how to buy the right store theme

[nycbrand]

How do I pick the right store theme for my new brand and one that is fast-loading? I don't see "site speed" anywhere in the features of the themes available for purchase. Thanks

[Victoria]

Hi, @nycbrand.

Thanks for posting to the Shopify Community.

What type of store do you have and what kind of products do you sell? Other than a theme that is fast loading, what other qualities are you looking for? 

To find a fast loading theme in the Shopify Theme Store, you'll want to utilize the search bar at the top to look for themes with specific features. You can also use the filters on the sidebar to narrow down your options based on your needs. Another option is checking the Web Performance dashboard in your Shopify admin to evaluate loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability of your current theme. Lastly, make sure to select themes that are compatible with Online Store 2.0, as they are designed to be more efficient and faster.

[nycbrand]

Thanks. I"m launching a women's sleepwear ecommerce brand initially with 4 designs, each with 4 colors, and USA only. Ultimately I will add more products, allow mix/match sizing and bundled pricing, and sell outside the USA. I want great mobile experience and fast site loading. I need before/after product capability to show competitor vs my brand. MObile 1st reviews recommend Icon, Parallax, Dawn and Craft. When I filter it looks like Eurus, Woodstock or Paper might be good options.  Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! 

[nycbrand]

Also would love to enable pre-order capability

[Moira · Accepted solution]

Dawn is an ideal Shopify theme for your brand due to its speed and performance optimization, mobile-first design, and scalability. Built by Shopify, it ensures regular updates and compatibility with the latest features, making it a reliable long-term choice. Its minimalist design supports high-quality imagery, enhancing visual storytelling while keeping the focus on your products. Dawn's ease of customization through the Shopify theme editor allows for flexibility without extensive coding knowledge. Additionally, as a free theme, it offers a cost-effective solution with robust support and a wealth of community resources.

Therefore, given your requirements, Dawn might be a good starting point due to its speed and mobile-first design, with the possibility of adding apps for additional functionality. If you prefer a more visually rich theme, Icon or Parallax could be good choices, but ensure you optimize them for speed. 

Remember to always test the themes thoroughly before making a final decision!