This is still a workaround, not really vacation mode unfortunately. You would have to add a message on your home page to let customers know that they can do orders but can’t check out. I agree Shopify needs to add a true vacation mode. Last time I needed this I put on password protection mode and customized the password page. It still says ‘enter using password’ but at least I was able to make the page look more like our regular website while it was closed.
Topic summary
Store owners are seeking a straightforward vacation mode feature that allows them to temporarily disable checkout while keeping their store visible to customers. Currently, Shopify lacks a built-in vacation mode toggle.
Available workarounds include:
- Password protection (customizable via Theme Editor > Password page)
- Pause and Build plan ($9/month, disables checkout but keeps store browsable)
- Announcement banners to communicate delays
- Third-party apps like Magical Vacation Mode ($5/year)
Key concerns raised:
- Password protection makes stores appear closed and may impact SEO
- Pause and Build is unavailable for yearly payment plans
- Banners alone don’t prevent orders from being placed
- Lack of this basic feature compared to competitors (Etsy, Amazon Handmade)
Current status: No official vacation mode exists despite years of merchant requests. Shopify staff acknowledge the feedback but provide no implementation timeline. Many users express frustration that this standard e-commerce feature requires paid workarounds or complex solutions, with some questioning their platform choice after a decade of use.
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