As one of the best Shopify themes for large-catalog shops, the Empire Shopify theme has numerous premier features that can grow with your store. If you consider using this Shopify theme for your eCommerce site, look no further! In this review, LitExtension – the #1 Shopping Cart Migration Expert, will show you all you need to know about Empire, including:
- An overview of the Empire Shopify theme
- Shopify Empire theme – pros and cons
- Shopify Empire theme’s notable features
- Successful Shopify stores that are using Empire
Let’s dive in!
Empire Shopify Theme: An Overview
Empire is one of the best premium Shopify themes that cost you $340 per one-time purchase, which gives you lifetime access to:
- 4 presets: Supply, Industrial, Depot and Graphic;
- The theme’s pre-built layout and features (which we’re going to review in-depth below);
- All Empire’s future updates and bug fixes from the Shopify Theme Store.
The best part is that you can try the theme for free and only need to pay when you want to publish it.
💡 On a budget? Check out our well-curated list of the top 10 free Shopify themes.
Pros And Cons Of Empire Shopify Theme
From our experience of testing out all Empire Shopify theme’s ins and outs, here are the theme’s pros and cons:
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Who do we recommend Empire Shopify theme for?
From what we’ve experienced, Empire is a great theme for:
- Those with large catalogs who want to ‘steal’ the look of top marketplaces like Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, etc.
- Merchants who also sell in-person
- High-volume stores that process a large number of transactions at a time.
Reviews from Empire users
The Empire Shopify theme currently has a 79% positive rating from 389+ reviews on the Shopify Theme Store. This isn’t a high number compared to other premium Shopify themes, but not low either.
So, let’s see what some of Empire’s real users have to say about their experiences using the theme:
😊 Snap Gasket
I have been using Pixel Union’s Empire theme since I first landed at Shopify (5 or 6 years ago). I like how clean and professional it looks. Pixel Union does a great job of keeping its themes up to date, so my money was well spent all those years ago. When I need help, I’ve never had anything but a good (and fast) experience when dealing with their support team.
😐 Myrus
Really nicely designed speed, but unfortunately disastrous for your Google rankings because it’s so slow. I’d happily lose a lot of the features for speed, think I might have to go onto a faster template, given how heavily Google optimises listings based on speed as a customer service metric.
😞 KKC Kart Components Dispatch Store
Does not offer volume pricing, which is basic for B2B. When I asked them about it, they weren’t interested and just wanted to charge me for extra work. Also missing other basic features.
All The Highlights Of Empire Shopify Theme
#1. Layout for stores with big catalogs
One of the outstanding features of the Empire Shopify theme is that all of its 4 presets have perfect layouts for big catalogs.
Empire is inspired by the layouts of the leading eCommerce marketplaces, allowing you to feature and categorize your products prominently and neatly on any page. This is especially beneficial for stores with diverse product lines, as it helps users navigate through various categories without feeling overwhelmed.
The theme also offers advanced filtering options that significantly improve your customers’ buying journey (we’ll discuss this feature in greater length later).
#2. Stunning mega menu
If a potential customer visits your store for the first time, it’s important that they are aware of all the product types you’re offering. And this is where the Empire Shopify theme comes in handy with its stunning mega menu.
Empire’s mega menu supports up to three levels, enabling you to organize your products and collections the AliExpress style.
Another thing we like about the mega menu of this theme is that you can feature promo banners aesthetically on it – which is something many other themes don’t offer.
#3. Advanced sort and filter on catalog pages
In contrast to a physical store where sales associates are available to assist customers in person, visitors to your online shop aren’t greeted with a “How can I assist you?” to guide them directly to their desired item.
This is where the advanced product filtering feature of the Empire theme becomes invaluable, especially if your online store boasts an extensive inventory with a variety of colors, sizes, and prices.
Empire equips you with a sophisticated sorting and filtering system for your catalog pages, as seen below. This system simplifies the shopping process for your customers, allowing them to effortlessly narrow down their search to find exactly what they’re looking for.
#4. Enhanced search bar
The enhanced search bar of the Empire Shopify Theme is a key feature that significantly improves customer experience.
Unlike other themes’ search bars, it’s not just a box for typing queries; it actively assists customers as they begin to type. When customers start typing, the search bar presents a list of potential matches, including popular and relevant terms.
What’s more, the search bar showcases products as suggestions. So, if a customer types in ‘glass,’ they’ll see different types of glasses they might be interested in. This not only speeds up the shopping process but also introduces customers to items they might not have discovered otherwise.
#5. Product reviews
Did you know that customers trust user-generated content three times more than branded one? Hence, if you’re just getting started and want to convert some sales, adding product reviews is a must, not a plus.
Luckily, Empire provides you with a product review section out of the box. Of course, Empire’s product review section might seem a bit basic. However, Empire’s product review widgets are still better-looking compared to product review features of other themes.
#6. Sales-boosting features
What sets Empire apart from other themes is that it comes with lots of built-in sales features. Here are some most noticeable conversion-focused functionalities Empire offers:
6.1 Cart upsell
With in-cart upsell feature of Empire, you can upsell your customers right at the cart page, incentivizing them to ‘buy more, save more’.
6.2. Product comparison
When people shop on your online store and see they have lots of options, they like to compare similar products before buying.
This is why we really like the product comparison feature in the Empire Shopify theme. With Empire, you can let your customers compare products next to each other. This makes it easier for them to decide which product is best for them, which can help increase your store’s sales.
6.3. Product tagging
Another cool feature of the Empire Shopify theme is that it allows you to tag products in your photos. This is quite beneficial if you want to mimic the product-tagging feature of Instagram Shopping on your store, encouraging your customers to ‘shop the look’.
Top 3 Empire Shopify Theme Examples
1. MUJI Canada
- Niche: home decor, furniture and clothing
- Estimated annual revenue: $1B
- Estimated traffic from last month: 729.5K
Among the top brands using the Empire Shopify theme, Muji Canada is the first that springs to our mind. Muji Canada is a branch of the Japanese retail company known for its minimalist design and eco-friendly products, selling various items, including clothing, household goods, and food.
Highlights of Empire Shopify theme on Muji Canada store:
- The website showcases a clean and straightforward design that reflects Muji’s minimalist philosophy, enhancing the shopping experience with easy navigation.
- It effectively utilizes large, high-quality images to highlight products, giving customers a clear view of Muji’s offerings and emphasizing the quality and simplicity of their items.
2. Lighting Design
- Niche: home and garden
- Estimated annual revenue: $15M – $25M
- Estimated traffic from last month: 49.6K
Lighting Design is a US-based business offering a wide selection of designer lights and accessories, specializing in both indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures. Their products range from ceiling lights and chandeliers to wall sconces and lamps, catering to various home decor styles.
Highlights of Empire Shopify theme on Lighting Design store:
- The site presents a sophisticated and elegant interface that showcases its high-quality lighting fixtures through vivid imagery and detailed product descriptions.
- It provides an organized and intuitive navigation system, making it easy for users to explore different lighting categories and find specific products according to their needs.
3. Lanoguard
- Niche: Vehicles
- Estimated annual revenue: $2M – $5M
- Estimated traffic from last month: 56.3K
Lanoguard UK specializes in rust protection products for vehicles, boats, and machinery, offering solutions that guard against corrosion caused by weather, water, and salt. Their offerings include easy-to-apply DIY kits designed for long-lasting protection.
Highlights of Empire Shopify theme on Lanoguard store:
- The website showcases a straightforward and informative design, emphasizing the effectiveness and simplicity of its rust protection products.
- It provides detailed information and user testimonials, highlighting the benefits and applications of its products in a clear and accessible manner.
Empire Shopify Theme – FAQs
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Final Thoughts
All in all, if you are searching for a premium theme for your growing business, the Empire Shopify theme is a no-brainer. The theme is packed with tons of advanced features and, most importantly, has its layouts optimized for conversions.
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