The journal
Notes from the kiosk: how to choose a theme, make it fast, and make it sell.
in English
The Best Shopify Theme for an Energy Drink or Beverage Brand
Choosing a Shopify theme for an energy drink or beverage brand? Here's what actually matters – a flavour switcher, honest mixed cases, real caffeine numbers and more.
How to Add a Size Chart to Shopify Without a Paid App
A Shopify size chart doesn't need a paid app. Here's what the feature actually needs to do, why so many themes fake it with one static image, and how to check what yours has.
How to Improve Core Web Vitals on a Shopify Store
Core Web Vitals aren't one score. Here's what LCP, INP and CLS actually measure on a Shopify store, what usually breaks each one, and how to check where you stand.
Shopify vs Wix: The Real Cost and Feature Comparison
Shopify vs Wix isn't a single number. Here's an honest comparison of what each platform actually costs, what each is actually built for, and the switching cost neither pricing page shows.
WordPress 7.1 "Mary Lou": What Actually Changed (August 2026)
WordPress 7.1 "Mary Lou" shipped 19 August 2026. Here's what actually changed – browser-based image processing, a new media editor, collaboration tools – and what it means if you run WooCommerce.
Best Shopify Theme for a Pet Brand
Looking for the best Shopify theme for a pet brand? Here's what actually matters – structured product fields, native subscriptions, honest safety claims and photography that holds up.
Best Shopify Theme for a Candle Brand
Choosing a Shopify theme for a candle or home fragrance brand? Here's what actually matters – scent notes as structured data, burn-time honesty, gifting and a palette that survives warm photography.
How to Add a Wishlist to Shopify Without a Paid App
You don't need a paid app for a Shopify wishlist. Here's what the feature actually needs to do, why so many themes leave it out, and how to check if yours already has it.
Shopify vs WooCommerce: The Real Cost Comparison
Shopify vs WooCommerce isn't a single number. Here's an honest breakdown of what each platform actually costs – plans, hosting, plugins and the maintenance time neither pricing page shows.
WooCommerce 11.1: What Actually Changed (September 2026)
WooCommerce 11.1 shipped in September 2026, two days late. Here's what actually changed – variation image galleries, EU order withdrawal, faster Store API – sourced from WooCommerce's own release notes.
Best Shopify Theme for Coffee and Specialty Food Brands
Looking for the best Shopify theme for a coffee roastery or specialty food shop? Here's what actually matters – lot sheets, native subscriptions, age gates and honest freshness info.
How to Add Subscriptions to Shopify Without a Paid App
You don't always need a paid app for Shopify subscriptions. Here's how native selling plans work, how to set one up, and when a paid app is actually worth it.
How to Sell Product Bundles on Shopify (Without Breaking Inventory)
Selling bundles on Shopify usually breaks inventory tracking. Here's how fixed and build-your-own bundles actually work, and how to price one without losing margin.
How to Preview a Shopify Theme Before You Buy It
A sales page screenshot won't tell you how a Shopify theme actually performs. Here's how to properly test a live demo before you spend anything.
Best Shopify Theme for an Accessories Brand
Bags, sunglasses, small leather goods – accessories brands need a theme built for a small, considered catalogue. Here's what actually matters before you buy.
Best Shopify Themes for Jewelry & Accessories Brands
Shopify lists 114 themes under jewelry, $100 to $500. Named options with real prices, what jewelry needs from a theme, and why to start with the free one.
How to Change Your Shopify Theme Without Breaking Your Store
A safe sequence for switching Shopify themes: what transfers, what does not, how to keep your tracking, and the checks to run in the first ten minutes.
Shopify Metafields: Better Product Pages Without Apps
How to use Shopify metafields to add materials, dimensions, care and size guides to product pages consistently, with or without touching Liquid.
Choosing a Shopify Theme for a Skincare or Beauty Brand
Ingredients, routines, reviews and speed: what to check in a Shopify theme for a skincare or beauty brand before you commit your storefront to it.
Choosing a Shopify Theme for a Home & Decor Brand
What actually matters in a Shopify theme for home and decor: uncropped photography, material details, room context, and trust signals for considered purchases.
How to Install a Shopify Theme, Step by Step
How to install a Shopify theme from the Theme Store or a zip file, preview it safely, and publish without losing settings, tracking or apps.
Best Free Shopify Themes in 2026 (And How to Judge One)
The best free Shopify themes in 2026, what "free" really means, and the five-minute test to run on any theme before you build a store on it.
Shopify vs Squarespace for a Fashion Brand: An Honest Comparison
Shopify vs Squarespace for a fashion or design brand: an honest 2026 comparison of ease of use, templates, ecommerce depth, cost, and scale to help you choose.
How to Find Out What Shopify Theme a Website Is Using
Learn how to find what Shopify theme a website is using with source code checks, asset paths, and theme detector tools — plus what actually matters after.
Shopify Horizon vs Dawn: Which Free Theme Should You Use?
Horizon vs Dawn: a practical 2026 comparison of Shopify's two free themes — design flexibility, built-in sections, speed, and who each one suits.
What Is Shopify and How Does It Work? A Beginner's Guide
What is Shopify and how it works, explained simply. A 2026 beginner's guide to selling online, Shopify fees, themes, and setting up your first store.
Shopify Free Theme vs Paid: What You Actually Pay For
Free or paid Shopify theme? A clear-eyed look at what you actually get with each — design, performance, apps and support — so you buy at the right time.
Shopify Conversion Rate: 2026 Benchmarks + 9 Design Fixes
The average Shopify conversion rate is about 1.4%. See the 2026 benchmarks by tier and 9 design fixes that move the number — starting with speed and clarity.
Editorial Web Design for Ecommerce: Building a Magazine-Style Store
Editorial web design turns a shop into a story. Learn how magazine-style layouts, whitespace and typography make fashion ecommerce feel premium in 2026.
How to Make Your Shopify Store Look Professional
Want your Shopify store to look professional, not generic? These design fundamentals — typography, whitespace, imagery and consistency — do the heavy lifting.
Too Many Shopify Apps Are Slowing Your Store (Here's How to Fix It)
Every Shopify app adds code and load time. Learn how to audit your apps, remove the ones you don't need, and let your theme do the work instead.
Why Is My Shopify Store So Slow? And How to Fix It
Is your Shopify store slow? Here's why — heavy themes, too many apps, big images — plus a step-by-step fix to pass Core Web Vitals and stop losing sales.
Shopify Theme Design Trends 2026: Why Editorial Minimalism Wins
From bold typography to speed-first minimalism, here are the Shopify theme design trends defining 2026 — and how to apply them without bloating your store.
Best Shopify Theme for SEO: What Actually Matters
A "SEO-friendly" theme is really a fast, clean-code theme. Here's what actually makes a Shopify theme good for SEO in 2026 - and how to check before you buy.
Best Shopify Themes for Clothing & Fashion Stores in 2026
The best Shopify themes for clothing and fashion stores in 2026, judged on design, speed and conversions — and what makes an editorial theme different.
How to Choose a Shopify Theme for a Clothing Brand
Picking a Shopify theme for a clothing brand? Here are the 7 things that actually matter in 2026 — speed, typography, mobile and apps — before you buy.