BigCommerce Theme Customization vs. Redesign: Which Is Right for You?

If your BigCommerce store feels outdated or isn’t performing as well as you’d like, you might be wondering: Do I need a full redesign, or can I just customize my current theme?

Both options can improve your site — but the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how far your existing theme can stretch. Let’s break down the difference between theme customization and a full redesign so you can decide which path makes sense.

What Is Theme Customization?

BigCommerce theme customization means taking your current theme and tweaking it to better fit your brand or needs. Think of it as giving your store a makeover without changing the bones of the site.

Customization can include things like:

• Updating colors, fonts, and imagery.
• Adjusting product page layouts.
• Adding promotional banners or custom widgets.
• Improving navigation labels or menu structure.

It’s usually quicker and less expensive than a redesign, making it a good choice if you like your current theme but want it to feel more aligned with your brand.

Theme customization is the right choice if:

• You’re happy with most of your current site but want a fresher look.
• Your store is relatively new and just needs minor improvements.
• Your main goal is faster updates without a full rebuild.
• You’re working with a smaller budget but still want professional polish.

What Is a Redesign?

A BigCommerce redesign goes deeper. It’s not just changing how things look — it often means restructuring layouts, rethinking navigation, and modernizing the entire user experience.

Redesigns can include:

• Reworking homepage and category layouts.
• Improving site speed and mobile usability.
• Cleaning up bloated or outdated code.
• Aligning design with updated branding.

In some cases, a redesign still uses your existing theme as the base. In other cases, it means moving to a new or custom BigCommerce theme to get better performance and flexibility.

A redesign makes more sense if:

• Your site feels slow or clunky despite small fixes.
• The theme is outdated and doesn’t support modern features.
• Your branding has evolved beyond what your current theme can handle.
• You’re preparing for major growth and need a scalable foundation.

In these cases, customization alone is just patching problems. A redesign sets you up for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

The decision between theme customization and a full redesign comes down to scope. If you just need a visual refresh, customization may be all you need. If your store feels stuck, outdated, or slow, a redesign (or even a new custom theme) is the smarter move.

Either way, the important thing is to take action. A better-looking, better-performing BigCommerce store can pay off in higher conversions and happier customers, making it well worth the cost of a redesign.