Shopify rolled out significant updates and new features throughout September 2024. These changes aim to streamline eCommerce operations, enhance point-of-sale (POS) capabilities, improve shipping workflows, and support global merchants with duty-inclusive pricing and language features.
Here’s a detailed overview of Shopify’s September 2024 updates:
1. Tablet Improvements for the POS App (September 30)
Shopify optimized the POS app layout to display more information and actions across each screen on tablet devices.
Why does it matter?
This update allows merchants using tablets to better manage transactions, inventory, and customer interactions by displaying essential data more clearly, making the in-store shopping experience smoother for both staff and customers.
2. POS Terminal Experience Enhancements (September 30)
The POS terminal customer experience received a refreshed design and new customization options, further enhancing the interaction between merchants and shoppers.
Why does it matter?
A better-designed POS interface creates a more intuitive and seamless checkout experience, boosting customer satisfaction and making it easier for store associates to personalize service.
3. YouTube Shorts Now Supported as External File Type (September 27)
Shopify introduced support for YouTube Shorts, allowing them to be added directly from the file picker, available on product pages and across the admin interface.
Why does it matter?
With the growing popularity of short-form video content, merchants can now use YouTube Shorts to create engaging and dynamic product presentations, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
4. Storefront Filters Now Support Category Metafields (September 25)
Merchants can now power storefront filters using category metafields through the Shopify Search & Discovery app.
Why does it matter?
This feature enables better product discovery, allowing customers to refine search results based on specific categories, improving the overall shopping experience.
5. Improved Script Writing with Flow’s Autocomplete Feature (September 25)
The “Run code” action in Shopify Flow now offers modern code editing features, including autocomplete and contextual details on hover.
Why does it matter?
This enhancement makes it easier for merchants to write and troubleshoot scripts, ensuring that workflows are more accurate and efficient.
6. Customer Metafields on POS (September 25)
Customer metafields pinned in Shopify Admin are now accessible at all POS Pro locations, enabling retail staff to view and capture unique customer information.
Why does it matter?
Merchants can offer more personalized service by storing and accessing customer data such as preferences and loyalty information across POS locations.
7. Shipping Refund Improvements (September 23)
Shipping amounts shown in the financial summary of the order details page now account for refunds, with a more streamlined user experience on the refund page.
Why does it matter?
Handling refunds is now more transparent and user-friendly, helping merchants manage their financials and customer support more effectively.
8. Duty-Inclusive Pricing for Managed Markets (September 20)
Shopify now supports duty-inclusive pricing for Managed Markets merchants, allowing them to reduce checkout surprises for international customers.
Why does it matter?
Merchants selling globally can offer a more transparent pricing structure, minimizing abandoned carts due to unexpected duties at checkout.
9. Workflow Run List Improvements in Flow (September 20)
The Flow app now offers faster loading times, clearer status indicators, and detailed error tracking for easier workflow troubleshooting.
Why does it matter?
Merchants can identify and resolve issues in their automated workflows more quickly, ensuring smoother operations.
10. Expanded Language Support for Semantic Search (September 19)
Semantic Search now supports multiple languages, enabling shoppers worldwide to use everyday language and get relevant search results.
Why does it matter?
This update improves search functionality for international merchants, ensuring that customers can easily find what they are looking for regardless of language barriers.
11. Store Pickup with Ship-to-Store Fulfillment (September 19)
Pickup in store now supports Store Transfers, allowing customers to buy online and have items shipped to their nearest store for pickup.
Why does it matter?
Merchants can offer greater flexibility to customers who prefer to pick up orders in-store, improving the omnichannel shopping experience.
12. Trigger Automations Based on Customer Segments (September 18)
Merchants can now create marketing automations that trigger when customers join or leave specific segments.
Why does it matter?
This update allows for highly personalized marketing, enabling merchants to engage customers based on real-time data.
13. Shopify Bundles Now Available on POS (September 16)
Merchants using Shopify Bundles can now publish and sell product bundles directly from Shopify POS.
Why does it matter?
This feature streamlines in-store selling of product bundles, giving merchants more options to upsell and offer promotions in physical locations.
14. New Staff Permissions for Gift Cards (September 16)
Four new staff permissions for managing gift cards give merchants more granular control over who can perform actions related to gift cards.
Why does it matter?
This provides tighter security and better staff management, ensuring that gift card handling is more controlled.
15. UI Update for Company and Location Details (September 13)
Shopify introduced a new layout for displaying Company and Company location details, making information and customizations more distinct.
Why does it matter?
This update improves usability by making it easier for merchants to differentiate and manage company-specific settings.
16. "Don’t Collect Tax" Option for B2B (September 5)
B2B merchants can now apply the “Don’t collect tax” option to specific company locations.
Why does it matter?
This feature simplifies tax management for B2B merchants, particularly those operating in tax-exempt jurisdictions.
17. Flow API Request Enhancements (September 5)
Merchants using the “Send Admin API request” action in Shopify Flow can now return and use data from API requests in subsequent workflow steps.
Why does it matter?
This enhancement increases the versatility of Shopify Flow, allowing for more dynamic workflows that respond to real-time data changes.
Scared to DIY? We’re Here To Help
Shopify's latest updates offer exciting new features and tools to help eCommerce businesses stay competitive and thrive in today's digital landscape. By leveraging these updates, you can improve your inventory management, streamline workflows, create a personalised experience for customers and optimise your marketing strategies for better ROI.
At Vevol Media, we specialise in Shopify development and all things eCommerce, so if you find yourself overwhelmed by implementing these updates yourself, we're here to help you take advantage of these new features. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you take your online business to the next level by creating a seamless and enjoyable online experience for your customers.