15 Ways To Get A List of Shopify Stores

I built a Shopify store back in 2012 and sold it in 2016 on Empire Flippers. I then used some of the proceeds to buy Shopify stock ($SHOP) at $83 in 2017. With my newsletter agency I’ve been recently looking into how to find relevant Shopify stores to reach out to, here are 15 powerful resources and strategies to help you discover and analyze Shopify stores effectively.

1. BuiltWith: The Goldmine of Shopify Store Data

BuiltWith is arguably the most extensive database of Shopify stores available. With information on over 4.5 million Shopify stores, it’s a treasure trove for researchers and entrepreneurs alike. Here’s what makes BuiltWith stand out:

• Comprehensive filtering options, including country-specific searches
• Basic statistics for each store, providing quick insights
• Regular updates to ensure data accuracy

While BuiltWith offers some free features, its premium plans provide more detailed information and advanced search capabilities. For serious researchers, the investment can be well worth it.

2. Myip.ms: Traffic-Based Shopify Store Discovery

Myip.ms takes a unique approach to Shopify store discovery by allowing users to search based on visitor numbers. Key features include:

• Free access to basic store information
• Ability to sort stores by traffic volume
• IP address and hosting details for technical analysis

While Myip.ms doesn’t categorize stores by niche, it’s an excellent tool for identifying high-traffic Shopify sites, which can be particularly useful for competitive analysis.

3. Google Advanced Search: The DIY Approach

Never underestimate the power of a well-crafted Google search. Using advanced search operators can help you uncover Shopify stores in specific niches. Try the following:

• site:myshopify.com + [keyword]
• inurl:myshopify.com + [product category]

This method requires more manual effort but can lead to discovering lesser-known stores that might not appear in mainstream databases.

4. Ecomm.Design: Curated Inspiration for Shopify Stores

For those focused on design and user experience, Ecomm.Design is an invaluable resource. This platform offers:

• A curated list of high-quality Shopify stores
• Category filters for easy navigation
• Insights into design trends and best practices

While not as extensive as some databases, Ecomm.Design’s focus on quality over quantity makes it an excellent source of inspiration for store owners and designers.

5. SimplyTrends: Powerful Analytics for Shopify Research

SimplyTrends claims to track about 1 million active Shopify stores, offering:

• Advanced search filters (traffic, revenue estimates, etc.)
• Competitor analysis tools
• Trend tracking across various e-commerce metrics

This platform is particularly useful for those looking to dive deep into market analysis and competitive intelligence within the Shopify ecosystem.

6. Shopify App Store: Indirect Path to Successful Stores

While not a direct list of stores, the Shopify App Store can be a goldmine of information:

• Browse popular apps and check their customer showcases
• Identify trends in app usage across different store types
• Discover successful stores through app reviews and case studies

This approach requires some detective work but can lead to insights about the tools and strategies used by successful Shopify stores.

7. Social Media Platforms: Tapping into Trending Stores

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok have become crucial marketing channels for many Shopify stores. To leverage these platforms:

• Use hashtags like #shopifystores or #shopifystore
• Follow e-commerce influencers who often showcase interesting stores
• Explore shopping features on these platforms to find Shopify-powered brands

This method is particularly effective for identifying trendy, consumer-facing stores with strong social media presences.

8. Shopify Experts Marketplace: Professional-Grade Store Showcase

The Shopify Experts Marketplace is an official resource showcasing stores worked on by certified Shopify experts. Benefits include:

• Access to professionally designed and optimized stores
• Insights into best practices across various industries
• Potential networking opportunities with Shopify experts

This resource is especially valuable for those looking to understand the potential of the Shopify platform when leveraged by professionals.

9. Shopify Store of the Year Awards: Cream of the Crop

Shopify’s annual awards highlight the best stores on their platform. Advantages of exploring these awards include:

• Exposure to top-performing stores across various categories
• Insights into innovative uses of the Shopify platform
• Benchmarking opportunities against the best in the industry

While the number of stores featured is limited, the quality and innovation on display make this a must-check resource.

10. Reddit and Online Forums: Community-Driven Discoveries

Online communities like Reddit (particularly r/shopify and r/ecommerce) can be valuable sources of information:

• Users often share success stories and favorite stores
• Discussions about trends and emerging niches
• Direct insights from store owners and Shopify experts

The key to leveraging these platforms is active participation and engagement with the community.

11. Shopify’s Own Blog and Case Studies

Shopify regularly publishes blog posts and case studies featuring successful stores on their platform. Indeed I wrote one about sales funnels for ecommerce. Benefits include:

• In-depth looks at store strategies and growth tactics
• Diverse range of featured stores across various industries
• Insights directly from store owners and Shopify experts

This resource provides curated, high-quality information straight from the source.

12. Third-Party E-commerce Reports and Studies

Many market research firms and e-commerce analysts publish reports that include lists or case studies of successful Shopify stores. Look for:

• Annual e-commerce trend reports
• Industry-specific e-commerce studies
• Reports on fastest-growing online retailers

While some of these reports may require a purchase, they often provide deep, data-driven insights into the Shopify ecosystem.

13. Chrome Extensions for Shopify Store Detection

Several Chrome extensions can help you identify Shopify stores as you browse the web:

• Shopify Detector
• Built With Technology Profiler
• Wappalyzer

These tools can turn your everyday web browsing into a Shopify store discovery session.

14. Affiliate Networks and Programs

Many successful Shopify stores run affiliate programs. Exploring affiliate networks can lead you to:

• High-performing Shopify stores actively seeking promoters
• Insights into commission structures and popular products
• Niche-specific Shopify stores with strong customer bases

This method is particularly useful for those interested in the marketing and partnership aspects of e-commerce.

15. LinkedIn Sales Navigator

While not specifically designed for this purpose, LinkedIn Sales Navigator can be a powerful tool for finding Shopify stores:

• Search for companies using Shopify as their e-commerce platform
• Filter by industry, company size, and location
• Identify key personnel in Shopify-powered businesses

This approach is especially valuable for B2B researchers and those looking to network within the Shopify ecosystem.

Conclusion: Ethical Considerations and Best Practices

As you embark on your journey to discover and analyze Shopify stores, it’s crucial to approach this research ethically and respectfully. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Respect intellectual property: Use your research for inspiration, not imitation.
• Be mindful of data privacy: Stick to publicly available information and avoid any unethical data collection methods.
• Engage positively with the community: If you reach out to store owners, do so with genuine interest and respect.
• Give credit where it’s due: If you share your findings or use them in your work, acknowledge your sources.

By leveraging these 15 resources and strategies while adhering to ethical guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the vast landscape of Shopify stores. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, conducting market research, or seeking potential business partners, this comprehensive approach will help you uncover the insights you need to succeed in the dynamic world of e-commerce.