Shopify to MijoShop
Migrating from Shopify to MijoShop represents a strategic move from a standalone eCommerce platform to a Joomla-based solution. In 2025, with Shopify's platform lock-in and MijoShop's integration with Joomla CMS, some merchants are making the switch for better content management integration and open-source flexibility.
This comprehensive technical blueprint covers Shopify's REST Admin API structure, field mappings to MijoShop's Joomla database, and step-by-step migration execution.
1. The Strategic Pivot: Why Leave Shopify?
💰 CMS Integration
The Shopify Pain: Shopify's content management is basic. If you need advanced CMS features, blog capabilities, or complex content workflows, Shopify is limited.
The MijoShop Gain: MijoShop integrates with Joomla CMS, providing powerful content management alongside eCommerce. Best of both worlds: CMS and store in one system.
🚀 Open-Source Flexibility
The Shopify Pain: Shopify is a closed platform. You're limited to Shopify's features and cannot modify core functionality.
The MijoShop Gain: MijoShop is open-source. Full access to PHP code, unlimited customization, and ability to modify core functionality if needed.
🛠 Content & Commerce Unified
The Shopify Pain: Shopify requires separate tools for advanced content management, blog, and other CMS features.
The MijoShop Gain: Joomla provides robust content management, articles, categories, and content workflows. MijoShop adds eCommerce seamlessly.
⚡ Cost Control
The Shopify Pain: Shopify charges monthly fees ($29-$299) plus transaction fees. Costs add up over time.
The MijoShop Gain: MijoShop is free. You only pay for hosting ($10-$100/month) and domain. No platform fees or transaction fees.
2. The Pre-Migration Architecture Audit
Shopify is a hosted SaaS platform with REST Admin API, while MijoShop is a Joomla extension using Joomla's MySQL database.
- Shopify Plan: Are you on Basic, Shopify, Advanced, or Plus? API rate limits differ by plan.
- API Access: Shopify provides REST Admin API. Generate API credentials in Shopify admin.
- MijoShop Version: Are you planning MijoShop 2.x or 3.x? Database structures differ significantly.
- Joomla Setup: Ensure Joomla is installed with MijoShop extension. Database access required for migration.
- Images: Shopify images are on Shopify CDN. Need to be downloaded and re-uploaded to Joomla media directory.
3. Exact Data Mapping: The Blueprint
Shopify's REST Admin API structure maps to MijoShop's Joomla database structure.
🛍 Product Data Mapping
| Shopify Field (Source) | MijoShop Field (Target) | Notes & Logic |
|---|---|---|
Product.id |
#__mijoshop_product.product_id |
MijoShop generates new IDs. Use SKU for mapping. |
Product.title |
#__mijoshop_product_description.name |
Direct string transfer. Language-specific tables in MijoShop. |
ProductVariant.sku |
#__mijoshop_product.sku |
Shopify SKU is at variant level, MijoShop at product level. |
ProductVariant.price |
#__mijoshop_product.price |
Price per product in MijoShop. |
Product.body_html |
#__mijoshop_product_description.description |
HTML content. Images need re-uploading to Joomla media directory. |
Collection |
#__mijoshop_category |
Shopify collections become MijoShop categories. |
Product.options and ProductVariant |
#__mijoshop_product_option |
Shopify variants map to MijoShop product options. |
👥 Customer Data Mapping
| Shopify Field | MijoShop Field | Critical Logic |
|---|---|---|
Customer.email |
#__users.email (Joomla users table) |
Unique identifier. MijoShop uses Joomla user system. |
Customer.password |
#__users.password |
Requires password reset. Shopify uses bcrypt. Joomla/MijoShop uses different hashing. Customers must reset passwords. |
CustomerAddress |
#__mijoshop_address |
Shopify addresses map to MijoShop addresses. |
📦 Order Data Mapping
| Shopify Field | MijoShop Field | Mapping Logic |
|---|---|---|
Order.name (order number) |
#__mijoshop_order.order_id |
Preserve Shopify order number in MijoShop order ID or order number. |
Order.financial_status, Order.fulfillment_status |
#__mijoshop_order.order_status_id |
Map Shopify's dual status system to MijoShop order statuses. |
Order.total_price |
#__mijoshop_order.total |
Direct mapping with currency conversion if needed. |
4. The Toolkit: Selecting Your Vehicle
Option A: Automated Cloud Migration (Recommended)
Tools: Migration Shop, LitExtension, Cart2Cart
Specialized tools that connect via Shopify Admin API and MijoShop database.
- ✅ Pros: Handles database complexity, preserves relationships, creates redirects.
- ❌ Cons: Cost scales with data ($200 - $500).
Option B: Custom Script
Tools: Shopify Admin API + MijoShop Database
- ✅ Pros: Full control, can customize mapping.
- ❌ Cons: Requires developer ($100-$200/hr), 40+ hours.
5. Execution Protocol: Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Environment Preparation
1.1. Prepare Target (MijoShop):
Install Joomla and MijoShop extension. Ensure database access. Enable maintenance mode during migration.
1.2. Prepare Source (Shopify):
Generate API credentials in Shopify admin. Create private app with read permissions for products, customers, and orders.
Phase 2: The Connection Setup
2.1. MijoShop Access:
Provide Joomla/MijoShop database credentials. MijoShop uses Joomla's database structure.
2.2. Shopify API:
Use Admin API access token from Shopify. Migration tool authenticates via Shopify REST Admin API.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
- Use Automated Tool: Recommended for handling Shopify API and MijoShop database mapping.
- Create 301 Redirects: Critical for SEO preservation.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customer Communication:
Notify customers about the migration. They'll need to reset passwords.
4.2. Verify Products:
Check all products migrated correctly. Verify images, prices, and variants.
4.3. Joomla Content Integration:
Set up Joomla content management alongside MijoShop store for unified CMS and eCommerce experience.
6. Financial Breakdown: Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Script
Developer Time
Automated Cloud
Average Cost
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting & SEO Preservation
Common Challenges
- Database Complexity: MijoShop uses Joomla's database structure with custom tables. Requires careful mapping.
- Product Variants: Shopify variants need mapping to MijoShop product options.
- API Rate Limits: Shopify Admin API has rate limits. Migration tools handle this automatically.
The 301 Redirect Strategy
Shopify URLs differ from MijoShop URLs. Automated migration tools create redirects, but verify in Joomla admin or use a redirect extension.
Ready for CMS Integration?
Migrating from Shopify to MijoShop provides integration with Joomla CMS and open-source flexibility. Shopify's API access makes migration straightforward, and you'll gain the power of unified content and commerce management.