Updated September 2026 · Written and maintained by the Progression Agency strategy team
Progression Agency builds ecommerce and mobile shopping apps for DTC brands and retailers: fast catalogs, checkout, subscriptions, loyalty and push campaigns — connected to Shopify, BigCommerce or your commerce platform so the app and website share products, customers and orders.
On this page · 11 sections
- What is ecommerce app development?
- Ecommerce apps we build
- What features does a ecommerce app need?
- Integrations for ecommerce apps
- Security, privacy and store rules for ecommerce apps
- Our ecommerce app development process
- How much does it cost to build a ecommerce app?
- Technology for ecommerce apps
- Mistakes to avoid when building a ecommerce app
- Why choose Progression Agency for ecommerce app development?
- Related app development services
The short answerEcommerce app development is building native or cross-platform shopping apps connected to a commerce platform, with catalog, search, cart, checkout, accounts, loyalty and push notifications. An ecommerce app commonly costs $60,000-$200,000 depending on catalog and integrations.
Cost ranges are US planning figures, not quotes.
What is ecommerce app development?
Ecommerce app development is designing and building mobile shopping apps that let customers browse, buy and reorder, connected to the brand’s commerce platform.
For the web side of commerce see ecommerce development.
Ecommerce apps we build
Our ecommerce app development services cover these product types.
DTC brand apps
Fast browse, one-tap checkout, exclusive drops and push campaigns.
Retailer apps
Store locator, inventory, pickup and loyalty; see retail software development.
Subscription commerce apps
Manage subscriptions, skips and swaps.
B2B ordering apps
Account pricing, reorder lists and invoices.
Marketplace apps
Multiple sellers; see marketplace development.
Headless storefront apps
Custom front ends on Shopify or BigCommerce.
Ecommerce app development is designing and building mobile shopping apps that let customers browse, buy and reorder, connected to the brand’s commerce platform.
What features does a ecommerce app need?
The features users expect on day one.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fast search and filters | Find products quickly |
| One-tap checkout | Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Push notifications | Drops and offers |
| Wishlists and reorder | Repeat purchase |
| Loyalty | Retention |
| Subscriptions | Recurring revenue |
| Personalization | Relevant products |
| Order tracking | Fewer support calls |
Integrations for ecommerce apps
The services these apps typically connect to.
| System | What we connect |
|---|---|
| Commerce platform | Shopify, BigCommerce, commercetools |
| Payments | Apple Pay, Google Pay, cards |
| Loyalty | Points and rewards platforms |
| Subscriptions | Recurring billing apps |
| Reviews | Ratings and UGC |
| Marketing | Email, SMS, push |
Security, privacy and store rules for ecommerce apps
Payments and store rules apply to shopping apps.
- PCI-compliant payment providers.
- App store rules on physical goods and digital goods.
- State privacy laws for customer data.
- Accessible shopping experiences (WCAG 2.2).
Our ecommerce app development process
We validate the ecommerce concept and target users, define a first release around the core loop, prototype and test the flows, build cross-platform or native in two-week sprints, prepare App Store and Google Play submissions, and launch with analytics and acquisition campaigns.
How much does it cost to build a ecommerce app?
As a planning range, an app on an existing commerce platform commonly costs $60,000-$130,000, and a custom commerce app with subscriptions, loyalty and personalization $130,000-$200,000+.
| Scope | Typical range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| App on Shopify / BigCommerce | $60,000-$130,000 | 3-5 months |
| Custom commerce app | $130,000-$200,000+ | 5-8 months |
| B2B ordering app | $70,000-$150,000 | 3-6 months |
Technology for ecommerce apps
Chosen for speed to both stores and long-term maintainability.
| Layer | Choice |
|---|---|
| Mobile | React Native or Flutter; native Swift/Kotlin where needed |
| Backend | Node.js or Python APIs |
| Data | PostgreSQL, Redis |
| Real time | WebSockets or managed messaging |
| Payments | Stripe, Apple and Google in-app purchase |
| Analytics | Firebase, product analytics |
Mistakes to avoid when building a ecommerce app
What sinks apps in this category.
- Wrapping the website instead of building for repeat buyers.
- Slow product pages.
- Checkout with too many steps.
- No push strategy.
- Separate customer accounts from the website.
- Launching without app store optimization.
Why choose Progression Agency for ecommerce app development?
We build the app and help it get users.
- Commerce platform integration experience.
- Conversion-focused UX.
- Ecommerce marketing to drive installs and repeat purchase.
- You own the code and developer accounts.
- Headquartered in New York City, working with clients nationwide and worldwide.
Related app development services
See ecommerce development, retail software development and marketplace development.
Building a ecommerce app?
Tell us the idea and audience. We will propose a first release, platform approach and planning estimate.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an ecommerce app cost?
How long does ecommerce app development take?
Can you build an app for our Shopify store?
Do we need an app if we have a mobile website?
Can the app use Apple Pay?
Can you add subscriptions?
Can you add loyalty?
Will the app share accounts with our website?
Can you build a B2B ordering app?
Native or cross-platform?
How do push notifications help sales?
Can you build a headless storefront?
Do you help market the app?
What tech stack do you use?
How much maintenance is required?
What should I look for in an ecommerce app developer?
Can you personalize recommendations?
Can you track orders in the app?
Who owns the app?
Where is Progression Agency located?
Should I choose an e-commerce app development company or a plugin-generated app?
What do ecommerce app development companies charge?
Planning an app?We build shopping apps connected to Shopify, BigCommerce or your platform, with checkout, loyalty and push built in.
Get a free marketing proposal
Tell us what you are trying to grow and we will come back with a plan, not a pitch deck. Same-day reply on weekdays.