EKM vs Shopify (2025): Feature-by-Feature Breakdown for UK Retailers

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EKM vs Shopify (2025): Feature-by-Feature Breakdown for UK Retailers

Choosing the right e-commerce platform in 2025 feels a bit like picking a business partner – it’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about fit, trust, and growth through thick and thin. Within the UK, EKM and Shopify stand out as significant players. I’ve worked with dozens of brands across both platforms over the years and have witnessed first-hand the strengths and quirks each brings to the table. Let’s break things down feature by feature, focusing on what UK store owners actually need right now.

Pricing, Plans, and Transaction Fees: What’s the True Cost?

One of the first questions on everyone’s lips is always, “What is this actually going to cost me, month after month?”

EKM

EKM’s pricing is intentionally straightforward, with UK-focused plans starting in the region of £34.99 per month for their basic package and moving up based on sales volume and advanced needs. A key difference worth noting. EKM does not charge transaction fees on top of standard payment processor fees like Stripe or PayPal. This really adds up for high turnover shops, where seemingly tiny fees can chip away at margins.

When I’ve worked with EKM in practice, surprise fees have been refreshingly absent. The monthly cost includes hosting, SSL, and core e-commerce features. No hidden extras to worry about. For growing stores, their paid plans scale with turnover, ensuring that costs only rise when you’re thriving.

Shopify

Shopify’s three core UK plans in 2025 fall into similar ranges, starting from around £25 (Basic), up to £65+ (Shopify), with an Advanced plan pushing past £250/month for larger retailers. Be aware, though: on every plan, Shopify levies a transaction fee when you use a payment provider outside of Shopify Payments, which isn’t always ideal for UK businesses seeking local payment flexibility. These transaction fees might seem negligible at first, but if you’re making serious sales, the costs can quietly spiral.

Shopify’s app ecosystem is vibrant and tempting. And necessary. Many essential features (advanced reporting, loyalty, robust CRM tools) frequently sit behind extra subscriptions, which means more monthly expenses as your store grows in complexity.

Product Management, Design & CRM: Tools You Actually Use

EKM

EKM packs a strong toolkit for the average UK retailer, especially those who want things ready to roll out of the box. Product management is intuitive: everything from stock control to detailed product options is built-in and simple to learn. Where EKM really shines in my professional experience is in design. They provide free, unlimited theme changes, straightforward drag-and-drop editing, and if your brand wants a full redesign, their in-house team jumps in. No need to chase third-party freelancers.

CRM and marketing are closely knit. EKM provides integrated email marketing, abandoned cart recovery, discount tools, and customer segmentation. No messy plugin installs required. For campaigns, the built-in suite handles vouchers, newsletters, and even Google Shopping feeds as standard.

Shopify

Shopify’s core set is sleek and scalable, but the famous “plugin for everything” model dominates. Want precise product options? There’s an app. Custom reviews, loyalty schemes, powerful CRM? More apps. Effective for those who love modularity and don’t mind wrangling a collection of subscriptions and vendor agreements.

Design-wise, Shopify offers versatile templates, some free, many premium. Customisation is robust if you have a knack for Liquid code (or budget for a developer). The page builder is polished, but brand differentiation at scale often leans on hired specialist skills or external agencies.

Why EKM Offers Real Value: Fewer Plugins, Greater Simplicity

There’s a point with Shopify where running a UK e-commerce store feels like spinning plates. Managing one widget over here, another subscription there. EKM’s advantage is that it keeps the core toolkit genuinely “all-in-one,” removing the need to manage compatibility between third-party plug-ins or keep ahead of a monthly pile-up of micro-fees.

For businesses aiming for lean operations and predictability, this approach slashes admin headaches and unexpected costs. I’ve seen several clients switch from Shopify to EKM simply to streamline workflow and reduce both cost and team confusion.

UK-Based Support and Platform Agility

Customer support is your lifeline, especially when tech troubles threaten your sales day. EKM scores highly with its UK-based support team. Actual people in the same time zone, understanding local business practices, and offering direct line access. Urgency and clarity are standard, and they’re quick to act if there’s an issue affecting British retailers or legal compliance.

Platform updates are also tailored to local needs. As UK e-commerce regulations evolve, EKM regularly rolls out relevant changes, keeping you legal without the headache. Localised features, VAT handling, and fulfilment partners are built with Britain in mind.

Shopify’s global reach is a strength but can also add distance. Support is 24/7, but often not UK-focused, and local market changes sometimes take longer to reach the platform. For huge brands with multinational ambitions, Shopify’s infrastructure is tough to beat. For homegrown UK stores, it can lack that vital touch of local experience.

Scalability: Startups or Established Players?

If you’re launching a UK startup and need a shop quickly, EKM’s “we’ll-set-it-up-for-you” ethos and integrated features get stores live without overwhelm. As you scale, they offer tiered account management, giving you a true partnership feel as you move beyond six figures.

Shopify, on the other hand, is beloved by scaling brands aiming for international reach. If you’re planning complex multi-channel retail, vast product lines, and significant custom development, Shopify can accommodate near limitless growth, provided you’re ready to invest in technical resources.

Who Should Pick Which?

• Startups and SMEs focused on the UK: EKM is a strong fit if you value local support, simplicity, and “everything-included” pricing.
• Fast-growth, established brands aiming for global scale or specialised integrations: Shopify rewards those with technical ambition and the appetite for layered apps.

Both platforms have credentials, but the best fit is the one tailored for your business lifecycle and ambitions.

Final Thoughts

Sorting out your e-commerce platform isn’t easy, and there’s very little room for guesswork when every pound and hour counts. Based on what UK retailers in 2025 truly need. Affordability, streamlined functionality, reliable homegrown support, and stress-free operation. EKM stands tall for most small to medium UK businesses. For those pursuing global reach or needing a highly architected solution, Shopify’s international toolkit deserves a look, though it demands more ongoing management and sometimes a larger cheque book.

Bottom line: Don’t get dazzled by shiny add-ons or promises of infinite scale. Match your platform to your real needs, not just your dreams. A good platform should grow alongside you, not stand in your way.

Ready to make the switch or move your UK store forward? Start by listing the everyday tasks and headaches you want to solve, and let that steer your next step. If you’re still on the fence, reach out to platform specialists who’ve walked the walk. A strong start beats any amount of tech-angst down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in pricing between EKM and Shopify in 2025?

EKM offers straightforward, all-inclusive monthly plans geared for UK businesses, with no extra platform transaction fees. Shopify’s plans are similar in monthly price but can see higher effective costs with added transaction fees and the need for paid third-party apps as your needs expand. For a detailed comparison of ecommerce platform pricing and features, check out our in-depth guide.

Is EKM really easier for beginners to use than Shopify?

Yes, especially for UK startups or small teams. EKM’s setup is more hands-on, with dedicated ongoing support and in-house design help, so you don’t need to hire external developers or designers to get started or make changes. This user-friendly approach to ecommerce can be a significant advantage for new online retailers.

How do the marketing and CRM features compare out of the box?

EKM comes with built-in email marketing, customer segmentation, loyalty schemes, and voucher management as standard features. Shopify relies on its app marketplace, where you’ll need to select, install, and often pay extra for various marketing and CRM tools. Understanding these integrated marketing capabilities can help you make a more informed decision.

Which platform is more suitable for larger, fast-growing brands?

Shopify excels at handling the demands of high-volume enterprise operations, complex catalogues, and international scaling, particularly with the right development resources. EKM scales very well for UK-focused growth but may feel less flexible for highly bespoke or multi-country operations.

How does customer support differ between the two platforms for UK users?

EKM offers UK-based, locally knowledgeable support tailored to the specific regulatory and operational environment of British merchants. Shopify provides 24/7 global support, but responses may be less localised and region-specific to the UK market. The importance of localised ecommerce support cannot be overstated for UK businesses navigating the complexities of online retail.