Shopify goes offline with first physical storefront
E-commerce platform Shopify has taken its solutions to the brick-and-mortar space.
The company, whose software allows merchants and brands to design, set up, and manage their stores across multiple sales channels, has opened its first-ever physical outpost, a 3,000-sq.-ft. space at ROW DTLA in downtown Los Angeles. The store is designed to provide in-person assistance and support to merchants and aspiring entrepreneurs. It is outfitted with furniture and décor from retailers using the Shopify platform — customers can scan the QR code affixed to an item to purchase it online.
Shopify said it selected Los Angles to make its physical debut because the area is home to some 10,000 merchants using its solutions. And of those, more than 400 are classified as “top performing,” with gross merchandise volume in excess of $1 million. There are 80,000 Shopify merchants in California.
Shopify described its new space as the “in-person embodiment of the company’s many years of experience building a comprehensive network of gurus, who help merchants online, via telephone, and through live chat 24-hours a day, seven days a week.” The store will offer in-person support, training, education and access to the company’s suite of retail hardware products along with classes workshops taught by outside companies. It will also provide business owners with a place where they can network with other members of the entrepreneurial community.
“With Shopify LA we wanted to create a hub where business owners can find support, inspiration, and community,” said Shopify COO Harley Finkelstein. “Most importantly, entrepreneurs at all stages and of all sizes can learn together, have first access to our newest products, and propel their entrepreneurial dreams.”
More than 100 entrepreneurs registered for sessions on Shopify’s first day of business, the company said. Shopify has created a dedicated website for the store. It offers appointment booking for in-store “guru” support and retail consultation sessions. Visitors can also register for educational classes and workshops.
The company, whose software allows merchants and brands to design, set up, and manage their stores across multiple sales channels, has opened its first-ever physical outpost, a 3,000-sq.-ft. space at ROW DTLA in downtown Los Angeles. The store is designed to provide in-person assistance and support to merchants and aspiring entrepreneurs. It is outfitted with furniture and décor from retailers using the Shopify platform — customers can scan the QR code affixed to an item to purchase it online.
Shopify said it selected Los Angles to make its physical debut because the area is home to some 10,000 merchants using its solutions. And of those, more than 400 are classified as “top performing,” with gross merchandise volume in excess of $1 million. There are 80,000 Shopify merchants in California.
Shopify described its new space as the “in-person embodiment of the company’s many years of experience building a comprehensive network of gurus, who help merchants online, via telephone, and through live chat 24-hours a day, seven days a week.” The store will offer in-person support, training, education and access to the company’s suite of retail hardware products along with classes workshops taught by outside companies. It will also provide business owners with a place where they can network with other members of the entrepreneurial community.
“With Shopify LA we wanted to create a hub where business owners can find support, inspiration, and community,” said Shopify COO Harley Finkelstein. “Most importantly, entrepreneurs at all stages and of all sizes can learn together, have first access to our newest products, and propel their entrepreneurial dreams.”
More than 100 entrepreneurs registered for sessions on Shopify’s first day of business, the company said. Shopify has created a dedicated website for the store. It offers appointment booking for in-store “guru” support and retail consultation sessions. Visitors can also register for educational classes and workshops.