Simple definitions to frame the discussion
What is Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an enterprise eCommerce platform designed to operate at the heart of the Salesforce ecosystem. It aims to centralize commerce, customer data, and operations within a single CRM suite, at the cost of an architecture that is often complex and cumbersome to scale.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an eCommerce platform focused on performance, speed of execution, and team autonomy. It's designed to excel in eCommerce and then seamlessly integrate with CRM, marketing, and operations tools, rather than trying to cram everything into a single suite.
What is a Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify migration?
Migrating from Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify involves decoupling commerce from the CRM ecosystem while retaining the most relevant data and customer relationship tools. In many cases, Salesforce is replaced or complemented by HubSpot to unify marketing, B2B, DTC, and operations.
What switching from Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify actually entails
Moving from Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify requires rethinking the overall architecture. Commerce is refocused on Shopify to maximize conversion and speed, while HubSpot becomes the central layer for CRM, marketing automation, B2B, customer service, and operations.
Introduction
Salesforce is an extremely powerful CRM. The problem arises when it is also expected to be an agile eCommerce platform, focused on conversion and continuous optimization.
At Bofu, we support companies that don't want to choose between eCommerce performance and CRM structure. They want both, but in a modern, modular and scalable architecture.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud vs Shopify: Two Visions of eCommerce Architecture
Salesforce Commerce Cloud adopts a centralized approach, where commerce is an extension of CRM. Shopify adopts the opposite approach: commerce is the engine, and CRM, marketing, and operations systems revolve around it through dedicated integrations.
In a growth context, this difference has a direct impact on speed of execution, marketing performance and the ability to iterate.
A clear trend in Salesforce Commerce Cloud migrations
eCommerce migration data shows a steady flow of brands leaving Salesforce Commerce Cloud for Shopify. The observed ratio is approximately three migrations to Shopify for every one migration back.
For an enterprise platform, this signal rarely indicates a capacity problem. Rather, it indicates a mismatch between the size of the stack and the actual needs of modern commerce.
Why companies are leaving Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Structural complexity slows down marketing execution
On Salesforce Commerce Cloud, each eCommerce update often involves multiple teams, cross-validation, and lengthy development cycles. This complexity reduces the ability to test quickly and optimize continuously.
eCommerce is becoming dependent on CRM
When commerce is tightly coupled with CRM, it inherits constraints that are not always aligned with conversion, user experience, and performance objectives.
A Shopify + HubSpot architecture allows you to maintain a unified customer view without sacrificing eCommerce agility.
Checkout performance is becoming a strategic issue
In a context of rising customer acquisition costs, checkout performance has a direct impact on profitability. Businesses are migrating to Shopify to benefit from a smoother and more optimized payment experience.
What is TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)?
The true cost of an eCommerce platform integrated with a CRM
The TCO includes licenses, implementation projects, specific developments, maintenance, infrastructure, internal team time and execution times.
Why the TCO of Salesforce Commerce Cloud is often high
Salesforce Commerce Cloud typically involves large-scale projects, complex integrations, and a high reliance on IT teams. Conversely, a Shopify + HubSpot architecture allows for better cost control and modular scalability.
Pros and cons depending on the organizational level
CEO/General Management Perspective
Salesforce Commerce Cloud – for: consistency with the Salesforce ecosystem, maximum centralization.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud – against: high costs, low agility, organizational complexity.
Shopify + HubSpot – for: modular architecture, cost predictability, better eCommerce performance.
Shopify + HubSpot – against: requires strategic thinking on architecture and integrations.
VP Marketing/eCommerce Perspective
Salesforce Commerce Cloud – for: strong alignment with CRM and data teams.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud – against: slow execution, low marketing autonomy.
Shopify + HubSpot – for: marketing speed, advanced segmentation, B2B unification, DTC and OPS.
Shopify + HubSpot – against: requires clear governance of data and processes.
From the perspective of an operational coordinator or manager
Salesforce Commerce Cloud – for: robust and controlled processes.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud – against: daily complexity, dependence on IT teams.
Shopify + HubSpot – for: simplicity, autonomy, marketing and operational automations.
Shopify + HubSpot – against: requires good initial setup.
When Salesforce Commerce Cloud remains a relevant choice
Salesforce Commerce Cloud remains relevant for highly CRM-centric organizations with long decision cycles, complex needs, and strong IT capabilities.
Bofu's point of view
At Bofu, our approach doesn't pit Shopify against CRM. It consists of giving each tool its optimal role.
Shopify for eCommerce performance. HubSpot to unify marketing, B2B, DTC, and operations. This combination allows you to go beyond simple online commerce without recreating the cumbersome nature of traditional enterprise suites.
Conclusion
The question isn't whether Salesforce Commerce Cloud is powerful. The real question is whether it's the best foundation for a modern, performance-driven eCommerce platform.
For many companies, a Shopify + HubSpot architecture now offers a better balance between growth, agility, and structure.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud vs Shopify FAQ
Can Shopify be used with HubSpot?
Yes. Shopify integrates very well with HubSpot to centralize customer data, automate marketing, manage B2B and connect operations.
Should you abandon Salesforce to migrate to Shopify?
No. In many cases, Salesforce can be retained for certain uses, but HubSpot becomes a more agile alternative for unifying marketing, sales, and operations.
Is migrating from Salesforce Commerce Cloud to Shopify risky?
As with any migration, there are SEO and operational risks, but these can be managed with rigorous planning and a well-thought-out architecture.
When Salesforce Commerce Cloud Remains the Best Choice
Salesforce Commerce Cloud remains relevant for organizations highly structured around Salesforce, with dominant CRM needs and strong IT capacity.
