Purpose #
This article explains how Shopstars manages theme updates and ongoing maintenance for Shopify stores. It covers why updates are necessary, how they are applied, how changes are tested, and what clients can expect in terms of workflow and communication. The objective is to provide a clear, authoritative reference so that theme maintenance is predictable, stable, and aligned with business goals.
Why Theme Updates Are Necessary #
Shopify themes are not static. They evolve as Shopify introduces new features, security requirements, and performance improvements. Themes must also adapt to changes in third-party apps, browser standards, and client business needs. Without regular updates, stores risk degraded performance, broken functionality, or vulnerabilities. Common triggers for theme updates include:
- Shopify core changes (for example, updates to checkout extensibility or cart APIs)
- Browser or device compatibility adjustments
- Integration changes from apps or custom code
- Business-driven changes such as seasonal design updates or new product categories
Update Strategy #
Shopstars follows a structured approach to updating themes:
1. Version Control
All theme code is stored in Git repositories. Updates are made in branches separate from production. This ensures that changes can be tracked, reviewed, and rolled back if necessary.
2. Staging Environments
Before deployment, updates are tested in a staging theme within Shopify. Clients are given preview links to review changes. No update is pushed directly to the live theme without staging approval.
3. Incremental Changes
Updates are made incrementally rather than in large batches. This reduces risk and makes troubleshooting more efficient if an issue arises.
4. App Embed Compliance
Whenever possible, app functionality is implemented through Shopify’s app embed system rather than hard-coded snippets. This ensures that apps can be updated independently and reduces conflicts during theme updates.
Maintenance Activities #
Theme maintenance includes both scheduled and ad hoc activities:
Scheduled Maintenance
- Applying Shopify theme version updates as they are released
- Reviewing app compatibility after Shopify core changes
- Running quarterly performance audits on Liquid templates, JavaScript, and CSS
Ad Hoc Maintenance
- Fixing layout or design issues reported by clients
- Updating product templates for new features such as subscription options
- Troubleshooting conflicts between themes and third-party apps
QA and Testing #
Before any update is deployed, Shopstars applies rigorous QA:
Functional QA
- Verify cart, checkout, and product detail pages work without errors
- Confirm apps integrated through app embeds are firing correctly
- Test custom features such as dynamic pricing or filters
Design QA
- Compare updated templates against Figma or approved mockups
- Review typography, spacing, and branding consistency
- Test responsiveness across breakpoints (mobile, tablet, desktop)
Performance QA
- Run Lighthouse and WebPageTest audits for page speed and Core Web Vitals
- Check for unused JavaScript or CSS introduced by updates
- Validate lazy loading and image optimization are functioning
QA results are logged in Basecamp under the relevant milestone. Issues identified are corrected before the client is asked for approval.
Client Involvement #
Clients are expected to review preview links and provide feedback directly in Basecamp. Approvals must be documented in Basecamp before updates are deployed to the live store. Slack feedback is noted, but only Basecamp approvals are considered final.
Deployment #
Once QA and client approvals are complete, updates are deployed to the live theme. The previous version of the theme is always retained as a backup for rollback if required. Deployment is scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.
Post-Deployment Monitoring #
After deployment, Shopstars monitors the live store for:
- Checkout errors
- Pixel and analytics event tracking
- Page performance metrics
- Client-reported issues
If problems arise, the team reverts to the backup theme while the issue is addressed.
Summary #
Theme updates and maintenance at Shopstars are handled through version control, staging environments, and rigorous QA. Clients are involved through Basecamp approvals, and all deployments include rollback protection. This structured approach ensures that stores remain secure, functional, and optimized as Shopify and third-party systems evolve.
