Running a successful Shopify store in your home country is a big win, but what if the rest of the world is waiting for what you have to offer?
Expanding into international markets isn’t just a nice-to-have strategy anymore, it’s a powerful way to increase your revenue, tap into new customer segments, and build a resilient brand that isn't dependent on just one market.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it takes to sell internationally using Shopify, with practical tips, tools, and insights to get started the smart way.
Why Go Global?
If you’re seeing steady growth at home, chances are you’ve already planted the seeds for international success. Here’s how to know you’re ready to branch out:
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Steady domestic sales?
You’ve proven product-market fit locally. -
Traffic from other countries?
Your audience is already curious. -
Ads maxed out?
If your cost-per-click is rising, new markets offer fresh potential.
Going global isn’t about reaching everyone, it’s about reaching the right ones beyond your borders.
Is Your Product Ready for the World?
Before you scale, it’s important to ask:
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Can it ship easily? Lightweight and compact products win. If you’re shipping something bulky, factor in the logistics cost.
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Is it culturally relevant? Products tied to specific trends, lifestyles, or needs may not translate well globally. Test, adapt, and stay open.
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Any legal red flags? Health, beauty, or food items often face import restrictions. Do your homework for each region.
Tip: Digital products and accessories are some of the easiest to scale globally.
One Store or Many? Shopify's Two Roads to International Sales
There’s no single "right way" to set up your store for international reach, but Shopify gives you two strong options:
Option 1: One Store, Many Markets (Shopify Markets)
Use Shopify’s built-in tools to sell in multiple regions from a single storefront. It lets you:
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Show prices in local currency
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Translate content (to an extent)
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Auto-detect visitor location
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Charge local taxes and duties
Great for: Small to mid-sized businesses exploring international waters
Watch out: You’ll have limited control over localized content and SEO.
Option 2: Multi-Store Setup (Shopify Plus)
If you want full creative and operational control per country, consider creating separate stores for each market. This lets you:
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Customize design, content, and checkout per region
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Set regional pricing and promotions
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Optimize for local SEO
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Use multiple fulfillment centers
Great for: High-growth brands with diverse global audiences
Watch out: Requires more resources and a Shopify Plus subscription
How to Choose Your First Global Market
Don’t try to go everywhere at once. Start with a market that offers the best mix of:
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Existing demand (check your analytics!)
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Shared language or culture
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Logistics feasibility
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Regulatory simplicity
Example: For Indian brands, targeting the UAE, US, or UK markets can be a strong first step due to diaspora and demand.
Local Currencies = Higher Conversions
According to Shopify, nearly 1 in 3 international shoppers will abandon their cart if prices aren’t shown in their local currency.
Use Shopify Payments to:
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Automatically convert prices
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Set rounding rules (so $19.87 becomes $19.99)
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Offer manual overrides for price-sensitive markets
Need more flexibility? Apps like Geolizr or Advanced Store Localization offer advanced control over currency, content, and product visibility.
Getting Products to Global Customers
Shipping is the backbone of international ecommerce. A few strategies to make it seamless:
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Partner with international carriers (DHL, FedEx, Aramex)
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Use third-party fulfillment centers closer to your new market
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Set clear delivery expectations and duties at checkout
And yes, always show final prices with shipping and taxes included. Nobody likes checkout surprises.
Speak Their Language, Literally
Localization goes beyond translation. It’s about making your site feel native to the shopper.
Here’s what to localize:
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Product descriptions
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Sizing charts
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Payment methods
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Customer service info
Use Shopify's Translate & Adapt app or integrate with Weglot or Langify for seamless translation.
Marketing to International Audiences
New markets mean new behaviors. Tailor your marketing accordingly:
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Run country-specific campaigns via Meta, TikTok, or Google
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Collaborate with local influencers
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Adjust your email marketing to reflect local holidays and sales periods
Also, make sure your ads direct users to the correct version of your store based on location!
Final Thoughts: Ready to Take Off?
Going global is a bold move, but it’s more doable than ever thanks to Shopify’s ecosystem. Whether you’re just testing new waters or building a global empire, Shopify gives you the tools to expand with confidence.
And if you ever feel stuck figuring out the best approach, single store or multi-store, Shopify Markets or Plus, how to set up taxes, that’s where we come in.
Need help going global?
Let’s chat. We help Shopify merchants scale smartly, one country at a time.