Can I manage separate B2B and B2C stores with one theme?

Shopify Discussion
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Topic summary

A merchant with prior Shopify experience wants to run separate B2B and B2C stores but finds Shopify Plus (which natively supports both) too expensive. They’re asking whether they can manage two stores using one theme, run the B2B store on a subdomain, and handle EU VAT validation with login requirements.

Key clarifications provided:

  • Native B2B features are only available on Shopify Plus; the older wholesale channel is being sunset in April 2024.
  • Alternative solution: Use third-party wholesale apps from the Shopify App Store to manage both B2B and B2C customers on a single storefront, avoiding the need for two separate stores.
  • Theme licensing: Purchased themes are licensed per store—using the same theme on two stores requires buying it twice.
  • Subdomain setup: If running two stores, a subdomain (e.g., wholesale.website.com) can be used for the B2B store.
  • VAT handling: Shopify supports configuring VAT based on customer location and country-specific requirements.

One response suggests custom theme development to differentiate wholesale and retail experiences within a single storefront. Another provides general B2C portal development cost estimates, though less directly relevant to the Shopify-specific question.

Summarized with AI on October 27. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

We already ran a store with Shopify in 2015-17, so we have a bit of experience, but back then with an agency we won’t be working with again.

We want to make a store B2B and a B2C. As far as I have understood, a combination of both is only possible in the Pro version and that is too expensive, also only a fifth of the products are in the B2B store.

Is that right?

I then have two stores that I have to manage separately, I find not so dramatic because in the B2B are only about 30 products.

Can I run the second store on a subdomain?
Do I have to buy the theme twice?

In the B2B store we have to check the VAT number in Europe before and so I need a login page to check that and I then have to create the customer, is that possible?

If I then sell in my own country VAT must be paid, in EU foreign countries not with VAT, does this always work or does it depend on the theme?

That’s it for now, thanks in advance for your answers
Andreas

1 Like
2

No, store ist closed since 2018

3

Hi @Andreas_Hagn ,

First of all, welcome back to Shopify! I’d be happy to answer the questions you’ve asked below.

The wholesale channel available on Shopify is set to be sunset in April 2024, with B2B on Shopify taking its place. Both of these channels are only available to merchants on the Shopify Plus plan. For merchants who sell wholesale not on the Plus plan, we recommend checking out the many wholesale apps available on the Shopify App Store. These apps will allow you to set up B2B customer accounts on your site and set up wholesale pricing for your products alongside your consumer prices.

If you use these apps you may not need to have two storefronts, as they should allow you to sell to both wholesale and retail customers from the same website. However, an alternative option would be to have a second site for wholesale customers rather than using an app. You could use a subdomain from your main site (e.g. wholesale.website.com) on this second site if you wanted to and redirect wholesale customers there.

If you purchase a theme, you cannot copy and use it on a second store. When you purchase a theme for your website you are buying a license for the storefront you are purchasing it on, and to use it on another website you’d need to purchase it again (or use a different theme instead).

In terms of VAT, you can set up your store so that VAT is charged depending on whether you’re required to charge VAT to customers in that country or region. More information can be found in our Help documentation.

I hope this helps but please let me know if you have further questions.

4

Hello Andreas!

We actually just made a video on how to do this exact thing creating a B2B and retail store just using two apps and on a single storefront.

To parrot @Victor_5 's reply, using apps is a great way to accomplish this goal whilst keeping costs down, especially if the bulk of your business won’t be B2B.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VC7Z1KeU7Q

I hope this helps :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:

5

Hi @Andreas_Hagn ,

Assuming wholesale and retail are the type of users only and wholesale user will able to access the catalog after login only.

I agree with recommendation of doing things using APP, but APP’s were made for generic flow which has their own set of goal.

You have to do other adjustment to fit the APP in your requirement. Since APP don’t share code or webhook to work future in complex logic.

Custom development

We can customize the whole theme and features in single theme only.

After customization wholesale user will have totally different navigation, slideshow and collections made for wholesale user only.

We can create more as per your request.

We can discuss in detail if interested.

6

The cost of developing a B2C portal can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of features, design requirements, development platform, integrations, and whether you’re using an in-house team or outsourcing. On average, a basic B2C portal can range from $10,000 to $50,000, while feature-rich platforms with advanced functionality, scalability, and enhanced security can go upwards of $100,000.

For a detailed breakdown of all the factors influencing cost—such as UI/UX design, third-party integrations, and backend architecture—check out this comprehensive guide: B2C Portal Development Cost Breakdown: What You Need to Know.