Choosing an agency to develop an online store is an important decision. Technical expertise, platform knowledge, and the ability to turn a business idea into a functional shopping experience can make a difference in an e-commerce business's growth.
That is why being part of the Shopify Partners ecosystem is a significant recognition for specialized e-commerce agencies.
Shopify announced an update to its Partner Program that will take effect on January 1, 2027. The changes aim to simplify requirements, recognize partners' work more quickly, and offer new ways to support their growth.
At IMAGIO, we are Silver Shopify Partners, and we want to share what this evolution means for agencies and, especially, for businesses looking to develop or improve their online store.
What is the Shopify Partner Program?
The Shopify Partner Program is Shopify's program for companies and professionals that develop solutions within its ecosystem.
It includes agencies, developers, design specialists, and other professionals who help businesses create, manage, and grow their e-commerce operations.
Through this program, Shopify recognizes its partners' activity and offers tools, resources, and different levels of support.
For businesses, identifying a partner within this ecosystem can be a benchmark when choosing who will develop their online store.
What will change in the Shopify Partner Program in 2027?
According to Shopify's official announcement on November 4, 2026, the program will undergo major changes starting January 1, 2027.
The main goals are to simplify classification, make it easier to track progress, and recognize each partner's growth more quickly.
These are the main changes:
1. New Shopify Partner Levels
Shopify will replace the previous names of its levels, Select, Premier, and Plus, with a simpler classification:
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Registered
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Silver
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Gold
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Platinum
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Diamond
This structure aims to make the levels easier for merchants to identify and understand.
It also avoids confusion between the previous Plus Partner designation and the Shopify Plus product.
2. Clearer Requirements to Advance Levels
The new model considers two main indicators: the volume of sales attributed to the partner (GMV) and the number of attributed stores.
The announced requirements are:
| Level | Attributed GMV | Attributed Stores | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | $25,000 USD | 1 | 365 days |
| Gold | $5 million USD | 5 | 4 years |
| Platinum | $50 million USD | 20 | 4 years |
| Diamond | $500 million USD | 25 | 4 years |
The requirements will be measured regardless of the Shopify plan merchants use.
This allows partners' work to be recognized according to their contribution to store growth.
3. Faster Recognition
One of the most relevant changes is the frequency with which Shopify will update the levels.
Starting January 1, 2027, level promotions will be daily instead of quarterly.
In addition, once a level is reached, the partner will retain that classification for at least six months, with the possibility of advancing if they meet the requirements for the next level.
4. More Support and Benefits
Shopify will also update the benefits associated with each level.
Among them are:
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Silver: access to advisory support, best practices, group training, and guidance.
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Gold: access to co-marketing funds and advisory support.
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Platinum: strategic support, personalized planning, and periodic business reviews.
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Diamond: integrated support that functions as an extension of technical and sales teams.
In addition, Silver and higher-level partners will appear in the updated Partner Directory.
Why is it important to work with a Shopify Partner?
Choosing an agency to develop an e-commerce business should not depend solely on the design of a website.
An online store needs a solid structure, intuitive navigation, an appropriate presentation of products, and a shopping experience that facilitates conversion.
Working with a Shopify Partner means having a team that is part of the platform's ecosystem and that develops its expertise around its tools and solutions.
When evaluating an agency, it is also important to review:
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Its experience with Shopify projects.
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The quality of its developments and designs.
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Its knowledge of UX/UI and e-commerce.
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Its ability to integrate applications and functionalities.
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Its understanding of the business needs of each business.
The partner level is an additional reference, but it does not replace the evaluation of the portfolio, experience, and work methodology.
IMAGIO: Silver Shopify Partner
At IMAGIO, we are part of the Shopify ecosystem as a Silver Shopify Partner.
We help brands develop e-commerce experiences that combine design, strategy, and technology.
Our work ranges from the conceptualization and design of online stores to the development of personalized experiences on Shopify.
We work so that each store not only visually represents a brand, but also meets its business objectives and the needs of its customers.
Are you thinking about creating or renewing your Shopify store?
At IMAGIO, we can help you transform your digital business with an e-commerce strategy focused on design, functionality, and growth.
Learn about our services and projects:
IMAGIO — Branding & Digital Experiences.