If I pause my store can I still work on the theme and do maintenance?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

Main topic: Whether a paused (dormant) Shopify store can still be edited, and how to prevent orders on certain days while keeping the site visible.

Key points:

  • Dormant plan: Allows full access except checkout, so you can edit themes, menus, and settings. Cost cited as $14 USD/month; usable as long as needed. Resources shared: forum feedback and Shopify Academy courses.
  • Weekly market scenario: Staff advised against pausing on off-days due to confusing, frequent bills. Suggested using a password page on closed days, but that hides the storefront.

Alternatives for visibility without orders:

  • Set product quantities to zero via Products > Inventory (Bulk Editor can’t change quantities; it can toggle inventory tracking and allow selling when out of stock). A screenshot was provided for guidance.
  • If visibility without purchasing is essential and you don’t want to zero inventory, pausing is possible, but expect frequent plan-switch bills and credits (examples given), plus potential app/shipping/tax charges.

Updates/outcomes:

  • One user couldn’t see their theme after pausing, then resolved it by re-pinning “Online store.”
  • No definitive solution chosen; trade-offs remain between visibility and billing simplicity. Discussion effectively open.
Summarized with AI on January 3. AI used: gpt-5.
2

Hey, Balyra!

Aria here, I’m on the Social Care team at Shopify.

Yes, when you’re on the dormant plan (because you’ve paused your store), you will have access to everything except for the checkout. This means you can still edit the theme, menu’s and anything else while your store is paused.

The dormant plan is $14 USD per month. You’re welcome to stay on it for as long as you need to but make sure you reach out to us if you need support with your store setup. You’re also welcome to post on the forums to ask for Feedback On Your Store before you go live. Shopify Staff, Partners and experienced entrepreneurs are likely to weigh in with their tips on making your store look professional and trustworthy.

Have you signed up for the free courses on Shopify Academy? That may help you with the store setup process, as well as your marketing.

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