A store with no server to maintain and no risky upgrades.
For years, PrestaShop was the standard choice for online stores in Romania. Because it is a platform installed on your own server, however, the entire technical responsibility stays with you: hosting, PHP versions, security updates and the compatibility of every module. Many stores still run on version 1.7 or older, because moving to newer versions practically requires a rebuild. GRÉGOIRE, an official Shopify partner since 2019, handles PrestaShop to Shopify migrations that keep your data and customer accounts, with 301 redirects for every page indexed in Google. For a new store, see our Shopify store development service.
Why migrate from PrestaShop to Shopify?
No upgrades that break the store
Moving from PrestaShop 1.7 to version 9 happens in stages, requires a newer PHP version on the server and an audit of every module and of the theme, since many are no longer compatible. Every upgrade to a major version becomes a separate development project. On Shopify, the platform updates automatically and the store always runs on the latest version, with no action on your part.
Independence from developers
On PrestaShop, a seemingly simple change, such as a new banner, a section on the product page or a change to the checkout, often ends up with a developer, because it involves modules, overrides or theme files. On Shopify, the themes we build have configurable sections that your team edits directly from the admin.
Speed and stability with no server costs
The maintenance difference between the two platforms shows most clearly in speed. A PrestaShop store’s performance depends on hosting, server configuration and the number of active modules. Shopify delivers the store through its own global server network, with an SSL certificate included, and stays stable during campaign traffic peaks, with no hosting upgrade and no separate server bill.
Moving from PrestaShop 1.7 to version 9 happens in stages, requires a newer PHP version on the server and an audit of every module and of the theme, since many are no longer compatible. Every upgrade to a major version becomes a separate development project. On Shopify, the platform updates automatically and the store always runs on the latest version, with no action on your part.
On PrestaShop, a seemingly simple change, such as a new banner, a section on the product page or a change to the checkout, often ends up with a developer, because it involves modules, overrides or theme files. On Shopify, the themes we build have configurable sections that your team edits directly from the admin.
The maintenance difference between the two platforms shows most clearly in speed. A PrestaShop store’s performance depends on hosting, server configuration and the number of active modules. Shopify delivers the store through its own global server network, with an SSL certificate included, and stays stable during campaign traffic peaks, with no hosting upgrade and no separate server bill.
PrestaShop and Shopify at a glance
| Criterion | PrestaShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Own server, paid separately | Included in the subscription |
| Platform updates | Manual; major versions require an upgrade project | Automatic |
| Security and PHP | The owner’s responsibility | Managed by Shopify, PCI DSS compliant |
| Extensions | Modules, some with code overrides | Apps and custom theme development |
| Theme | Smarty, changes through a developer | Liquid, sections editable from the admin |
| Monthly cost | Hosting, premium modules, maintenance | Shopify subscription and apps |
Our PrestaShop to Shopify migration process
Technical and brand audit
We analyze the PrestaShop version, active modules, code overrides, catalog and pages indexed in Google. We separately assess the brand identity and check whether the current theme reflects it or whether the migration should also include a new visual direction.
Data and URL mapping
PrestaShop product combinations become variants in Shopify, categories become collections, and features are transferred into metafields. PrestaShop URLs usually contain the product ID and the .html extension, so every indexed address receives a 301 redirect to the new page under /products/ or /collections/.
Creative direction and UX
The PrestaShop theme, written in Smarty, cannot be transferred to Shopify, so the theme is rebuilt. Our UI/UX designers use this step to improve navigation, filters, the product page and the cart, with priority on the mobile experience. The checkout is customized within the limits of the chosen Shopify plan.
Development and data transfer
Our developers build the theme in Liquid and transfer products, images, customers, orders, CMS pages, translations and SEO settings. Features that depended on modules in PrestaShop are rebuilt in Shopify, and payments, couriers and invoicing with e-Factura submission (Romania’s national e-invoicing system) are configured before launch.
Pre-launch testing
We compare the volume of transferred data with the PrestaShop database, check every redirect and test the complete purchase flow on several devices and browsers. The PrestaShop store keeps selling throughout testing.
Launch and monitoring
Before moving the domain, we bring over the orders, new customers and updated stock from the old store, so Shopify starts with up-to-date data. We move the domain, submit the new sitemap in Google Search Console and track indexing and organic traffic after launch. Once things stabilize, the PrestaShop server can be shut down, along with its hosting and maintenance costs.
What you keep and what you gain
Your data stays, your Google visibility is protected
Moving to Shopify keeps everything you have built. Products with all their combinations, prices, stock and images, categories, customers, order history, CMS pages and translations are transferred. Meta titles and meta descriptions are kept on every page, and 301 redirects pass the authority of the old URLs to the new Shopify addresses.
Security no longer depends on you
On PrestaShop, security patches, the PHP version and old modules are the store owner’s responsibility. Shopify fully manages the infrastructure, SSL certificates, security updates and PCI DSS compliance for payments, so the platform’s security updates no longer depend on you.
Administration without technical knowledge
Products, orders, stock and discounts are managed from the Shopify admin or the mobile app. Theme sections are edited visually, and integrations with Meta, Google, TikTok and email marketing platforms are configured natively, with no modules to maintain at every update.
Moving to Shopify keeps everything you have built. Products with all their combinations, prices, stock and images, categories, customers, order history, CMS pages and translations are transferred. Meta titles and meta descriptions are kept on every page, and 301 redirects pass the authority of the old URLs to the new Shopify addresses.
On PrestaShop, security patches, the PHP version and old modules are the store owner’s responsibility. Shopify fully manages the infrastructure, SSL certificates, security updates and PCI DSS compliance for payments, so the platform’s security updates no longer depend on you.
Products, orders, stock and discounts are managed from the Shopify admin or the mobile app. Theme sections are edited visually, and integrations with Meta, Google, TikTok and email marketing platforms are configured natively, with no modules to maintain at every update.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my Google rankings if I migrate from PrestaShop to Shopify?
Rankings are protected through correct 301 redirects for every indexed URL and the full transfer of SEO content. The URL structure changes, because Shopify uses fixed addresses such as /products/ and /collections/, so the redirect map is the most important part of the project. Rankings may fluctuate after launch while Google reindexes the store, and we monitor the process in Google Search Console.
What data is transferred from PrestaShop to Shopify?
Products with combinations, prices, stock and images, categories, features, customers with their addresses, order history, CMS pages, translations and SEO settings. The data is extracted directly from the PrestaShop database, cleaned and adapted to the Shopify structure before import.
Should I upgrade to PrestaShop 9 or migrate to Shopify?
It depends on how much of the store needs to be rebuilt anyway. If the current theme and modules are not compatible with PrestaShop 9, the upgrade is still a rebuild, and on Shopify the same effort also removes the server and future upgrades. During the audit, we compare the cost of both options for your store.
Does the migration work for older PrestaShop versions?
Yes. The migration does not depend on the PrestaShop version, because the data is extracted from the database, not through an upgrade. It is often the more efficient solution for stores still on versions 1.6 or 1.7.
How much does the migration cost?
The cost depends on the number of products and combinations, the custom modules that need rebuilding, the number of languages and how many indexed URLs need redirects. After the audit, you receive a fixed quote broken down by stage, together with an estimate of your monthly Shopify costs compared with the hosting, modules and maintenance you pay for today.
Why not use an automated migration tool?
An automated tool moves the data: products, customers, orders. It does not rebuild the features from custom modules, does not create the redirect map for URLs with IDs and .html, and does not check indexing after launch. Sales and Google traffic depend on these stages.
Do my customers need to create a new account?
No. Accounts and order history are transferred. Passwords cannot be moved between platforms, because each system encrypts them differently. On Shopify, customers sign in with a code received by email, without needing a new password.
Can I keep my multilingual store?
Yes. Translations of products, categories and pages are transferred, and Shopify Markets lets you manage languages, currencies and shipping rules for each country from the same account. Each language gets its own URLs and correct hreflang tags.
How long does a PrestaShop to Shopify migration take?
For a catalog of up to a few hundred products and standard features, 4 to 8 weeks from approval of the visual direction. Stores with many custom modules, several languages or large catalogs need a longer timeline, set after the audit.
Can I keep my couriers and invoicing service?
Yes. The couriers and invoicing services commonly used in Romania, such as Sameday, FAN Courier or SmartBill, have Shopify integrations, including for submitting invoices to e-Factura. During the audit, we list all the integration modules in PrestaShop and configure the equivalent of each one in Shopify.
Do you offer support after the migration?
Yes. After launch, we provide technical support for updates, new integrations and ongoing maintenance. We can also continue with SEO, social media management, Meta Ads, TikTok Ads and Google Ads campaigns, email marketing, product photography and photo/video content production, so the store has a single team responsible for growth. For broader context, also read the guide Migrating to Shopify without losing your Google traffic.
Over 70
online stores built and managed.
