Fishwest shifts to Shopify: Partners, Here’s What Changes (11/15 Suspension, Restart Q1 2025)

Here’s the lay of the land as Fishwest moves to a new ecommerce platform, and what that means for partners in the program. My aim is to keep you in the loop with clear timelines and practical takeaways, all delivered in a friendly, down-to-earth voice you’d expect from a redditor-friendly update.

What’s changing

The move to a Shopify-based setup aims to elevate how customers shop in-store and online. To make that transition smooth, the partner program will be paused temporarily while we align systems and set the stage for new features and streamlined operations after the upgrade.

Key dates to note

1. Restart with the current partner system: Expected in the first quarter of 2025.
2. Transition window: November onward, as the new Shopify-based setup is rolled out.
3. Suspension begins: November 15.
4. What stays the same: Pending items and ongoing processes will be reviewed and carried forward when the new system is live.

What partners should expect

• Updates on linkage and any new program features will be shared as they become available.
• The ability to use partner links and tracking will be paused during the transition period.
• Questions or concerns can be directed to the appropriate team contacts once the new system is in place.
• Fishwest plans to restore the connection with the partner system once the new platform is live and operating smoothly.

How to stay in the loop

• Share any relevant feedback with the team when updates are issued, helping the transition go as smoothly as possible.
• Keep an eye on official Fishwest communications for progress reports and rollout timelines.
• Save any important notices or promotions you’ve been tracking so they’re ready to reference when the new system goes live.
• Prepare for a few new features or interface changes once the Shopify-based platform is fully deployed.

Top 4 ways to navigate the transition effectively

1. Stay patient with features: Expect some adjustments as the new system comes online. The goal is to deliver a better in-store and online experience for customers and partners alike.
2. Plan for new capabilities: Use the transition as a chance to look ahead at potential enhancements the new platform can support, such as improved syncing between in-person and online activity and smoother promotions sequencing.
3. Document timelines and bookmarks: Create a simple timeline for the transition and bookmark the most important update channels so the community isn’t left guessing.
4. Communicate clearly with audiences: When promotions or links resume, share concise notes with followers or customers so everyone knows what changed and what to expect next.

While changes can feel disruptive in the short term, the community can expect a more cohesive shopping experience and clearer, more reliable features once the new system is fully in place. Stay tuned for updates as the rollout progresses, and thanks go to everyone for their patience and continued collaboration during the upgrade. The broader aim of the transition is to improve how Fishwest engages with customers and partners over time.