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A Shopify Plus agency needs more than a polished portfolio. I’d look for relevant builds, integration experience, and support after launch.
My top pick leads this shortlist for custom development, and six alternatives suit more specific priorities.
The right match depends on what your store needs to do, not just how it should look.
Key Takeaways
- My top pick suits brands that want Shopify Plus development, app integrations and SEO support from one team.
- Avex suits fashion and lifestyle brands running separate B2C and B2B storefronts.
- Swanky is worth considering for international expansion and subscription commerce.
- We Make Websites has a strong replatforming case study with zero downtime.
- Compare agency fees separately from Shopify subscriptions and ongoing support.
How I Tested
This is a portfolio-based comparison, not firsthand experience hiring these agencies.
I weighed Shopify Plus credentials, named case studies, integration depth, post-launch support and US time-zone coverage.
See Comparing Shopify agency capabilities for a broader comparison.
Platform readiness also matters.
Ask how each team approaches checkout extensions, Shopify Functions and B2B, and have it explain recommendations using current Shopify documentation.
1. Weberous
Pros
- 150+ Shopify stores built, with 50+ on Shopify Plus.
- One of the first Shopify Experts, and a Shopify Plus Partner since the platform’s early days.
- Custom Shopify app development alongside SEO guidance and maintenance support.
Cons
- Rates aren’t listed on its Shopify Plus page.
- Its case studies mix ecommerce work with non-ecommerce projects.
My take
Founded in Los Angeles in 2012, Weberous pairs Shopify Plus development with a marketing background, so integrations, SEO and maintenance sit with one team.
Its case studies include Jeffree Star Cosmetics and FEATURE, a brand blending fashion, music, art and sneaker collections.
With 375+ clients and 450+ projects, it brings breadth beyond a single niche.
Pricing
Request a quote and ask which build, integration and post-launch tasks it covers.
2. Avex
Pros
- NYC-based Shopify Plus Partner focused on fashion and lifestyle brands.
- Refreshed UNITE Hair’s B2B Pro storefront, which runs alongside its B2C store.
- Handled Kit and Ace’s migration from Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify Plus.
Cons
- Its focus on high-growth and enterprise brands may not suit early-stage stores.
- New York hours may limit West Coast overlap.
My take
I’d shortlist Avex for a fashion or beauty brand selling to both consumers and professionals. UNITE Hair is a relevant B2B reference.
Kit and Ace adds migration and international expansion experience through Shopify Markets.
Pricing
Request a project-specific quote. Ask which design, development and post-launch tasks it includes.
3. Swanky
Pros
- Accredited as Shopify Plus Experts in 2016.
- More than a decade of work with North American clients.
- Recognized for DTC subscription builds, with clients such as HelloFresh and Huel.
Cons
- Headquartered in the UK, with no US office listed.
- Coverage runs from UK, European and Australian teams.
My take
Swanky interests me most for cross-border growth.
It helps US brands begin selling into Europe and APAC. US teams should confirm who handles their account and when that team is available.
Pricing
Request a tailored quote. Clarify whether it covers a standalone build, ongoing growth work, or both.
4. We Make Websites
Pros
- Migrated Jigsaw from Aptos to Shopify Plus with no data loss and zero downtime.
- Built a custom click-and-collect app for Jigsaw.
- Stayed on after launch for ongoing design, development and optimization.
Cons
- Its headline case study is a UK fashion retailer.
- US-specific references need checking during discovery.
My take
The Jigsaw project makes this a useful migration shortlist option. It moved customer, order and product data while redesigning the full UX.
I’d ask how the team would protect search visibility and continuity for a store like mine.
Pricing
Request a quote after discovery. Confirm whether migration testing and launch support are included.
5. Coalition Technologies
Pros
- Shopify partner since September 2011.
- Listed as a Premier Partner in Shopify’s directory.
- Development and SEO-led marketing in one agency, based in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Cons
- Its positioning leans SEO-first.
- It works across platforms, including BigCommerce.
My take
Coalition is worth a look when development and marketing need shared oversight.
I’d check the assigned team’s Plus references rather than treat broad credentials as proof of fit.
Pricing
Request separate build and marketing costs. That makes the initial project and ongoing commitments easier to compare.
6. The Working Party
Pros
- Platinum tier in Shopify’s partner directory, and a partner since January 2012.
- Migrated JB Hi-Fi to Shopify Plus and continues to support its team.
- Moved New Era’s Australian store from Hybris to Shopify Plus.
Cons
- Its Melbourne base limits US meeting overlap.
- Published references lean toward Australian retailers.
My take
I’d consider The Working Party for Australia or New Zealand expansion.
Its work for JB Hi-Fi, KOOKAÏ and Lovisa is relevant there. US-only teams should settle communication arrangements before choosing it.
Pricing
Request a scoped proposal. Confirm support coverage, meeting hours and deliverables before client onboarding begins.
7. Absolute Web
Pros
- Miami-based ecommerce agency operating since 1999, with offices in Los Angeles and Lisbon.
- Integration work across ERP, PIM and API connections.
- Shopify Plus development and migrations.
Cons
- Multi-platform focus that also covers Magento and BigCommerce.
- Plus-specific team references need checking during discovery.
My take
I’d consider Absolute Web when connecting business systems is central to the brief.
Confirm which Shopify specialists would deliver the work, and ask for comparable integration examples.
Pricing
Request build and post-launch support quotes. Check which integrations and maintenance tasks fall within each scope.
Conclusion
My top pick remains the best starting point for brands that want custom Shopify Plus development, app integrations and SEO support from a single long-standing partner.
Avex is a useful runner-up for fashion and lifestyle brands with a B2B channel, Swanky for international and subscription growth, and We Make Websites for migrations.
Shortlist two or three, then compare relevant references, ownership of deliverables and support responsibilities.
Ask each agency to walk through one project with a similar catalog size, integrations and operating constraints. That conversation should reveal more than a list of client logos.
