Create development store for existing client store

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

A developer wants to create a test environment for an existing client’s Shopify store to safely make changes before deploying them to production.

Recommended Approach:

  • Create a development store through the Shopify Partner Dashboard (under “Stores” > “Development Stores”)
  • Duplicate the client’s existing theme by navigating to “Online Store” > “Themes” and selecting “Actions” > “Duplicate”
  • Make and test all desired changes in the development store (modify code, update settings, add/remove sections)
  • Once validated, push the changes to the client’s live store

This workflow allows for safe testing and customization without risking disruption to the client’s active storefront. The discussion remains open with only initial guidance provided.

Summarized with AI on November 20. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I want to create a dummy store of a existing client store and make some changes in the dummy store and finally push that changes in client existing store

2

To create a dummy store based on an existing client store and make changes before pushing those changes to the client’s existing store, you can follow these steps:

  1. Create a Development Store: Create a new development store in Shopify. This will serve as your dummy store where you can make and test changes without affecting the client’s existing store. You can create a development store by going to the Shopify Partner Dashboard and clicking on “Development Stores” under the “Stores” section.

  2. Duplicate Theme: In the development store, duplicate the theme from the client’s existing store. This will allow you to work with the same theme and customize it without affecting the client’s live store. Go to “Online Store” > “Themes” and click on “Actions” > “Duplicate” for the desired theme.

  3. Make Changes: Customize the duplicated theme in the development store as per your requirements. You can modify the code, update settings, add/remove sections, etc., to implement the desired changes.