5 Shopify alternatives for Business Owners in Nigeria
Shopify is one of the world’s biggest e-commerce platforms, but it’s not always the best choice—especially for Nigerian business owners.
Maybe you’ve tried Shopify and found it too expensive, too complex, or just not suited to how Nigerians buy and sell online. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down 5 Shopify alternatives that work better for Nigerian entrepreneurs based on how we actually do business here.
Why You Might Want a Shopify Alternative
🌍 It’s priced in USD
Exchange rates are no joke. Shopify starts at $39/month—and that’s before you add apps or themes. For a small business collecting payments in Naira, those dollar charges can really add up.
🛒 It’s not built for how Nigerians shop
Most Nigerian customers don’t just click “Add to Cart” and check out. They want to chat on WhatsApp, ask questions, and negotiate. Shopify isn’t built for that kind of selling style.
💻 It can be a lot to set up
If you don’t have the time, tech skills, or money to hire a developer, getting started with Shopify can feel overwhelming.
If any of that resonates, here are 5 alternatives made with Nigerian businesses in mind:
1. Paystack Storefront
If you’re looking for a simple, free way to start selling online, Paystack Storefront is a great place to begin.
Paystack is already trusted by thousands of Nigerian businesses to collect payments, and their storefront feature lets you list your products and accept payments with zero hassle.
Why it works:
- Free to use
- Fast setup – you can go live in minutes
- Seamless payments – connects directly to your Paystack account
- Accept local and international payments
What to note:
- Limited customization options
- Basic storefront functionality (no complex inventory or marketing tools)
Best for: Sellers who want a quick and reliable way to list products and start collecting payments online—without overthinking it.
2. BigCommerce
If you're running a larger operation or looking for Shopify-level features with more flexibility, BigCommerce might be worth exploring.
It’s a robust platform with powerful tools for inventory management, international selling, and multi-channel expansion.
Why it’s a strong alternative:
- No transaction fees (unlike Shopify)
- More built-in features, reducing reliance on paid apps
- Supports multi-channel selling (Facebook, Instagram, eBay, etc.)
- Scalable – grows with your business
What to note:
- Pricing is still in USD
- Steeper learning curve than local options
Best for: Mid-to-large Nigerian businesses planning to scale or expand globally.
3. Catlog
Built specifically for small businesses that sell on Social media, Catlog is a Nigerian alternative that understands how local sellers operate.
Catlog helps you look professional, stay organized, and get paid faster—all in one place.
Why Nigerian sellers love Catlog:
- Create an online storefront in minutes
- Import product images, descriptions and prices directly from your Instagram page
- Customers can either check out on your store, or send the order to your Whatsapp or Instagram dm
- Generate invoices and payment links you can send via DMs
- Track inventory, orders, and payments in one place
- Accept payments in Naira or 6 other currencies, including USD and GBP
- Send affiliate links, offer discounts, and view customer insights
- Choose the delivery option that works best for you and your customers from 15+ couriers available on your dashboard
What to note:
- Not suitable for selling digital products
- Limited design themes (but clean and functional)
Best for: Social sellers and product-based businesses looking for a smart, easy way to sell online without building a full website.
4. WooCommerce
If you already use WordPress or are planning to build a full website, WooCommerce is a solid open-source option that gives you total control over your online store.
Why it works:
- Free to start
- Completely customizable
- Lots of plugins and integrations available
- You own your site and data
What to note:
- Requires hosting, a domain, and some technical know-how
- Managing updates and security can be time-consuming
Best for: Tech-savvy entrepreneurs who want full control and are already comfortable with WordPress.
5. Selar
If you sell digital products, courses, subscriptions, or event tickets, Selar is a fantastic Nigerian-built platform designed with creators in mind.
Why it stands out:
- Easy setup—get your first product up in minutes
- Local and international payments
- Sell ebooks, courses, services, and more
- Supports pay-what-you-want, coupon codes, and email marketing
What to note:
- Not ideal for physical products or inventory-heavy businesses
- Limited storefront customization
Best for: Creators and service-based businesses with a digital-first focus.
TL;DR – The Best Shopify Alternatives in Nigeria
Shopify is powerful, but it’s not always the most practical or affordable option for Nigerian business owners.
Whether you're selling in your DMs, taking orders via WhatsApp, or scaling a full e-commerce brand, there's a better-suited alternative for your needs.
If you’re looking for something built with Nigerian sellers in mind, Catlog is a great place to start.