One backend running two different front end UI

Store Design
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Topic summary

A merchant wants to serve two distinct customer bases (commercial/professional and retail) using a single Shopify backend while providing separate front-end experiences with different product catalogs and menu categories.

Proposed Solutions:

  • Shopify Plus Multi-Storefront: Create two separate storefronts under one backend, each with its own theme, subdomain (e.g., pro.yoursite.com vs. retail.yoursite.com) or unique domain, and customized navigation using customer tags and pricing rules.

  • Non-Plus Alternative: Duplicate themes with distinct menu configurations assigned to different subdomains, though with more limited functionality.

  • Product Segmentation: Use Shopify collections to organize products by audience type, combined with customer tags to dynamically serve relevant content based on user group (Professional vs. Retail).

The discussion confirms this setup is achievable, with the optimal approach depending on whether the merchant has access to Shopify Plus.

Summarized with AI on November 2. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi all,

In our case we have products for commercial/professional consumers as well as retail focused products.

Our goal is to provide each user base a better experience by showing them the products/menu cat. Relevant to each section. Is there a way to have the same backend and only one running/feeding two different front end UI? The UI can use 2 unique domain names or subdomains of the same if it makes a difference, same with the look and feel. Our biggest concern is separate products/menu categories so that each section is not having to sift through unrelated content.

Thanks for the suggestions/help.

2

Hi @Bazalda ,

I am from Mageplaza - Shopify solution expert.

it is possible to achieve a setup where one Shopify backend powers two different front-end UIs. Here are some approaches:

Yes, it is possible to achieve a setup where one Shopify backend powers two different front-end UIs with separate product menus and categories. Here are some approaches:

1. Subdomains or Unique Domains for Separate UIs

You can use Shopify Plus to manage two distinct storefronts or themes, each catering to different user bases. Here’s how:

Method A: Shopify Plus Multi-Storefront- What it is: Shopify Plus allows you to create multiple storefronts under one backend.

  • How it works:
    • Configure two separate themes, each tailored to the target audience (e.g., professional vs. retail customers).
    • Assign each storefront to a subdomain (e.g., pro.yoursite.com for professional users and retail.yoursite.com for retail users) or a unique domain.
    • Use customer tags, pricing rules, and custom navigation to show relevant content per audience.

Method B: Separate Sections via Subdomains (Non-Plus Option)- If you’re not on Shopify Plus, you can use subdomains by creating duplicate themes with distinct menu configurations.

2. Segment Products and Menus Using Shopify Features

To ensure that customers only see relevant products and menus:

  • Collections:
    Create separate collections for professional and retail products, and use navigation menus to link to these collections.

  • Themes:
    Use different themes or theme configurations for each UI. This can be managed by duplicating and customizing themes.

  • Customer Segmentation:
    Use customer tags to identify the type of user and dynamically serve the appropriate products or content. For example, you can create customer groups for “Professional” and “Retail” and tailor the experience accordingly.

I hope this is useful for you.

Best regards.