The End of the Brooklyn Theme: What’s Next for Shopify Store Owners?

The End of the Brooklyn Theme: What’s Next for Shopify Store Owners?

For years, Shopify’s Brooklyn Theme was a beloved choice for online stores seeking a clean, modern design without any unnecessary clutter. However, as of November 2022, Shopify has officially retired the Brooklyn theme, along with several other classic themes. With the introduction of Shopify’s OS 2.0 themes, the platform has moved towards more flexible, feature-rich designs, leaving many users wondering: what’s next?

In this article, we’ll explore why Brooklyn Shopify is no longer available, what made it so popular, and which themes you should consider as alternatives to power your Shopify store today.

 

Pro Tip: Use the free trial to explore Shopify’s features fully, and transition seamlessly into the $1/month phase. Sign up now to secure this deal! 

 

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1. Why Was the Brooklyn Theme Retired?

In November 2022, Shopify officially phased out its vintage themes, including Brooklyn, as part of a larger shift towards Online Store 2.0 (OS 2.0). OS 2.0 offers merchants greater flexibility, improved performance, and new features that are designed to help them scale their businesses more efficiently. With this move, Shopify also retired several other non-OS 2.0 themes, making them unavailable for new stores.

If you already had the Brooklyn theme installed before its retirement, you may still use it, but it won’t receive further updates or support. New merchants, however, are encouraged to choose from Shopify’s latest OS 2.0 themes.

 

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2. Why Brooklyn Was So Popular

Although Brooklyn has been retired, it’s worth understanding why it was one of Shopify’s most-used free themes.

Key Features of Brooklyn:

  • Clean, Modern Design: The theme was perfect for brands focused on visually appealing products, particularly fashion and lifestyle businesses.
  • Slideshow Header: Brooklyn allowed store owners to feature a homepage slideshow to display new collections or promotions.
  • Mobile-Optimized: Brooklyn was highly responsive, ensuring stores looked great on any device.
  • Simple Customization: Merchants loved how easy it was to personalize the theme without needing to touch code.

Brooklyn’s balance of simplicity and elegance made it the go-to theme for many new Shopify merchants. However, as Shopify has evolved, so too have its themes.

 

Need help getting started? Follow our Shopify Signup Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

 

3. What Are the Best Alternatives to the Brooklyn Theme?

While Brooklyn is no longer available, Shopify’s new themes offer even more flexibility and functionality. Here are a few top recommendations that can replace the Brooklyn Shopify theme:

A. Dawn

  • Why It’s Great: As Shopify’s flagship OS 2.0 theme, Dawn is fast, customizable, and designed for high performance across all devices. It offers flexibility with section-based editing on every page, making it easier for merchants to create the perfect store layout.
  • Best For: Fashion, lifestyle, and product-focused stores.

B. Narrative

  • Why It’s Great: Narrative focuses on brand storytelling, making it ideal for small businesses that want to emphasize their story, mission, and unique products.
  • Best For: Niche stores with visually compelling products, such as art or lifestyle brands.

C. Craft

  • Why It’s Great: Craft is an excellent choice for businesses with large inventories. Its focus is on showcasing product details with clean layouts and high-quality images.
  • Best For: Artisans, food and beverage, and home goods stores.

D. Taste

  • Why It’s Great: This theme is designed to highlight product quality, especially for visually-driven brands. It’s fast, clean, and minimal, similar to Brooklyn but with more features thanks to OS 2.0.
  • Best For: Stores with visual products, such as food or luxury goods.

4. How to Transition from Brooklyn to a New Shopify Theme

If you’re still using the Brooklyn theme and are considering a switch to a more modern theme, here’s how you can make the transition smoothly:

A. Choose the Right OS 2.0 Theme

Take time to explore Shopify’s new OS 2.0 themes. Many of the newer themes offer far more customization options and features than Brooklyn, so it’s important to choose one that fits your brand and business model.

B. Customize Your New Theme

Shopify’s OS 2.0 themes are designed to be highly customizable, even for users without coding experience. You can move elements around, add new sections, and tailor the look and feel of the store without touching any code.

C. Consider Shopify Experts

If you’re unsure about how to handle the switch or want a more advanced customization, Shopify Experts can help you migrate to a new theme while maintaining your store’s unique look and functionality.

5. The Future of Shopify Themes: Flexibility and Growth

With the retirement of Brooklyn and the introduction of OS 2.0, Shopify is focused on giving merchants more power and control over their stores. The new themes are designed to be faster, more flexible, and easier to customize—perfect for both beginners and advanced users.

Whether you’re starting fresh or transitioning from Brooklyn, Shopify’s new themes give you the tools you need to build a store that stands out in today’s competitive e-commerce market.

 

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Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! Sign up for Shopify now and take the first step toward your online business success.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Without the Brooklyn Theme

While the Brooklyn Shopify theme was a fantastic tool for many stores, it’s time to move forward. Shopify’s newer themes, powered by OS 2.0, offer superior customization, performance, and scalability, making them the perfect replacement. If you loved Brooklyn for its clean design and ease of use, you’ll find even better options with Shopify’s current themes.

Looking for the best Shopify theme to start or upgrade your store? Explore the latest OS 2.0 themes and find the one that helps you create a high-performing, visually stunning Shopify store.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Shopify Sign up

How do I sign up for Shopify?

To sign up for Shopify, visit the official Shopify website, enter your email, create a password, and follow the on-screen prompts. You can start with a 3-day free trial and pay just $1 per month for the first 3 months to explore all features.

Is signing up for Shopify free?

Yes, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial where you can explore all the features without any cost. After the trial, you can continue for just $1 per month for the first three months.

What is Shopify’s $1 for 3 months offer?

Shopify’s current promotion allows you to start your online store for just $1 per month for the first three months after a 3-day free trial. This gives you access to all essential features to build and grow your business.

How do I create a Shopify signup form?

To create a Shopify signup form, use Shopify's built-in tools to collect customer emails directly from your website. You can customize the form using Shopify apps or Liquid code to enhance its functionality.

Can I start Shopify for free?

Yes, you can start Shopify with a 3-day free trial. After that, you can pay only $1 per month for the first three months to continue using Shopify's powerful eCommerce tools.

Can a beginner use Shopify?

Absolutely! Shopify is beginner-friendly and designed for users with no technical experience. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive support make it easy to start an online store.

Is Shopify 100% free?

Shopify is not entirely free, but you can start with a 3-day free trial and enjoy the first 3 months for only $1 per month. This low-cost entry allows you to test the platform before committing to a regular plan.

Is Etsy or Shopify better?

Shopify is ideal for those looking to create a fully customized online store with more control over branding, while Etsy is better for selling handmade or vintage items on an existing marketplace. It depends on your business needs.

How much does Shopify take per sale?

Shopify charges a transaction fee ranging from 2.9% + 30¢ per sale on its Basic plan, with lower rates on higher-tier plans. If you use Shopify Payments, you avoid extra transaction fees.

Does Shopify pay you?

Shopify doesn't directly pay you, but it processes payments from your customers and deposits them into your bank account based on your payment schedule.

Does Shopify pay daily?

Yes, Shopify can pay daily if you use Shopify Payments, depending on your country and bank’s processing times.

Is Shopify good for making money?

Yes, Shopify is one of the best platforms for making money online. Its powerful tools and resources enable you to build, market, and grow a successful online business.

How much does it cost to join Shopify?

It costs $1 per month for the first three months after a 3-day free trial. After that, plans start at $36 per month for the Basic plan.

Is it free to set up Shopify?

You can set up Shopify for free during the 3-day trial. After that, it’s $1 per month for the first three months before switching to a regular plan.

How do I set up Shopify?

To set up Shopify, sign up for an account, select a theme, add products, and customize your store settings. Shopify’s user-friendly interface guides you through each step.

How much does Shopify take per sale?

Shopify’s transaction fees depend on your plan and payment method. For the Basic plan, it’s 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. Shopify Payments users avoid extra fees.

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