HOW DO I CREATE A SHOPIFY DEVELOPMENT STORE? A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How Do I Create a Shopify Development Store? A Step-by-Step Guide

How Do I Create a Shopify Development Store? A Step-by-Step Guide

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If you're a freelancer, agency, or entrepreneur looking to build eCommerce solutions for clients, setting up a Shopify development store is the first step toward mastering the platform. Whether you're testing features or building out a client’s site, development stores are a key part of the Shopify Partner ecosystem.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a development store and explain why working with expert Shopify developers Ireland can give your projects a competitive edge.

Step 1: Join the Shopify Partner Program

To create a development store, you need to be a Shopify Partner. Here’s how to join:

  1. Go to https://partners.shopify.com

  2. Click Join Now and complete your profile.

  3. Once approved, you’ll gain access to the Partner Dashboard.

Step 2: Create a Development Store

After you’re set up as a partner:

  1. Log in to your Shopify Partner Dashboard.

  2. Navigate to Stores in the sidebar.

  3. Click Add Store > Development store.

  4. Fill in the required fields:

    • Store name

    • Password (for protected preview)

    • Purpose (choose "Build a new store for a client")

  5. Click Save.

You now have a fully functional Shopify store to experiment with or design for clients—free of charge.

Step 3: Customize and Test

In the development store, you can:

  • Install and test apps

  • Create custom themes

  • Use test payments

  • Configure store settings Note: While development stores can’t process real payments, they offer almost every feature of a live store for testing purposes.

Why Work with Shopify Developers in Ireland?

While Shopify makes it easy to set up and launch stores, achieving a high-performing, customized, and conversion-optimized site often requires technical expertise. That’s where experienced Shopify developers Ireland can help. From custom theme development to API integration and performance optimization, they offer tailored solutions that drive sales and deliver a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

Creating a Shopify development store is a straightforward but powerful way to build and test eCommerce projects. And if you want to take your Shopify store to the next level, partnering with trusted Shopify developers Ireland ensures your vision becomes a scalable, revenue-generating reality.

Need help with a custom Shopify project?
Talk to our certified Shopify developers in Ireland and bring your store to life today

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