Chicago’s luxury clientele is a sophisticated mix of affluent professionals, high-net-worth individuals and international shoppers who expect exclusivity, exceptional quality and personalized experiences.
As a major metropolitan hub with deep-rooted affluence, the Windy City combines old-money elegance with new-money entrepreneurial success.
With over 28 million eCommerce websites globally, Chicago’s wealthy and discerning shoppers have no shortage of luxury options to satisfy their online shopping cravings.
In this post, we’ll examine 15 eCommerce platforms for Chicago luxury brands and outline key elements that shape the online shopping experience of affluent consumers.
15 Best eCommerce Platforms For Chicago Luxury Brands
The Second City’s demographics reflect its cultural enrichment, upscale living and lucrative corporate opportunities.
The city’s wealthy consumers gravitate towards established brands with a strong heritage or emerging labels with a distinct edge, often prioritizing quality, exclusivity and convenience.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top eCommerce platforms for Chicago luxury brands based on their popularity, customization options, user experience and overall appeal to affluent consumers.
1. Shopify Plus
Capterra rating: 4.8/5
Number of live websites: 44.801
Pricing: $2.500/month for a year
Shopify Plus offers a centralized eCommerce management platform for the Windy City’s luxury brands, with customizable options and a built-in tech stack for pure creative freedom.
Luxury retailers can use Shopify’s third-party systems through APIs or the platform’s app and plugin ecosystems to personalize their offerings, including bespoke services, exclusive product drops and VIP experiences.
The platform supports long-term scalability and integrations with its powerful headless API, which allows you to host your website anywhere or quickly deploy changes with its React-based stack at no extra cost.
2. Squarespace Commerce
Capterra rating: 4.6/5
Number of live websites: 5.610.851
Pricing: Four plans, starting from $16/month to $52/month
Another eCommerce platform for the City by the Lake’s luxury brands is Squarespace Commerce — a centralized hub for content creation, marketing and payment or transaction processing.
The platform offers seamless product listing and inventory management, detailed product descriptions and categorization and straightforward tax control compliance.
Squarespace Commerce also supports mobile store management, which comes in handy with Chicago’s digitally literate, affluent and convenience-focused consumer environment.
3. Commercetools
Capterra rating: 4.6/5
Number of live websites: 2.983
Pricing: Three plans with custom quotes
Commercetools is a purpose-built and performance-driven platform that powers robust and scalable eCommerce solutions for the City by the Lake’s luxury brands.
Its headless, API-first architecture offers flexible and frictionless integrations with any front-end technology.
Commercetools also offers a component-based customer experience framework, which tailors content and commerce to different devices, regions and channels.
With Commercetools’ cloud-native microservices approach, you can launch new storefronts quickly, expand into international markets easily and offer personalized experiences that drive customer loyalty and retention.
4. WooCommerce
Capterra rating: 4.5/5
Number of live websites: 6.238.547
Pricing: Free with optional paid features for hosting, domain names and payments
The Windy City’s brands can migrate to or launch their site on WooCommerce‘s open-source platform to access unlimited customization options and flexibility.
This solution supports extensive product catalogs, payment gateways and tracking and shipping integrations, all while allowing no-code development and one-click installs.
WooCommerce boasts an intuitive visual editor with ready-made patterns and blocks, cart abandonment recovery, newsletter and email integrations and built-in SEO and search filters.
5. Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Capterra rating: 4.5/5
Number of live websites: 121.047
Pricing: Starter Suite $25/user/month, Pro Suite $100/user/month or Pay-As-You-Go
Salesforce’s Commerce Cloud solution uses AI tools and first-party data to personalize user experiences, maximize brand loyalty and minimize operational costs.
The platform simplifies order management, offers easy-to-use and data-driven merchandising tools and unifies customer data from multiple sources for effective targeting.
It uses global fault-tolerant control (FTC) and advanced recovery technology to deliver 99.99% historical uptime so Chicago’s luxury businesses can grow their eCommerce stores.
This solution also features cutting-edge security measures, including embedded eCDN, web application firewall and complete transparency regarding site operations.
6. Wix Enterprise
Capterra rating: 4.5/5
Number of live websites: 3.965.554
Pricing: Four tiers, starting at $17/month
Wix’s Enterprise platform optimizes website launch with an industry-leading no-code editor, drag-and-drop templates and optional developer mode for customization.
You can easily skip 3PA downloads to get instant access to the platform’s native CRM suite and robust marketing tools to deliver optimal website uptime, performance and security.
Moreover, you can sync any catalogs you need, regardless of their size or item type and extend checkout options via widgets, insert apps or form fields.
7. BigCommerce Enterprise
Capterra rating: 4.4/5
Number of live websites: 41.776
Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs
BigCommerce Enterprise boasts a composable, scalable and open-source SaaS (Software as a Service) platform for high-growth businesses, with an extensive suite of built-in tools across its eCommerce stack.
You can easily launch and edit site pages with a drag-and-drop tool, manage HTML, CSS and JavaScript files and use the Stencil CLI tool to test and deploy changes in a local environment.
Chicago’s luxury brands can benefit from the platform’s checkout optimization features, mobile-responsive and fast-loading pages and support for various payment gateway integrations.
8. Shopware
Capterra rating: 4.4/5
Number of live websites: 23.101
Pricing: Three plans, starting from $620/month
Chicago luxury eCommerce brands can use Shopware‘s open-source platform to create memorable customer experiences, automate tedious processes and scale their online stores for future expansion.
You can create special product catalogs based on target groups, individual customer segments or regions and include personalized discounts, promotions and cross-selling options.
Additionally, you can centrally operate multiple storefronts, manage multiple warehouses and offer multi-payment solutions to give your affluent Chicago customers the freedom of choice.
9. Magento Commerce
Capterra rating: 4.3/5
Number of live websites: 114.314
Pricing: Custom tiers from sales department
Magento, now known as Adobe Commerce, offers a robust, secure and scalable cloud-based platform for Chi-town’s luxury businesses.
You can access Magento’s commerce marketplace to quickly launch your website using pre-built storefront components and integrated eCommerce functionalities.
The platform supports SEO and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) strategies to increase organic traffic, uses Adobe’s Real-time CDP and Journey Optimizers to personalize customer experiences and supports long-term growth and market expansions.
10. PrestaShop
Capterra rating: 4.3/5
Number of live websites: 218.432
Pricing: Three plans, starting with a free Classic model
PrestaShop is an all-in-one eCommerce solution that puts control directly in the hands of luxury brands — you can have full ownership of your store and all of its associated data.
Second City’s high-end brands can use the platform’s limitless customization options to create brand-specific and high-performing websites.
PrestaShop is entirely commission-free, which means you get to keep 100% of your revenue, regardless of your sales volume.
Plus, the platform offers advanced analytics and reporting features, so you can track your store’s performance and make data-driven decisions to boost sales.
11. SAP Commerce Cloud
Capterra rating: 4.2/5
Number of live websites: 1.744
Pricing: Custom prices based on business needs
SAP Commerce Cloud offers enterprise-grade resource planning, CRM and customer service and financial management for Chicago’s retail behemoths.
It runs risk-resilient and sustainable supply chain management, which predicts and optimizes disruptions, uses AI to contextualize the customer journey and offers in-depth user analytics to improve targeting.
Moreover, the platform features customer experience solutions that connect eCommerce, marketing, sales and service data to personalize consumer journeys across all touchpoints.
Since 81% of users prefer brands that offer personalized experiences, SAP Commerce Cloud can help luxury brands in Chi-town establish market positioning and increase brand awareness.
12. Oracle Commerce
Capterra rating: 3.8/5
Number of live websites: 6.272
Pricing: Custom quotes for businesses
Next on the list of eCommerce platforms to sell luxury goods online is Oracle Commerce Cloud — a comprehensive sales, customer and back-office data management platform for financial and operational requirements.
Oracle features an open Storefront Framework to optimize design efficiency and component reuse, unified admin tools for simplified management and consolidation activities and user-friendly integrations with existing solutions.
Additionally, you can analyze, segment and target buyer groups through the platform’s shared account-based data, speed up order-to-cash cycles and use generative AI to improve on-page content.
13. Volusion
Capterra rating: 3.8/5
Number of live websites: 48.032
Pricing: Four plans, starting from $35/month with 14-day free trial
Volution is an intuitive site builder that allows Chicago eCommerce brands to easily create and update storefront designs and add the necessary functionalities and third-party integrations with just a few clicks.
You can select ready-made blocks from the platform’s library, change styling and layouts or create custom pages to drive conversions.
Moreover, Volution features centralized and secure payment gateways, fraud and dispute protection and buy now-pay later solutions to support Chicago’s fast-paced, always-connected and safety-conscious consumers.
14. Optimizely Commerce Cloud
Capterra rating: N/A
Number of live websites: 219.645
Pricing: Request-based quotes depending on business needs
Optimizely‘s configured commerce solution streamlines, automates and reduces errors in catalogue management through simple drag-and-drop interfaces on any page or widget.
Windy City’s high-end brands can create personalized promotions and product recommendations to engage and retain customers throughout their buying journey.
Optimizely Commerce Cloud helps reduce operational costs, drive revenue and improve customer satisfaction with its one-page checkout, efficient list and order management and integrations with business-critical systems.
15. Elastic Path
Capterra rating: N/A
Number of live websites: 2.099
Pricing: Four tiers, starting with a 14-day free trial
As its name suggests, Elastic Path enables Chicago eCommerce brands to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing market conditions and consumer demands.
The platform’s API-first and composable architecture delivers a centralized dashboard, flexible core and modular add-ons that integrate seamlessly into Chicago brands’ existing technology stacks.
Elastic Path’s composable commerce approach allows you to rapidly innovate, experiment with new business models and create personalized experiences across channels, devices and touchpoints.
| Platform | Best For | Live Websites | Price | Standout Feature |
| Shopify Plus | Scalable luxury brand management | ≈45,000 | Starting from $2.500 a month | Headless API and third-party integrations |
| Squarespace Commerce | Content creation and marketing | ≈5.6 million | $16 a month – $52 a month | Mobile store management and tax compliance |
| Commercetools | Headless commerce and cloud-native management | ≈3.000 | Custom pricing | No-code CRM suite and flexible checkout |
| WooCommerce | Open-source flexibility | ≈6.2 million | Free with optional paid extensions | Extensive plugin ecosystem |
| Salesforce Commerce | AI-driven personalization and data unification | ≈122.000 | $25 per user a month to $100 per user a month | Streamlined merchandising and fault-tolerant uptime |
| Wix Enterprise | No-code editor and CRM suite | ≈4 million | Starting from $17 a month | Flexible checkout |
| BigCommerce Enterprise | Customization and growth-focused brands | ≈42.000 | Custom tiers | Drag-and-drop builder and mobile optimization |
| Shopware | Open-source management with automation features | ≈24.000 | Starting from $620 a month | Cloud-native commerce with easy scalability |
| Magento | SEO and CRO | ≈115.000 | Custom pricing | Adobe’s Real-Time CDP and Journey Optimization |
| PrestaShop | Commission-free luxury store management | ≈219.000 | Free with paid plans available | Advanced analytics and buy now-pay later options |
| Oracle Commerce | Sales, customer and back-office data management | ≈6.500 | Custom quotes | Open Storefront Framework and generative AI |
| SAP Commerce Cloud | Enterprise-grade ERP | ≈1.800 | Custom pricing | Predictive analytics and user behavior tracking |
| Volusion | Composable commerce and scale-focused growth | ≈49.000 | Four tiers, with a free trial | Intuitive site building and security |
| Optimizely Commerce | Streamlined commerce automation and personalization | ≈220.000 | Request-based quotes | Intuitive site-building and security |
| Elastic Path | API-first and composable architecture | ≈2.100 | Four tiers, with a free trial | Scalable and growth-oriented tools |
What To Look For In eCommerce Platforms For Chicago Luxury Brands
The projected revenue for the U.S. eCommerce industry is $1.381 billion for 2025.
As these numbers continue to rise, businesses should focus on creating a strong brand identity and a signature voice to connect with audiences.
For Chicago businesses, the luxury brand market is competitive but holds significant potential.
Legacy brands have a stronghold on the market, but consumers are open to discovering new experiences with up-and-coming names.
To tap into this market, you should prioritize a few key features when selecting an eCommerce platform:
1. Brand-Specific Customizations
88% of consumers say authenticity is a deciding factor when considering a brand.
Your eCommerce platform should reflect your brand’s visual language and voice, so you can connect with your audience and build trust.
Choose an eCommerce platform that offers customizable interfaces, brand-specific elements and seamless integration with your existing website design.
2. Exclusive Product Presentations
Look for platforms that support high-definition video hosting, 360-degree product renders and virtual shopping experiences so the Windy City’s luxury connoisseurs can get a full view of your products.
This way, you can go beyond transaction-based interactions and create memorable and experiential touchpoints that align with the city’s cultural tastes and mimic in-store experiences.
3. Payment And Checkout Flexibility
17% of users will abandon their shopping cart if their preferred payment option isn’t available.
Offering various payment options, including digital wallets, cryptocurrency and one-click checkout can help you reduce cart abandonment rates and streamline purchasing processes.
4. Performance And Scalability
Ensure the platform can handle high traffic volumes and maintain fast load times, especially during peak shopping periods.
A scalable infrastructure can accommodate future growth and handle sudden surges in traffic, which maximizes uptime and reduces ongoing maintenance costs.
5. Security And Compliance
81% of users believe that how brands treat sensitive data directly reflects how they view or respect their customers.
Platforms offering fraud detection tools, two-factor authentication and robust data encryption can enhance user trust and protect sensitive information.
Additionally, ensure compliance with local data protection laws like GDPR and PCI DSS to avoid costly fines and maintain customer satisfaction.
6. Reporting And Analytics
Access to detailed analytics helps in understanding customer behavior, tracking sales performance, adjusting marketing strategies and identifying areas of improvement.
Look for platforms with built-in reporting tools or integrate with third-party analytics software to gain actionable insights and make data-driven decisions.
7. Integration Capabilities
Consider how easy it is to integrate the platform with other essential business tools like CRM, email marketing and accounting software.
Moreover, you should review your existing systems and data to ensure they can seamlessly integrate with the new platform to avoid operational breaches or loss of information.
8. Customer Support
Dependable, round-the-clock support ensures fewer disruptions to your operations.
This way, you can quickly address technical issues to minimize downtime and reduce unexpected maintenance costs.
Build Your Chicago eCommerce Store With Digital Silk
While Oak Street’s designer boutiques and the Magnificent Mile’s luxury stores dominate Chicago’s retail scene, the city also has a thriving eCommerce market.
Luxury shoppers expect seamless, personalized and secure online shopping experiences, similar to high-end brick-and-mortar stores.
Whether you are starting a new online boutique or expanding your luxury product line, our Chicago-focused approach ensures your brand resonates with local shoppers while remaining competitive on a global scale.
Digital Silk’s high-performance, conversion-oriented and user-centric designs are the result of meticulous market research, customer insights and cutting-edge technology.
As a professional web design agency, our services include the following:
- Web design for Chicago brands
- Custom web design
- eCommerce design and development
- Magento design and development
- Shopify design and development
- Custom web development
Do you want to design a website for your luxury Chicago brand?
Contact our team, call us at (800) 206-9413 or fill in the Request a Quote form below to schedule a consultation.
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