Shopify Is the Leading Software in APAC, Highest Distribution in the Philippines With 56%

Shop software is one of the building blocks of eCommerce. Its preference hinges on multiple factors, including regional preference, industry, cost and usage. The two leading shop software providers worldwide are Shopify and Magento.

Between the two, regional preference makes up a large part of the appeal. Unity across world regions makes sense in shop software usage, as merchants in the same area often share payment systems, logistics networks, customer expectations, and regulatory frameworks.

ECDB has the information on shop software usage by online stores across world regions. In Europe, Magento tends to be the number one provider. Contrasting this preference is APAC, where Magento’s competitor Shopify takes the lead.

High Growth Potential in APAC Shapes Market Realities

In the Asian Pacific region, eCommerce is at the forefront of global growth rates. These markets are characterized by high potential for online development, with a variety of businesses contributing to the expansion of eCommerce.

Marketplaces like Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop drive eCommerce development in the region, while online stores have different needs than those in other parts of the world. In a comparison between 3P and 1P income models, 3P takes a clear lead in APAC.

How come Shopify is the go-to shop software used most often in APAC?

Shopify Leading in Six Markets in the Region

Shopify has the highest distribution in the Philippines, where 53% of online stores use the provider. It is followed by Pakistan (48%), India (42%), Singapore (33%), Malaysia (24%) and Japan (14%).

The appeal of Shopify lies in its primary position as number one international shop software provider. Established in North America, Shopify facilitates international business through integrations with global logistics and payment.

Shopify is a safe bet for online stores looking to gain international audiences with competitive prices and in-demand merchandise. Second in line is WooCommerce, adopted as number one provider in three markets in the region.

WooCommerce and Cafe24 Other Notable Providers

WooCommerce ranks as the number one shop software provider in Indonesia (21%), Vietnam (20%) and Thailand (14%). WooCommerce’s appeal is its small-business suitability, as it is low in cost and highly customizable, mostly in need of a developer for set-up though.

Standing out from the former two providers is Cafe24, a homegrown provider developed in South Korea. Due to its origin, Cafe24 is the number one shop software in South Korea, with some integration in Asian eCommerce, but not much notably.

Gauging from this, shop software usage in APAC hinges on international integration, customization and accessibility. Shop software choice is never a one-size-fits-all but always a consideration of the whole context.