Shopify powers thousands of online stores across the world. It’s trusted for its user-friendly dashboard, app integrations, and reliable checkout system. But as online shopping gets more competitive, many brands want more than just a basic store—they want full control over the look and feel of their website.
That’s why more businesses are now choosing to build Shopify with React.
By combining Shopify’s backend features with the speed and flexibility of React, brands can build custom storefronts that stand out. Whether it’s better performance, smoother browsing, or tailored product pages, React with Shopify offers the tools to make it possible.
Why Use React with Shopify?
React is a JavaScript framework used to build fast, interactive web interfaces. Shopify, on the other hand, is a complete eCommerce platform with strong backend support. When you pair React with Shopify, you get the best of both worlds: a powerful backend and a fully customizable frontend.
Brands that build Shopify with React often do so because:
They want faster site performance
They need more design freedom
They require advanced features not possible with standard themes
With React with Shopify, developers can create unique customer experiences, improve mobile usability, and add interactive features that boost engagement.
Build Fast, Custom Shopify Stores with React JS
Trusted by top eCommerce brands to deliver high-performance storefronts that stand out.
A store built using Shopify with React looks and behaves differently from a traditional theme-based site. Instead of using Liquid templates, everything on the frontend is powered by React.
Product pages that update instantly without reloads
A cart that updates in the background
Fast navigation between collections and product details
All of these features are possible when developers choose to build Shopify with React from the ground up.
Headless Shopify Architecture Using React
One of the most common ways to use React with Shopify is through a headless setup. In this structure, Shopify handles the backend (product data, orders, customer info), while React powers the frontend.
This approach gives developers complete freedom to create the store layout and interactions from scratch.
To make this work, the frontend connects to Shopify using the Storefront API. This API delivers product and customer data to the React app in real time, making the whole shopping experience more flexible and responsive.
Popular tools for building Shopify with React include:
Hydrogen – Shopify’s React-based framework
Next.js – A full-stack React framework with great performance
Gatsby – Ideal for fast-loading static sites
All of these tools allow teams to build React with Shopify projects that fit the needs of fast-growing brands.
Benefits of Building Shopify with React
There are several reasons why brands are switching to React with Shopify. Here are a few key benefits:
1. Speed
React improves load times and page transitions. Customers can move between products and collections without delays.
2. Full Design Control
Building Shopify with React gives developers full control over layout, animation, and interactions. This makes it easier to align the site with brand goals.
3. Better Shopping Experience
With React, stores can add live features like size selectors, color previews, and quick product filters.
4. Easier Scaling
As traffic grows, custom frontends built with React with Shopify can handle more users and add new features with less friction.
Real-World Brands Using Shopify with React
Many big names have already adopted React with Shopify for their online stores. Let’s look at how some of them are using it:
💪 Gymshark
Gymshark uses a headless setup, combining Shopify with React to improve speed during traffic spikes. Their store handles global traffic while keeping the checkout fast.
👟 Allbirds
Allbirds runs a custom storefront using React with Shopify, allowing them to create product pages that focus on storytelling and environmental impact.
🍝 Heinz
Heinz launched a direct-to-consumer store using React with Shopify to give customers a quick, responsive buying experience.
💅 L’Occitane
L’Occitane’s site uses a Shopify with React architecture to manage multiple store versions across countries while keeping branding and design consistent.
These examples show how React with Shopify helps brands take control of their user experience and deliver faster, more polished online stores.
React JS + Shopify: Go Beyond Templates
Create tailored shopping experiences with powerful frontends and flexible backend setups.
Why Shopify Plus Brands Prefer React?
As brands grow, they often move to Shopify Plus, which offers more features and scalability. Many of these high-volume stores choose to pair Shopify Plus with React to build custom storefronts.
Here’s why it works:
✅ Full Control Over the Frontend
Shopify Plus merchants can move beyond pre-made themes and build Shopify with React storefronts tailored to their needs.
✅ Support for Headless Architecture
Shopify Plus includes higher API rate limits, which work well for advanced React with Shopify builds.
✅ API Access at Scale
With more backend access, brands on Shopify Plus can power real-time features, fast carts, and personalized content. Many choose to hire Shopify Plus experts to make the most of this setup.
✅ Proven by Top Brands
Allbirds, Gymshark, and Heinz are just a few examples of companies using Shopify with React in headless environments to deliver fast, flexible eCommerce experiences.
Key Shopify React Components Used in Custom Storefronts
When building React with Shopify, developers often break the frontend into smaller, reusable components. These help manage the site better and make updates easier.
Some of the most common Shopify React components include:
Product Card Component – shows product name, price, and image
Cart Drawer Component – lets customers view and update their cart without leaving the page
Filter & Sort Component – helps shoppers quickly find what they want
Navigation Component – handles site menus, links, and search
Each of these components helps bring a custom Shopify with React store to life, improving both design and usability.
How to Use React with Shopify
If you’re asking, “Can I use React with Shopify?” — the answer is yes. It’s a growing trend among brands that want to go beyond standard templates.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to build React with Shopify:
Choose the Approach – You can either add React to an existing theme or go fully headless with a separate React frontend.
Connect via Storefront API – Use this API to fetch data like products, collections, and cart information.
Pick a Framework – Tools like Hydrogen or Next.js are great for full Shopify with React builds.
Build Components – Use reusable Shopify React components for things like headers, product cards, and carts.
Test and Launch – Make sure everything loads quickly and works well across devices.
Some developers also choose to build a Shopify app with Node.js and React to add custom features or tools that improve the shopping experience.
Work With Experts Who Know Shopify + React — Meet CartCoders
Building a custom storefront using Shopify with React takes careful planning and experience. That’s where CartCoders comes in.
CartCoders specializes in React with Shopify development, including headless builds, Hydrogen-based stores, and API integrations. Whether you need a fast new frontend or a unique customer experience, their team is equipped to help.
Their developers know how to connect the frontend and backend smoothly, build custom features, and design storefronts that perform well.
If you’re ready to take your Shopify store to the next level, working with a team that understands Shopify with React can make the process easier and more efficient.
Final Thoughts
Pairing React with Shopify gives brands more control over their store’s design, speed, and features. It’s a strong choice for those who are ready to move beyond the limits of pre-made themes.
Whether you’re running a small shop or managing a growing brand on Shopify Plus, building Shopify with React could be the next step in delivering a better experience for your customers.
So, are you ready to make your business a multi-million-dollar brand? Don’t wait, contact CartCoders today!
As the CTO at Shiv Technolabs & CartCoders, I am liable for instigating, planning, integrating, and implementing the organization's strategic orientation.
I gather the most significant tech news in addition to sharing the information I gained while serving as the CTO of Shiv Technolabs, a renowned web and mobile app development company. I am pleased to answer questions as a most valuable expert for Shiv Technolabs Private Limited and to share my experience. I offer a keen insider's perspective on technical advancements.
eCommerce
Solution
