Shopware 6
Open for the Future
Shopware is a flexible, high-performance online store system made in Germany. Since its release in 2004, the e-commerce software has been continuously developed and is currently mainly used in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa). The focus is currently on the DACH countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), but Shopware is also expanding in the Asia/Pacific region.
Almost 100,000 brands worldwide already rely on the e-commerce system - including well-known names from a wide range of sectors, such as Douglas, M&M'S®, Philips, Thyssenkrupp and Jägermeister.
License, Architecture and Technology
Shopware is available as licensed software and SaaS (Shopware Cloud) as well as open source software (community version).
The current software version Shopware 6 is based on a completely new technological foundation, which is built on the PHP framework Symfony. For its admin panel, the manufacturer uses Vue.js and Bootstrap 4 in combination with the Twig template engine for the new storefront.
Target Group: For Which Retailers Is a Shopware Store Suitable?
The Shopware store system is used in particular by small to medium-sized B2C retailers and brand manufacturers as well as B2B wholesalers. According to Gartner, most Shopware customers generate less than 100 million dollars annually.
Shopware Functions
Shopware 5 is a modular store system with CMS functionalities and a classic connection between the front and back end. With the help of thousands of extensions, the online store can be adapted to the needs of retailers and customers. The successor version Shopware 6 has been on the market since 2019. According to the manufacturer, Shopware 5 will continue to be maintained until at least 2024.
The current version of Shopware 6 is based on a completely new technological foundation, follows an API-first approach and allows headless commerce. Here is an overview of some of the most important Shopware 6 functions:
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Thanks to numerous interfaces, the existing system landscape (merchandise management, accounting software, marketplaces, etc.) can be easily connected to the Shopware store.
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The Shopware Rule Builder makes it possible to create individual rules for complex requirements without any programming effort. For example, customer-specific prices, shipping costs or content can be implemented.
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Shopware 6 Shopping Experiences provides features for emotional content commerce. Layouts for landing pages, category pages, etc. can be easily created using drag-and-drop and filled with content (also automated using data mapping if desired).
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The store system offers the best conditions for global trade: Language packages, an international ecosystem, multilingual administration, multi-currency and multi-client capability, freely configurable country stores, pricing rules by delivery country and a configurable tax calculation.
Special Features
As a store solution from Germany, Shopware is particularly well suited to the DACH region and is therefore ideal for local companies. The e-commerce platform is GDPR-compliant.
As a retailer, you have the choice between the Shopware cloud solution hosted in the EU and the open source software hosted on your own server. Both Shopware variants can be tested free of charge in advance. The open source version offers the advantage that you can add your own programmed plugins and customize your online store to your individual needs. For less tech-savvy retailers without access to programming resources, the cloud-hosted SaaS solution offers an easy introduction to e-commerce.
B2B Functions
The e-commerce platform allows retailers to offer B2B and B2C digital commerce in one instance. Shopware first introduced B2B functions in 2019 and has been continuously developing them ever since. As part of its Enterprise Edition, Shopware supports B2B merchants with the following features
- Rights and role management
- Approval processes - e.g. to regulate order budgets per employee
- Quick orders
- Offer management for sales representatives
Furthermore, the API-first approach in Shopware 6 offers a high degree of flexibility and allows the store system to be used as headless technology. Processes in the store can be controlled and automated via API from CRM, ERP, PIM or other systems.
The high-performance and scalable Shopware Enterprise Search function recognizes synonyms, allows searches in individual categories and offers useful filtering and sorting options.
Shopware Reviews
Gartner classifies Shopware as a niche provider in its "Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce 2021". In its 2021 report, Gartner particularly praises Shopware 6's easy-to-use user interface and the enterprise search functionality that is well integrated into the administration console. A wide range of product types are supported, including configurable products, digital products, services and subscriptions. Gartner also mentions as positive that the software vendor is continuously expanding its B2B capabilities and continues to invest in its visual rule builder, which is used across platforms (e.g. for promotions, personalization and segmentation).
On the evaluation portals Gartner Peer Reviews and G2.com, users particularly praise the modern architecture, simple integration and flexibility of the platform.
Competitors and Recommendation
Shopware's direct competitors are BigCommerce and Shopify (both software-as-a-service solutions).
Online retailers can choose between the following editions:
- Shopware Rise (from €600* per month)
for merchants who mainly want to serve end consumers. - Shopware Evolve (individual price)
Extended options for trading with commercial customers, powerful store search and more options for online marketing. - Shopware Beyond (individual price)
Customized prices, returns management, multiple warehouses, recurring payments and extended support from the manufacturer.
Our Shopware Services
- Store setup
- Web development and customization
- Customer-specific design and individual themes
- SEO, social media and digital marketing
- Migration to Shopware 6
- Interface programming and customer-specific application development
- Product information system
- B2B e-commerce solutions
Case Study Bense &Amp; Eicke:
Website Relaunch With a New Online Store and Great Attention to Detail
Read all about the successful website relaunch with the special requirement of detailed but simple price differentiation for purchase prices, independent management of functions and content in a user-friendly backend with a simultaneous focus on high-quality products in our case study.
The best advice - from platform selection to e-commerce marketing
We have proven partner technologies for every e-commerce requirement - and experts who are on hand to provide you with help and advice. We develop strategies, set up your online store, ensure high-performance, secure hosting and support you in marketing your products.
Which e-commerce platform or online store is suitable for my e-business?
The all-in-one e-commerce solution with integrated payment and low entry barriers is popular worldwide.
Continuously developed over many years, the tried-and-tested store system now offers a wide range of functions.
Challenger in headless commerce: The store system for small and medium-sized companies is growing in Europe and Asia.
Speed, reliability and security at a high level - plus simple expandability and fast change management.
Today, marketing measures are predominantly implemented online. The Internet has therefore become the leading medium for most of our customers.