BigCommerce Redesign vs. Starting Fresh with a Custom Theme

When you know your online store needs an upgrade, one of the first questions is: should I redesign what I already have, or start fresh with a brand-new custom theme?

Both paths can get you to a better-looking, higher-converting store, but the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how far your current setup can stretch. Let’s break it down in plain English.

What a Redesign Really Means

A BigCommerce redesign usually keeps your current theme as a foundation, but updates the look, layout, or features. Think of it as remodeling a house: you’re not tearing it down, you’re repainting the walls, swapping out fixtures, and maybe knocking down a wall or two.

• You might clean up your navigation.
• Refresh your homepage and category layouts.
• Update fonts, colors, and product images.
• Improve mobile experience.

It’s faster and usually less expensive than starting from scratch. But if your “house” (theme) is too old or not built well, redesigning can only take you so far.

What a Custom Theme Brings to the Table

A custom BigCommerce theme is more like building a new house on the same plot of land. You keep the products and platform, but everything else is brand-new.

Benefits of going custom:

• A design that’s fully tailored to your brand (no cookie-cutter look).
• Cleaner code, which usually means faster load times.
• Flexibility to add exactly the features you need.
• Easier long-term management since it’s built with your store in mind.

It’s a bigger investment upfront, but you’ll have more control and a design that can grow with you.

When a Redesign Makes Sense

Redesigning your existing store is often the right choice if:

• Your theme is fairly modern and responsive, but just needs polish.
• You like most of your current setup but want to freshen up visuals.
• You’re on a tighter timeline or budget.
• You’ve already invested heavily in apps or customizations that would be costly to rebuild.

In other words, if the foundation is solid, redesigning is the most efficient route.

When Is It Time for a BigCommerce Redesign? 7 Signs Your Store Is Holding You Back >

Thinking About the Long Term

A lot of store owners make decisions based only on what they need today. The smarter move is to think about where you want to be in 2–3 years.

If you’re growing fast, planning to add new categories, or expanding internationally, a custom theme may save you money in the long run. If you just want to polish up the look and improve conversions without major changes, a redesign can hold you over for years.

What About the Time Involved?

If your biggest concern is time, don’t forget about options like my Power Block sessions. Instead of waiting weeks for changes, you can book a half-day session with a BigCommerce expert to make redesign-style updates right away. It’s not a full build, but it’s a great way to test new ideas quickly with a predictable cost.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A redesign is the practical choice if you just need to freshen up what you already have. A custom theme is the smarter investment if your store has outgrown its foundation and you need something built for the future.

Either way, the important thing is not to let your site hold you back. A store that looks modern, loads quickly, and matches your brand is worth every penny.