MijoShop to Shopify
Migrating from MijoShop to Shopify represents a strategic move from a Joomla-based eCommerce extension to a dedicated, fully managed eCommerce platform. In 2025, with MijoShop's declining support, Joomla maintenance complexity, and Shopify's robust infrastructure, many merchants are making the switch to reduce operational overhead.
This comprehensive technical blueprint covers MijoShop's Joomla database structure, field mappings to Shopify's REST API, and step-by-step migration execution.
1. The Strategic Pivot: Why Leave MijoShop?
💰 Platform Independence
The MijoShop Pain: MijoShop is a Joomla extension, requiring Joomla CMS maintenance, updates, and hosting. You're managing two systems: Joomla and MijoShop.
The Shopify Gain: Shopify is a complete, standalone platform. No CMS dependencies, no separate system maintenance. Everything in one place.
🚀 Support & Updates
The MijoShop Pain: MijoShop has declining community support. Updates are infrequent, and compatibility with newer Joomla versions is uncertain.
The Shopify Gain: Shopify provides continuous updates, active development, and 24/7 support. Regular feature releases and security patches.
🛠 Hosting & Infrastructure
The MijoShop Pain: Requires Joomla hosting ($50-$300/month), PHP/MySQL maintenance, and server configuration. Performance depends on hosting quality.
The Shopify Gain: Shopify includes enterprise-grade hosting, CDN, SSL, and security in one monthly fee. Automatic scaling and performance optimization.
⚡ eCommerce Features
The MijoShop Pain: MijoShop has limited eCommerce features compared to dedicated platforms. Many features require paid extensions or custom development.
The Shopify Gain: Comprehensive eCommerce features built-in: advanced inventory, multi-channel selling, extensive payment options, and 8,000+ apps.
2. The Pre-Migration Architecture Audit
MijoShop is a Joomla extension that uses Joomla's database structure with custom MijoShop tables.
- MijoShop Version: Are you on MijoShop 2.x or 3.x? Database structures differ significantly.
- Joomla Version: What Joomla version are you running? Compatibility affects migration approach.
- Database Access: MijoShop requires Joomla database access for migration. No API available.
- Extensions: List all MijoShop extensions. Many will need Shopify app equivalents.
- Product Attributes: MijoShop custom fields map to Shopify product options and metafields.
3. Exact Data Mapping: The Blueprint
MijoShop's Joomla database structure requires careful mapping to Shopify's REST API.
🛍 Product Data Mapping
| MijoShop Field (Source) | Shopify Field (Target) | Notes & Logic |
|---|---|---|
#__mijoshop_product.product_id |
id (Product API) |
Shopify generates new IDs. Use SKU for mapping. |
#__mijoshop_product_description.name |
title |
Direct string transfer. Language-specific tables in MijoShop. |
#__mijoshop_product.sku |
variants[].sku |
MijoShop SKU is at product level, Shopify at variant level. |
#__mijoshop_product.price |
variants[].price |
Price per variant in Shopify. |
#__mijoshop_product_description.description |
body_html |
HTML content. Images need re-uploading to Shopify CDN. |
#__mijoshop_category |
collections |
MijoShop categories become Shopify collections. |
#__mijoshop_product_option |
options and variants |
MijoShop product options become Shopify variants. |
👥 Customer Data Mapping
| MijoShop Field | Shopify Field | Critical Logic |
|---|---|---|
#__users.email (Joomla) |
email |
MijoShop uses Joomla users table. Email is unique identifier. |
#__users.password (Joomla) |
password (on create) |
Requires password reset. Joomla uses bcrypt but different implementation. Shopify uses bcrypt. Customers must reset passwords. |
#__mijoshop_address |
addresses[] |
MijoShop addresses map to Shopify addresses array. |
📦 Order Data Mapping
| MijoShop Field | Shopify Field | Mapping Logic |
|---|---|---|
#__mijoshop_order.order_id |
name (order number) |
Preserve MijoShop order ID in Shopify name field. |
#__mijoshop_order.order_status_id |
financial_status, fulfillment_status |
Map MijoShop order statuses to Shopify's dual status system. |
#__mijoshop_order.total |
total_price |
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 Joomla/MijoShop database and Shopify Admin API.
- ✅ Pros: Handles Joomla/MijoShop complexity, preserves relationships, creates redirects.
- ❌ Cons: Cost scales with data ($200 - $600).
Option B: Custom Script
Tools: MySQL + Shopify Admin API
- ✅ 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 (Shopify):
Create Shopify store. Enable password protection during migration.
1.2. Prepare Source (MijoShop/Joomla):
Ensure Joomla database access. Migration tools require database connection string. Note Joomla table prefix (usually #__).
Phase 2: The Connection Setup
2.1. Shopify API Access:
Create private app in Shopify with read/write permissions.
2.2. Joomla/MijoShop Access:
Provide MySQL connection string with Joomla table prefix. Migration tool connects directly to database.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
- Use Automated Tool: Recommended for handling Joomla/MijoShop database complexity and Shopify mapping.
- Create 301 Redirects: Critical for SEO preservation from Joomla/MijoShop URLs to Shopify URLs.
- Handle Product Options: MijoShop product options need careful mapping to Shopify variants.
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 product options mapped to variants.
6. Financial Breakdown: Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Development
Developer Cost
Automated Cloud
Average Cost
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting & SEO Preservation
Common Challenges
- Joomla Table Prefix: MijoShop uses Joomla's table prefix (usually #__). Ensure correct prefix in database connection.
- Product Options: MijoShop product options need careful mapping to Shopify variants.
- Multi-Language: MijoShop supports multiple languages via separate tables. Map to Shopify multi-language apps if needed.
The 301 Redirect Strategy
Joomla/MijoShop URLs differ from Shopify URLs. Automated migration tools create redirects, but verify in Shopify admin.
Ready to Break Free from Joomla?
Migrating from MijoShop to Shopify provides a dedicated eCommerce platform without Joomla dependencies, reducing maintenance overhead while gaining access to modern features and extensive app ecosystem.