Shopify announced its biannual edition update in August, revealing 100 new features. I’m the co-founder of an e-commerce marketing and consulting company with many Shopify clients. We are closely monitoring upgrades to this platform.
Summer ’23 Editions focuses on intelligent workflows. In this article, I will highlight the main new features that traders should know about.
![Screenshot of the Shopify webpage for editions. Screenshot of the Shopify webpage for editions.](https://www.practicalecommerce.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shopify-Editions-Summer-23-e1699882679763-570x256.jpg)
Shopify’s biannual editions outline updates to the platform. The Summer ’23 release had more than 100 new features, according to Shopify.
Companion
Shopify is jumping on the generative AI bandwagon. Meet Sidekick, Shopify’s new AI-powered administrative assistant that aims to ease merchants’ workload by combining Shopify data insights with natural language processing. According to Shopify, merchants can use daily formulations to help them improve their store, complete tedious tasks, and make data-driven decisions.
The sidekick is powered by magic, the company’s generative AI tool launched earlier this year. Sidekick resides in the admin’s right sidebar to answer merchants’ questions about, for example, optimal apps, promo codes, and more. Magic itself has received improvements such as improved blog creation, email marketing support, and suggested chat replies. TechCrunch describes Sidekick as in “like ChatGPT, but for online merchants”.
Sidekick and Magic highlight Shopify’s push into AI to streamline operations and empower merchants through data and automation. The tools aim to save time on administrative work so that entrepreneurs can focus on high-value efforts.
Bundles
Shopify Bundles simplifies offering discounted product kits where shoppers can save money by purchasing an assortment (choosing variations such as colors and sizes) rather than individual items.
Bundling is proven to increase average order value. With just a few clicks, merchants can set up bundles for potentially lucrative sales.
This native app makes the process seamless and free. It’s worth testing for any merchant who doesn’t already offer a plan.
Subscriptions
Shopify Subscriptions is an intuitive native app for commodity subscription setups. This highly requested feature allows merchants to manage most recurring orders, although advanced needs require external third-party tools.
Subscriptions manage subscriber actions such as pausing, skipping, or updating details. The app offers a low-risk entry for merchants looking to test subscriptions, but its promise lies in likely future improvements.
Flexible Sections
The flexible sections are coming. Once launched, they will leverage CSS Flexbox capabilities to easily create custom responsive layouts. Merchants can drag, drop, resize, group and edit sections to create unique store designs.
Flexible Sections Introduce more dynamic multi-directional layouts and streamlined content alignment adjustments. Shopify Magic can help you with copywriting.
This flexibility is intended to allow for do-it-yourself customization and unique style.
Payment Upgrades
Shopify claims payment conversion rates up to 36% higher than its competitors. Upcoming enhancements (for Plus merchants only) include 17 new payment APIs for enhanced customizations.
The main features of the roadmap include a long-awaited project one page paymentextensive app integrations and options for delivery methods and dates.
Payment improvements will initially focus on high-volume merchants, but will likely eventually expand to the broader Shopify community.
Shopify Collective
Shopify Collective allows U.S. merchants to sell products from other brands, earning a margin without holding inventory while providing shoppers with an expanded selection. After logging in, adding a product takes a few minutes.
The original seller handles fulfillment and inventory synchronization, so overselling is impossible. Teaming up with complementary brands can easily increase your revenue.