Shopware 6

Experienced e-commerce player with new foundation

Open for the future

Shopware is a flexible, powerful online store system made in Germany. Since its release in 2004, the e-commerce software has been under constant development and has so far been used mainly in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa). The current focus is on the DACH countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), but Shopware is also expanding in the Asia/Pacific region.

Nearly 100,000 brands worldwide already rely on the e-commerce system - including well-known names from a wide range of industries, 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 basis, which is built on the PHP framework Symfony. For its admin panel, the manufacturer uses Vue.js as well as Bootstrap 4 in combination with the template engine Twig for the new storefront.

Target group: For which merchants 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 annually.

Shopware features

Shopware 5 is a modular store system with CMS functionalities and classic connection of 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 Shopware 6 relies on a completely new technological basis, follows an API-first approach and allows headless commerce. Here is an overview of some of the most important Shopware 6 features:

  • Thanks to numerous interfaces, the existing system landscape (merchandise management, accounting software, marketplaces, etc.) can be easily connected to the Shopware Shop.

  • 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.

  • Shopware 6 Erlebniswelten provides features for emotional content commerce. Layouts for landing pages, category pages, etc. can be created simply by dragging and dropping and filled with content (if desired, also automated via data mapping).

  • The store system offers the best prerequisites 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 configurable tax calculation.

Special features

As a store solution from Germany, Shopware is particularly well adapted to the DACH region and is therefore ideally suited for local companies. The e-commerce platform is DSGVO-compliant.

As a merchant, you have the choice between the Shopware cloud solution hosted in the EU and the open source software to be hosted on your own server. Both Shopware variants can be tested free of charge in advance. The open source variant offers the advantage that you can add specially programmed plugins and customize your online store to your individual needs. For less technically savvy merchants without access to programming resources, the cloud-hosted SaaS solution offers an easy entry into e-commerce.

B2B functions

The e-commerce platform allows merchants to offer B2B and B2C digital commerce in one instance. In 2019, Shopware introduced B2B features for the first time and has continued to develop 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
Quotation management for sales representatives
Furthermore, the API-first approach in Shopware 6 offers high 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 search function Shopware Enterprise Search recognizes synonyms, allows searching in individual categories and offers useful filtering and sorting options.

Shopware Reviews

Gartner classifies Shopware as a niche vendor in its "Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce 2021". In its 2021 report, Gartner particularly praises Shopware 6's easy-to-use user interface and enterprise search functionality that is well integrated into the management console. A wide range of product types are supported, including configurable products, digital products, services and subscriptions, it said. Gartner also mentions as positive that the software vendor continues to expand 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 Gartner Peer Reviews and G2.com review portals, users particularly praise the platform's modern architecture, ease of integration and flexibility.

Competitor and recommendation

Shopware's direct competitors are BigCommerce and Shopify (both software-as-a-service solutions).

Online retailers can choose between the following editions:

  • Starter Edition (available plans: Free for 0 €* per month or Advanced for 29 €* per month) - for e-commerce beginners and start-ups (cloud hosting).
  • Professional Edition (from 199 €* per month for the Cloud Plan Professional or one-time for 2,495 €*) - for national and international e-commerce businesses; incl. extensive support service (cloud or self-hosting)
  • Enterprise Edition (from 2,495 €* per month or one-time for 39,995 €*) - for complex business models and extensive e-commerce projects; maximum scalability and highest performance including 24/7 support (self-hosting)
  • Community Edition (free of charge) - does not include manufacturer support (self-hosting)

(* All prices are exclusive of VAT. Depending on the selected variant, additional sales commissions may apply).

Our Shopware services

Whether cloud solution or self-hosted - we are happy to support you in successfully launching or further developing your Shopware store and are at your side as a Shopware Business Partner with many years of e-commerce and marketing experience. We offer the following services for Shopware:

  • Store setup
  • Web development and customization
  • Custom design and individual themes
  • SEO, social media and digital marketing
  • Migration to Shopware 6
  • Interface programming and custom application development
  • Product Information System
  • B2B e-commerce solutions

Case Study Bense & Eicke: Website relaunch with new online store and great attention to detail

Read all about the successful website relaunch in our case study with the special requirement of detailed but simple price differentiation for purchase prices, independent management of functions and content in a user-friendly backend while focusing on high-quality products.

Read our Case Study Bense & Eicke

What can we do for you?

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