Why 2019 Still Matters for Shopify Store Strategy
The top Shopify stores of 2019 were notable not for hype but for durable, experience-first fundamentals that remain relevant. By combining clear value propositions, disciplined conversion-rate fundamentals, and thoughtful brand storytelling, these stores show how to build a resilient business rather than chase quick wins.
Profiles of Notable 2019 Shopify Stores
While an official top-10 list from Shopify in 2019 is not publicly available, several stores stood out in industry coverage for strong execution in brand, product selection, and customer experience. Each demonstrates repeatable patterns you can study and adapt.
Allbirds
Focused on sustainable materials and simple storytelling, the brand emphasized comfort and reduced environmental impact with a calm, product-led experience. Clean photography, transparent pricing, and an efficient checkout helped convert visitors into customers.
Brooklinen
Brooklinen combined bold value propositions with direct response copy and lifestyle imagery that clarified the benefits of its bedding. Generous guarantees and comparison tools reduced perceived risk and supported higher average order values.
Gymshark
Gymshark leveraged community, influencer marketing, and aspirational visuals to create a fitness identity that extended beyond apparel. Social proof, tiered collections, and a streamlined checkout kept the momentum for first-time buyers.
Hiut Denim
Hiut Denim emphasized a narrative of craftsmanship and place, using storytelling to justify premium positioning. Detailed product education and measured on-site copy reduced hesitation at higher price points.
Ritual
Ritual built trust through transparent manufacturing details, clear pricing, and an onboarding flow focused on member benefits. Subscriptions were framed as a convenience rather than a commitment, improving opt-in rates.
Recurring Patterns Across Top Stores
Across these and other standout 2019 Shopify stores, common themes emerge: clarity of value, trust-building signals, and friction reduction. These traits cut across niches and remain foundational in 2024 and beyond.
Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Period | Early major growth often traced to 2017–2019 | Founder interviews, Shopify blog |
| Typical AOV Range | $70–$120 depending on category | Third‑party analyses, merchant disclosures |
| Key Conversion Levers | Fast checkout, trust badges, clear returns | Shopify conversion benchmarks, case studies |
| Primary Traffic Source | Organic search and social, varying by niche | SimilarWeb, public merchant reports |
| Checkout Platform | Shop Payments and Shopify Checkout dominant | Shopify product releases, merchant surveys |
Patterns in Design and Experience
Stores that performed well in 2019 typically invested in disciplined design systems: clear typography, generous white space, and high-quality imagery that supported faster decision-making. Product pages featured succinct benefit-led copy, contextual imagery, and prominent trust signals such as secure checkout badges, reviews, and guarantees. On the checkout and post-purchase journey, minimizing form fields and explaining shipping timelines reduced abandonment.
Content and Brand Positioning Approaches
Many top stores used a hybrid of educational and emotive messaging. Content served both discovery and reassurance roles, from comparison tables to founder stories. Rather than chasing trends, successful brands articulated a clear why, tied to materials, community, or values. This clarity made it easier to maintain consistent voice across channels and retain customers beyond a single campaign.
Marketing and Traffic Strategies That Held Up
In 2019, resilient stores balanced paid and owned channels. Search engine optimization focused on fast, mobile-friendly experiences and content that answered core questions. Social channels amplified community content and creator partnerships; email nurtured post-purchase relationships and repeat purchase behavior. Retention often outpaced acquisition in contribution to revenue across these stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why reference 2019 now? The stores that succeeded in 2019 did so on fundamentals—clarity, trust, and speed—that remain central to high-performing shops today.
- Can I replicate these stores exactly? Exact replication is neither possible nor advisable. Use the underlying patterns—value clarity, friction reduction, and trust—to guide decisions for your own audience.
- Are these stores still around? Several have evolved their positioning and catalog, but many remain operationally strong because they solved real problems better for their customers.
- Which metrics should I prioritize? Core signals include conversion rate, average order value, repeat purchase rate, and channel payback. These reflect execution quality more than any single campaign.
How to Apply These Lessons to Your Store
Start by auditing your experience through the lens of a first-time visitor: clarity of value, speed of checkout, and confidence-inspiring signals. Prioritize one friction point at a time—such as loading speed, form length, or return policy clarity—and measure the impact on conversions. Over time, these incremental improvements compound into meaningful gains in resilience and revenue.
Timeless Takeaways for Modern Growth
The top Shopify stores of 2019 demonstrate that sustainable growth rests on fundamentals more than tactics. By focusing on value clarity, reducing friction, building trust, and aligning content with customer intent, you create a store that can adapt across algorithm changes, market cycles, and platform updates.