investments) and technical considerations like Shopify OS 2.0 compatibility. This is to ensure you make an informed decision aligned with your budget and technical capabilities. By the end of this article, you'll have the insights needed to choose the perfect Shopify template to elevate your brand and drive impactful results.

1. Turbo Theme By Out Of The Sandbox

Turbo, by Out of the Sandbox, is a Shopify theme built for speed and customization. If slow load times are hurting your sales, or you need a flexible theme that can grow with your business, Turbo is a strong contender. This premium theme suits fast-growing eCommerce businesses, established brands using Shopify Plus, and anyone who values a high-performance online store. It's especially good for stores with large inventories and complex navigation.

Why choose Turbo? Its main strength is right in the name: speed. Turbo uses techniques like Ajax-powered shopping, which updates your cart instantly without reloading the page. This creates a smoother experience for customers and can also boost your SEO rankings, since Google prefers fast-loading sites.

Key Features and Benefits

• Blazing Fast Performance: Optimized code and smart loading mean exceptionally fast page loads, leading to better conversions and SEO.

• Advanced Customization: While offering pre-designed styles like Portland, Chicago, and Florence, Turbo provides extensive customization. You can personalize the look and feel of your store, often without any coding. This is a big plus for businesses wanting a unique brand identity.

• Ajax-Powered Shopping: No more page reloads when adding items to the cart. Turbo's Ajax functionality provides a seamless and instant shopping experience.

• Advanced Filtering: If your store has a lot of products, Turbo's powerful filtering helps customers find what they need quickly, improving navigation.

• Multiple Header Layouts & Mega Menu: Tailor your store's header and use the mega menu to organize complex navigation, creating a user-friendly experience.

• Built-in Color Swatches & Quick View: Enhance product discovery with attractive color swatches and let customers preview product details without leaving the collection page.

Pros

• Exceptional Page Load Speed: Boosts SEO and conversion rates.

• Extensive Customization Options: Personalize the theme without needing advanced coding skills.

• Responsive Customer Support: Out of the Sandbox is known for its helpful support team.

• Regular Updates: Keeps your theme compatible with the latest Shopify features.

Cons

• Higher Price Point ($350): A significant investment compared to free or cheaper themes.

• Steeper Learning Curve: The many features can feel overwhelming at first.

• Some Advanced Customizations Require Coding: While much can be done without code, some customizations may need a developer.

Implementation Tips

• Choose the Right Style: Turbo's pre-designed styles (Portland, Chicago, Florence) offer a good starting point. Pick the one that best fits your brand.

• Use the Documentation: Out of the Sandbox provides detailed documentation to help you with setup and customization.

• Consider Professional Help: If you're not comfortable customizing themes, hire a Shopify expert.

Comparison With Other Themes

While premium themes like those from Shogun and ThemeForest also offer customization and performance benefits, Turbo's focus on speed and its dedicated support make it stand out.

Turbo is a powerful option for eCommerce businesses looking for a fast, customizable theme. The higher price can be justified by the potential for more sales and a better customer experience. If speed and flexibility are important to you, Turbo is definitely worth considering.

2. Prestige Theme by Maestrooo

The Prestige theme by Maestrooo is designed for businesses that want to project a luxurious online shopping experience. Created specifically with high-end brands in mind, it offers a minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic. This makes it an ideal choice for premium product categories like jewelry, fashion, cosmetics, and more. It's a strong option for established brands on Shopify Plus, growing brands with substantial revenue, and businesses seeking eCommerce consulting to refine their online presence.

One of Prestige's most compelling features is image hotspot linking. This functionality allows you to tag specific points on your product images, creating direct links to related information or purchase options. For example, imagine showcasing a complex piece of jewelry. With image hotspot linking, customers can click on individual gems to learn about their carat weight or origin. This interactivity elevates the product presentation and creates a more engaging shopping experience.

Prestige further enhances the user experience through advanced product filtering and sorting capabilities. Customers can quickly refine their search based on specific criteria, an essential feature for stores with larger inventories. This streamlined navigation, combined with automatic collection color swatches, makes finding the desired product effortless. For eCommerce marketers and operators, this translates to a smoother customer journey and increased conversion rates.

Prestige also boasts modular sections throughout the entire store, not just the homepage. This level of customization allows eCommerce founders and businesses to create a consistent brand experience across all pages. And the best part? It doesn't require extensive coding knowledge. This is a major advantage for businesses looking for flexibility and ease of use.

Key Features and Benefits

• Image Hotspot Linking: Directly highlight product features and provide detailed information at a glance.
• Advanced Product Filtering and Sorting: Empower customers to quickly find the products they need.
• Collection Color Swatches (Automatic Detection): Simplify product browsing and selection with visually appealing swatches.
• Modular Sections Store-Wide: Enjoy extensive customization options without needing to write code.
• Built-in Instagram Feed & Lookbook Functionality: Seamlessly integrate social media and enhance brand storytelling.

Pros and Cons of the Prestige Theme

• Pros:

• Polished visual presentation perfect for luxury brands.
• Highly customizable without requiring coding skills.
• Excellent, optimized mobile experience for seamless browsing on all devices.
• Comprehensive documentation and support for setup and customization.

Website and Implementation Tips

Website: https://themes.shopify.com/themes/prestige/styles/couture

Before committing to the purchase, explore the theme demo thoroughly to understand its customization options and ensure it aligns with your brand’s visual identity. Consider whether you’ll need any additional apps and factor those costs into your budget. While the $320 price tag is higher than many other themes, the polished aesthetic and advanced features make it a valuable investment for businesses aiming for a truly premium online presence.

3. Flex Theme by Out of the Sandbox

Flex, by Out of the Sandbox, is a true powerhouse for Shopify theme customization. If precise control over your store's design is a priority, Flex delivers. It's a robust theme suited to businesses of all sizes, but its advanced features make it particularly appealing to growing brands and Shopify Plus merchants.

Flex distinguishes itself with a modular design system. Instead of limiting customization to the homepage, Flex allows section-based customization across all pages. This empowers you to create a cohesive brand experience from product pages and collection pages to blog posts and even the checkout process. Imagine building unique landing pages for specific marketing campaigns, or A/B testing different product page layouts. With Flex, these possibilities are at your fingertips.

For emerging eCommerce businesses, Flex’s eight pre-designed styles (Fashion, Classic, Sport, Minimal, Modern, Jewelry, Beauty, and Natural) offer an excellent starting point. These styles provide a polished aesthetic that can be further tailored as your brand develops and your needs change.

Key Features and Benefits

• Section-Based Customization (All Pages): Control the layout and content of every page, creating a truly unique online store.
• Advanced Mega Menu and Multi-Column Dropdowns: Design sophisticated navigation to showcase your product catalog effectively.
• Built-in Product Filtering and Sorting Tools: Improve user experience and make product discovery a breeze for your customers.
• Multiple Product Page Layout Options: Tailor the presentation of your products with different layouts optimized for conversions.
• Customizable Checkout with Upsell Opportunities: Strategically increase average order value during the checkout process.

Pros

• Extremely Versatile: Suitable for diverse industries and product types due to its extensive customization options and pre-designed styles.
• Unmatched Flexibility: Section-based customization on all pages gives you granular control over your store’s design.
• Regular Updates: Out of the Sandbox consistently provides theme updates with new features and improvements.
• Strong Support: Comprehensive documentation and excellent customer support are available to help you.

Cons

• Price: At $450, Flex is a premium theme, representing a significant investment. However, the price is often justifiable for businesses seeking maximum flexibility.
• Complexity: The extensive options can be overwhelming for beginners. Experience with Shopify's theme editor is helpful.
• Coding Requirements: While highly customizable, some advanced modifications might require custom code.

Implementation Tips

• Start with a Style: Using a pre-designed style as a foundation can save considerable setup time.
• Explore the Documentation: Out of the Sandbox offers thorough documentation and tutorials.
• Consider Professional Help: For complex customizations or if you're short on time, consider hiring a Shopify expert.

Website: https://outofthesandbox.com/products/flex-theme

Flex is a powerful tool for creating a unique and optimized Shopify store. While the price and learning curve may be considerations, the flexibility and control make it a valuable investment for businesses that demand the best. For growing eCommerce businesses, established brands, and Shopify Plus merchants, Flex offers a robust platform for building a world-class online store.

4. Archetype Theme by Pixel Union

Archetype by Pixel Union is a versatile Shopify theme suitable for a wide range of industries. This makes it a solid option for businesses of all sizes and with varying needs. Its three distinct styles – Motion, Impulse, and Streamline – offer a modern aesthetic and user-friendly shopping experience. The focus is on presenting products effectively. Archetype earns a spot on this list thanks to its balance of robust features, ease of use, and a more accessible price point than some premium competitors.

Who Is Archetype Best For?

• Emerging eCommerce Businesses: Archetype's relative ease of use and straightforward setup make it a good starting point for new businesses launching on Shopify. The pre-designed styles provide a polished look without needing extensive coding knowledge.

• Growing Brands With Significant Monthly Revenue: As your business expands, Archetype’s features become increasingly valuable. Advanced product filtering, collection display options, and promotional banners help showcase a growing product catalog and run targeted campaigns.

• Established Brands on Shopify Plus: While not exclusively for Plus merchants, Archetype’s focus on conversion optimization and modern design aligns with the needs of larger brands.

Key Features and Benefits

• Predictive Search With Product Thumbnails: This feature enhances the user experience by displaying quick search results with visuals. This speeds up product discovery and can potentially boost conversions.

• Multiple Header Styles and Navigation Options: Customize your storefront navigation to best suit your brand and product offerings. This can improve user experience and product findability.

• Advanced Product Filtering and Collection Display Options: Control how products are organized and displayed. This is important for showcasing diverse product lines and making browsing easy.

• Customizable Promotional Banners and Content Blocks: Promote specific products, sales, or announcements directly on the homepage and other important pages with flexible options.

• Built-in Instagram Feed Integration: Connect your social media presence directly to your store to increase brand engagement and provide social proof.

Pros

• Good Balance of Functionality and Ease of Use: Archetype offers a range of features without overwhelming users with complex customization options.

• Mobile-Optimized Design With Excellent Responsive Layouts: Ensures a smooth shopping experience across devices, which is essential for capturing mobile traffic.

• More Affordable Than Some Premium Competitors ($280): Provides great value for its price compared to other high-end themes.

• Regular Updates and Reliable Support From Pixel Union: The theme stays compatible with the latest Shopify features. You also have peace of mind knowing support is readily available.

Cons

• Less Extensive Customization Options Compared to Themes Like Flex or Turbo: While versatile, Archetype might not be ideal for businesses needing highly specialized storefront designs.

• Some Advanced Features Require Additional Apps: Be aware that some functionalities might require third-party apps, which adds to the overall cost.

• Limited Documentation Compared to Some Competitors: While Pixel Union offers support, their documentation may be less comprehensive than other theme providers.

Implementation Tips

• Choose the Style That Best Suits Your Brand: Experiment with Motion, Impulse, and Streamline to see which best reflects your brand identity.

• Utilize the Promotional Banners and Content Blocks Strategically: Plan your promotional campaigns and content to maximize the impact of these features.

• Optimize Product Filtering and Collection Displays: Carefully structure your product categories and filters to improve user browsing and product discovery.

Pricing: $280 (one-time purchase)

Website: https://www.pixelunion.net/themes/archetype/

Archetype is a robust and user-friendly theme offering a strong foundation for businesses wanting a modern, conversion-focused online store. While it might not be as customizable as some pricier competitors, its combination of functionality, ease of use, and accessible pricing makes it a great option for a wide range of eCommerce businesses.

5. Shoptimized Theme

Shoptimized earns its place on this list thanks to a laser focus on conversion rate optimization (CRO). Unlike themes that prioritize aesthetics, Shoptimized is built to drive sales. This makes it a compelling option for emerging eCommerce businesses seeking a quick boost, growing brands looking to scale revenue, and even established Shopify Plus brands optimizing their current setup. It’s particularly well-suited for dropshipping businesses and those using direct response marketing.

Shoptimized goes beyond just a visually appealing storefront. It incorporates many built-in features designed to encourage purchases. Think of it as a pre-packaged suite of conversion-boosting tools, saving you the time and cost of installing multiple apps.

Key Features & Benefits

• Urgency & Scarcity: Built-in scarcity timers and low stock counters create a sense of urgency, prompting immediate purchases.

• Social Proof: Integrated trust badges and testimonials build credibility and reduce customer hesitation.

• Upselling & Cross-selling: Advanced upsell and cross-sell features within the cart and during checkout maximize average order value. This includes one-click upsells and order bumps for a streamlined customer experience.

• Optimized Checkout: Sticky add-to-cart buttons and a mobile-first checkout minimize friction and abandoned carts.

• Marketing Integrations: Features like countdown timers and promotional banners are built-in, eliminating the need for separate apps.

Pros

• Conversion-Focused Design: Designed specifically to boost conversions with proven CRO tactics.

• All-in-One Solution: Includes marketing features that often require separate app installations and subscriptions.

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly updated with new conversion-focused features and improvements.

• Comprehensive Support: Includes detailed video tutorials and documentation for easy setup and customization.

Cons

• Aesthetic Limitations: The design, while functional, may not be as visually polished as some premium themes and might not suit luxury brands.

• Aggressive Marketing: The strong emphasis on conversion tactics might feel pushy for some brands or product niches.

• Pricing: At $297 with recurring yearly license fees for updates, it represents a larger investment than many other themes.

Implementation Tips

• Analyze Your Current Conversion Rate: Before using Shoptimized, establish a baseline conversion rate to measure its impact accurately.

• A/B Test Features: Experiment with different built-in features to find what works best for your target audience.

• Customize Strategically: While Shoptimized offers many pre-built features, adapt them to match your brand identity and messaging.

Comparison

While themes like Turbo and Debut focus on speed and simplicity, Shoptimized prioritizes conversions. If your main goal is increasing sales, Shoptimized offers a more targeted solution than general-purpose themes. However, if branding and a highly refined aesthetic are paramount, exploring other premium themes might be more suitable.

Website: Shoptimized

Shoptimized is a powerful tool for eCommerce businesses focused on sales growth. By using its built-in CRO features, you could see a significant increase in conversions and revenue. However, carefully consider the pros and cons, factoring in your brand aesthetic and budget before making a decision.

6. Expanse Theme By Archetype Themes

The Expanse theme, crafted by Archetype Themes, stands out for its ability to weave compelling narratives and create a truly immersive shopping experience. This premium theme is perfect for brands that prioritize content and visual appeal, making it a particularly attractive option for businesses in lifestyle, fashion, home goods, and artisanal products.

Expanse moves beyond simple product displays. It allows you to craft a story around your brand, communicating your values and forging deeper connections with customers. This is especially valuable for emerging e-commerce businesses establishing their brand identity and for growing brands seeking to enhance their online presence.

Features & Benefits

• Immersive Storytelling: Imagine showcasing the craftsmanship of your handmade goods or the inspiration behind your latest collection through captivating visuals and compelling copy. Expanse’s built-in story sections, complete with parallax scrolling, make this a reality.

• Advanced Product Galleries: Give customers a detailed look at your products with high-quality galleries, zoom functionality, and embedded videos. This interactive experience builds confidence and encourages conversions.

• Full-Width Layout & Media: Expanse leverages full-width layouts and prominent media displays to create a visually striking online storefront. This immersive design draws customers in and encourages them to explore, a key advantage for visually-driven brands.

• Customizable Navigation: Organize even the largest product catalogs with ease using mega menus and multi-level navigation. This ensures a seamless user experience, essential for established brands and Shopify Plus merchants with extensive product lines.

• Lookbook & Featured Collections: Curate and showcase products in a visually appealing way using integrated lookbook and featured collection displays. Inspire customers and drive sales with carefully chosen selections.

Pros

• Balanced Design: Expanse strikes an excellent balance between visual appeal and functionality.
• Brand Building Focus: The theme emphasizes storytelling and brand building.
• Responsive Design: A well-designed mobile experience caters to the increasing number of mobile shoppers.
• Regular Updates: Archetype Themes provides regular updates, ensuring ongoing compatibility and feature enhancements.

Cons

• Premium Pricing: At $350, the price tag might be a concern for smaller businesses. However, the investment can be valuable for brands prioritizing a premium shopping experience and strong brand building.

• Advanced Customization: Some advanced customizations may require CSS knowledge. While the theme offers many customization options, more complex tweaks may necessitate coding skills or the help of a developer.

• Resource Intensive: Heavy media usage can be resource-intensive. Thorough image optimization is crucial to avoid performance issues and maintain a smooth user experience.

Implementation Tips

• Content Strategy: Before implementing Expanse, plan your brand narrative and the content you'll need. This ensures a cohesive and engaging story.

• Media Optimization: Compress images and videos to minimize loading times and keep your site speed fast.

• Customization: Explore the theme editor to tailor the design and layout to your brand's aesthetics.

Comparison

While other themes might offer similar visual elements, Expanse sets itself apart with its dedicated focus on storytelling and brand building. Platforms like Shogun and PageFly offer page builders with drag-and-drop functionality, but Expanse provides a more cohesive and integrated approach to storytelling within the theme itself.

Website

https://themes.shopify.com/themes/expanse/styles/allure

Expanse is a great choice for brands looking to create a visually stunning and content-rich online store that resonates with customers. While the premium price point may be a factor for some, the long-term benefits of enhanced brand building and customer engagement can justify the investment for businesses focused on growth and a premium online presence.

7. Dawn Theme (Shopify OS 2.0 Default)

While not technically a premium theme, Dawn is the foundation of Shopify's Online Store 2.0. It's a powerful, customizable, and high-performing starting point for any Shopify store. Think of it as a versatile blank canvas ready for your unique design.

Dawn is more than just a free theme; it represents a shift in how Shopify themes are built.

Why Choose Dawn?

Dawn prioritizes speed and flexibility. Built with Shopify's latest architecture, it boasts significantly faster loading times—up to 40% faster than older themes. This speed directly impacts conversion rates and SEO.

Its section-based customization, applied to all pages, gives merchants and developers precise control over content. This empowers you to create a truly bespoke online store.

Key Features & Benefits

• Built on Shopify's Online Store 2.0 Architecture: This ensures compatibility and a robust foundation.
• Extremely Performance-Optimized: Faster loading leads to improved user experience and search engine rankings.
• Section-Based Customization: Drag-and-drop sections empower merchants to manage content with ease.
• Flexible Grid System: Create dynamic and visually appealing product displays.
• Native Integration with Newest Shopify Features: Stay up-to-date with the latest Shopify functionalities.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of using the Dawn theme.

Pros

• Completely Free: Eliminates the cost barrier for businesses.
• Fastest Loading Shopify Theme: Gain a tangible performance advantage.
• Regular Updates from Shopify: Ensures ongoing compatibility and access to the latest features.
• Clean Code Base: Ideal for developers to build custom functionalities.

Cons

• Basic Design: Requires design work for a polished look.
• Fewer Built-in Marketing Features: May require apps or custom development.
• Advanced Customizations Require Developers: Complex designs need developer expertise.

Implementation & Setup Tips

Dawn is the default theme for new Shopify stores on OS 2.0. For existing stores, install it from the Shopify Theme Store. Basic setup is straightforward. However, maximizing Dawn's potential may involve a developer to tailor it to specific needs.

Comparing Dawn to Premium Themes

Compared to premium themes, Dawn offers less out-of-the-box design and marketing features. However, its speed, flexibility, and clean code make it an excellent choice for performance and customization. If you have development resources, Dawn offers immense potential.

Website

Dawn Theme

Who Should Use Dawn?

Dawn is a good choice for:

• Growing Brands: Those investing in performance and custom features.
• Established Brands on Shopify Plus: Businesses needing a flexible foundation.
• Businesses with Development Resources: Companies creating high-performing and customized storefronts.

While emerging businesses might find Dawn's basic design sufficient initially, its true strength is its customizability. This makes it better suited for businesses focused on long-term scalability and performance.

7-Point Shopify Template Comparison

Ready to Transform Your Shopify Store?

With this curated list of Shopify custom templates—from the versatile Turbo Theme to the sleek Prestige Theme and the robust Flex Theme—you're equipped to make an informed decision and elevate your online store. But choosing the right template is just the first step. Successful implementation requires careful consideration of several factors.

When selecting a template, balance your budget with the features and aesthetic you require. Themes like Dawn (free) offer a solid foundation, while premium options like Turbo, Prestige, and Flex provide advanced functionalities and customization options, but come with an associated cost.

Consider your technical expertise. Some templates, especially those heavily customizable like Flex, may require more coding knowledge. Think about your future growth. Will this theme scale with your business as it expands?

Integration and compatibility are also crucial. Ensure your chosen theme supports the apps and integrations your business relies on. Check for compatibility with Shopify's latest features and updates.

Proper implementation is essential for maximizing the benefits of your new template. Thorough testing and optimization post-launch are critical for a seamless customer experience. This ensures your customers have a smooth and enjoyable journey on your site.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Shopify Theme

• Budget: Free themes like Dawn are a great starting point for new businesses or those with limited budgets, while premium themes offer advanced features and increased customization.
• Features & Aesthetics: Select a theme that aligns with your brand identity and has the necessary functional requirements for your specific products or services.
• Technical Expertise: Consider the level of coding knowledge required for customization and whether you'll need to hire a developer or learn new skills.
• Scalability: Ensure the theme can grow and adapt alongside your business, accommodating increased traffic and product offerings.
• Integration & Compatibility: Verify compatibility with essential apps, plugins, and Shopify features to avoid conflicts and maintain functionality.
• Implementation & Optimization: Plan for thorough testing and ongoing optimization after launch to address any issues and ensure a smooth customer experience.

Choosing the right template and implementing it effectively can be a complex undertaking. You need a partner who understands the nuances of Shopify, from design and development to conversion rate optimization and strategic growth planning.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your Shopify store? ECORN offers a dynamic blend of Shopify expertise, providing scalable solutions tailored to your specific eCommerce needs. From design and development to CRO and Shopify Plus management, our team of dedicated specialists is ready to enhance your project with efficiency and expertise.

Whether you need a complete overhaul or strategic guidance, we offer flexible subscription packages and project-based options to fit your budget. Let us help you transform your vision into a thriving online business. Visit ECORN today to discover how we can help you achieve your eCommerce goals.