At the BigSummit last August, I snapped a photo of what looked like a huge promise. (I don't want to say game-changing, but it really is).
Storefront deployment in minutes, no coding required. Now, six months into this journey, I'm curious to see how people are using it.
The technical foundation is rock solid. Catalyst combines the power of Next.js with Vercel's hosting capabilities and Makeswift's visual editing - a trio that delivers what modern e-commerce needs.
Let's break this down:
While Shopify's Hydrogen framework promises quick deployments, Catalyst takes a different approach. Instead of just offering templates, BigCommerce is delivering a complete ecosystem. That "deploy in ~2 minutes" isn't just marketing speak - it's built on Vercel's infrastructure, the same backbone powering some of the fastest sites on the internet.
Remember when Shopify introduced Hydrogen with React? BigCommerce looked at that and said, "Hold my coffee." They went straight for Next.js - the framework developers love using.
It isn't about keeping up.
It's about giving developers the tools they prefer while maintaining merchant-friendly features.
Makeswift isn't trying to reinvent Shopify's Online Store 2.0 editor. Instead, it's giving merchants something better: true visual editing that doesn't require a developer every time you want to move a button. Think of it as having both the keys to the car AND knowing how to drive it.
Here's where it gets interesting. While Shopify locks you into their ecosystem, Catalyst is embracing composable commerce. Want to use your preferred CMS? Go for it. Need a different payment provider? No problem. It's like having a LEGO set where all the pieces actually fit, regardless of which box they came from.
This is where BigCommerce might have cracked the code. Shopify's tools often force you to choose between developer happiness and merchant usability. Catalyst says, "Why not both?" Developers get their modern stack, merchants get their visual tools, and nobody has to compromise.
Note: Speaking as someone who's deployed more storefronts on Magento than I've run marathons (and that's saying something), this balance of power and simplicity is what's getting me excited. It's not about being faster than Shopify - it's about being smarter about how we build and maintain e-commerce experiences.
Let me take you back to my Magento days - picture this: It's 11 PM, the pizza's cold, and we're on deployment attempt number three. Each try takes hours, the git pulls are fighting us, and the client needs the site live by morning. Sound familiar? I've lived through hundreds of these nights.
Now, Catalyst and Makeswift come along and say, "Deploy in minutes." When I first heard this, I'll admit, I rolled my eyes. But here's why I'm now genuinely excited.
The combination of Next.js, Vercel hosting, and Makeswift's visual editing isn't just another tool - it's the answer to problems we've been fighting for decades.
Think about this:
This isn't just about speed - it's about fundamentally changing how we approach e-commerce development. When you've spent as many late nights as I have wrestling with deployments, you understand why this matters. We're not just saving time; we're giving time back to focus on what really matters: building better shopping experiences.
For the first time, I'm seeing a solution that doesn't force us to choose between developer happiness and merchant independence. It's like someone finally invented a marathon course that's both technically challenging and accessible to everyone.
As Catalyst rolls out, I'm eager to connect with:
Let's connect and share experiences. What's working great? What possibilities are you discovering? How is it changing your approach to storefront development?
BigCommerce's approach is smart and merchant-friendly. They're saying, "Stencil isn't going anywhere," which shows they understand merchants need time to transition. It's refreshing to see a platform think about their merchants' comfort level.
What's particularly clever here is the long-term vision stretching into 2025. Instead of forcing a mass exodus from Stencil (remember Magento 1's end-of-life panic, anyone?), BigCommerce is letting merchants move at their own pace. It's like having a running coach who understands that not everyone needs to sprint - some prefer to build up their pace gradually.
This dual-support strategy also means agencies and developers can plan their resource allocation better. No need to retrain entire teams overnight or rush client migrations. They can learn, experiment, and transition projects when it makes sense for their business. In the e-commerce world, where every minute of downtime costs money, this kind of flexibility isn't just nice - it's necessary.
After 30 years in e-commerce, I know revolutionary technology when I see it. Catalyst isn't just another update - it's a fundamental shift in how we approach storefront creation.
It's low-code / no-code and I love it.
The technical foundation is solid, and I'm genuinely excited to see where this goes.
Are you as excited about this as I am? Let's talk! Drop a comment below or reach out directly. I'd love to hear your Catalyst story or help you explore its possibilities.
Note: Technology moves fast, but it's rare to see something that combines speed, flexibility, and user-friendliness this well. Catalyst might just be the perfect mix we've been waiting for.