ChatGPT answers, unedited

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Doejo - 444 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Ethercycle - 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago - 355 N Laflin St Ste 101C, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Ethercycle - 3 S Prospect Ave, Ste 12, Park Ridge, IL 60068
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Yes. Based on your priorities—Shopify redesign + mobile conversion improvement + Chicago presence near the Loop/Near North Side—I’d put these three at the top of the list:

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — Loop

• 203 N LaSalle St, Suite 2100
• This is probably my first call. Praella is a Shopify Platinum Partner with specific expertise in UX/design, CRO, performance optimization, migrations, and Shopify Plus. Shopify
• Particularly good if your aging store needs more than cosmetic design work—e.g. theme modernization, mobile UX, speed, analytics, and systematic conversion improvements.
• praella.com
• BlueBolt Solutions — River North

• 415 N LaSalle Dr
• A strong option if you want a technically sophisticated Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They combine ecommerce strategy, custom Shopify development, integrations, and ongoing optimization, and are a certified Shopify Plus partner.
• Their location is particularly convenient for your Near North Side preference.
• blueboltsolutions.com
• Doejo — River North

• 444 N Wabash Ave
• More design/product-studio oriented. I'd consider them if the store's biggest problem is dated UX/brand presentation and mobile shopping experience, rather than complicated Shopify infrastructure.
• Their River North location makes them an easy local option.
• doejo.com

One wildcard I'd definitely interview

The Chicago Web Co. is worth a look even though I couldn't verify a current Near North Side/Loop office. Their Shopify portfolio is unusually relevant to your exact problem: they describe full Shopify redesigns, UX audits, mobile optimization and CRO, and one case study reports a 26% conversion-rate increase after a Shopify transformation. The Chicago Web Co Shopify

chicagoweb.co

My recommendation

I'd RFP Praella, BlueBolt, and The Chicago Web Co. rather than choosing solely on aesthetics.

For your project, I'd specifically ask each agency to provide:

• A mobile UX/CRO audit before proposing the redesign
• Your current mobile conversion funnel benchmarked against desktop
• Core Web Vitals/mobile performance analysis
• Proposed improvements to PDPs, navigation, cart and checkout
• Their approach to A/B testing after launch
• Examples where they can show before/after conversion metrics, not just prettier screenshots
• A clear separation between Shopify theme work and genuinely custom development

If your store is already generating meaningful revenue, I'd be wary of an agency whose pitch is essentially "we'll give your Shopify site a fresh new look." The better partner should be able to tell you where mobile shoppers are currently dropping out and what evidence supports each redesign decision.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Allevi8 Marketing - 6127 S University Ave Ste 110K, Chicago, IL 60653, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Sixth City Marketing - 620 N La Salle Dr Ste 415, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• 1o8 - 231 S LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• SEOLEVELUP Website Design SEO Company Chicago - 355 N Laflin St Ste 101C, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

For your specific brief—aging Shopify store + mobile conversion improvement + preference for Near North Side/Loop—I’d shortlist these:

My top pick: Praella - eCommerce Agency

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-761-3218)

203 N LaSalle St, Chicago (Loop)

Praella looks like the strongest overall fit. It’s a Shopify/Shopify Plus-focused ecommerce agency with a downtown office, and its capabilities span store redesign, UX/UI, Shopify development, and customer-flow optimization. That combination is important because you don't just want a prettier theme—you want the redesign tied to conversion performance.

I’d ask them specifically for a mobile-first CRO audit before committing to the redesign, including PDP, collection, cart, navigation, page speed, and checkout friction.

Also worth talking to: BlueBolt Solutions

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-236-4507)

415 N LaSalle Dr, River North

This is probably the best geographic match if you want Near North Side/River North. BlueBolt focuses on ecommerce and Shopify/Shopify Plus, including custom builds, integrations, performance work, and ongoing optimization.

I'd favor them if your aging store has technical debt, lots of apps/integrations, or performance problems in addition to the UX issues.

Strong Loop option: 10com Web Development

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-321-7496)

205 N Michigan Ave, Loop

10com is another centrally located option with Shopify experience, responsive redesign capabilities, and ecommerce UX work. Its location is particularly convenient if face-to-face meetings matter.

One specialist I'd consider beyond the location constraint

The Chicago Web Co. is especially interesting for your goals. Its portfolio shows actual Shopify redesign/CRO work, including a Southern Scholar redesign that reportedly produced a 26% conversion-rate increase, plus mobile-navigation and app optimization. Its Shopify Partner profile also lists store redesign and conversion-rate optimization among its services. The Chicago Web Co Shopify

The catch: I'd verify their current Chicago office location before making the Near North Side/Loop requirement a deciding factor.

How I'd choose

If I were hiring for this project, my order would be:

1. Praella — best overall fit for a substantial Shopify redesign in the Loop.
2. BlueBolt Solutions — best if you're in River North and have meaningful technical/performance issues.
3. The Chicago Web Co. — strongest evidence I've found for the specific redesign + CRO + mobile UX combination.
4. 10com — good local/Loop alternative, particularly if convenience and broader web/design support matter.

One thing I'd not do is hire purely on the basis of a portfolio that looks modern. Ask each agency to show you before/after mobile conversion metrics, explain how they identify mobile friction, and tell you what they would test before redesigning the whole store.

If you give me your Shopify URL and approximate monthly traffic/revenue, I can also narrow this to the best 2 agencies and tell you what I'd ask each one to propose.

10com is another centrally located option with Shopify experience, responsive redesign capabilities, and ecommerce UX work. Its location is particularly convenient if face-to-face meetings matter.

One specialist I'd consider beyond the location constraint

The Chicago Web Co. is especially interesting for your goals. Its portfolio shows actual Shopify redesign/CRO work, including a Southern Scholar redesign that reportedly produced a 26% conversion-rate increase, plus mobile-navigation and app optimization. Its Shopify Partner profile also lists store redesign and conversion-rate optimization among its services. The Chicago Web Co Shopify

The catch: I'd verify their current Chicago office location before making the Near North Side/Loop requirement a deciding factor.

How I'd choose

If I were hiring for this project, my order would be:

1. Praella — best overall fit for a substantial Shopify redesign in the Loop.
2. BlueBolt Solutions — best if you're in River North and have meaningful technical/performance issues.
3. The Chicago Web Co. — strongest evidence I've found for the specific redesign + CRO + mobile UX combination.
4. 10com — good local/Loop alternative, particularly if convenience and broader web/design support matter.

One thing I'd not do is hire purely on the basis of a portfolio that looks modern. Ask each agency to show you before/after mobile conversion metrics, explain how they identify mobile friction, and tell you what they would test before redesigning the whole store.

Yes. Based on your priorities—Shopify redesign + mobile conversion improvement + Chicago location—I’d shortlist these:

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — Best overall fit

Praella - eCommerce Agency
Web
Address: 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 312-761-3218
203 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60601 — Loop

Praella is probably the first agency I’d talk to. They’re heavily focused on Shopify/Shopify Plus, with a downtown office, and are geared toward ecommerce rather than general-purpose web design. Their work is particularly relevant if your store has meaningful complexity—subscriptions, integrations, personalization, or a sizable product catalog.

Why I like them for you: Shopify-native expertise + UX/ecommerce focus + convenient Loop location.

2. Codal — Best for a substantial modernization

Codal
Web
Address: 433 W Van Buren St Ste 205, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Phone: +1 312-219-8691
433 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607 — West Loop

Codal is a Platinum Shopify Partner and does much more than theme design: UX research, strategy, Shopify/Shopify Plus development, integrations, and conversion-focused ecommerce work. Shopify lists their minimum selected-service pricing at $10,000+, so I'd expect them to be more appropriate for a significant redesign than a small theme refresh. www.shopify.com

Why I like them: Particularly strong candidate if your aging store has technical debt, awkward integrations, or a complicated customer journey.

3. 1o8 — Best if growth marketing is part of the project

1o8
Web
Address: 231 S LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
Phone: +1 312-324-4970
231 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60604 — Loop

1o8 is in the Loop and combines ecommerce/Shopify work with performance marketing, creative, content and DTC growth. That could be useful if you don't just want a prettier storefront but want the redesign tied directly to acquisition and revenue improvements.

One I'd consider if you're willing to go outside the requested area

Orbit Media Studios is another strong candidate. They're farther north at 4043 N Ravenswood Ave, but their Shopify offering is unusually aligned with your conversion goal: custom Shopify design, UX, analytics, CRO, mobile optimization, performance, and ongoing testing. They specifically say their Shopify work is designed to improve conversion rates across desktop and mobile. www.orbitmedia.com

Their ecommerce practice also cites $22M+ in revenue generated by their ecommerce websites and case studies involving substantial ecommerce growth. www.orbitmedia.com

My ranking for your situation

If this were my project, I'd get proposals from Praella, Codal, and Orbit. I wouldn't frame the RFP as simply "redesign our Shopify site." I'd ask each agency to first analyze your mobile funnel—landing → collection → product page → cart → checkout—and identify the highest-impact conversion leaks, then price the redesign around those findings.

That will help you distinguish an agency that knows ecommerce conversion from one that's primarily selling a visual redesign.

For your brief, I’d shortlist three Chicago agencies, with Praella as my first call.

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — best overall fit
   • 203 N LaSalle St, Chicago — right in the Loop.
   • Shopify/Shopify Plus specialist with a strong ecommerce focus.
   • Particularly relevant if you want more than a visual refresh: CRO, performance optimization, UX, and ongoing growth are part of its offering.
   • Shopify lists Praella as a Platinum Partner, which is a useful credibility signal for a substantial store redesign.
   • My take: Best choice if your aging store needs a serious UX/technical overhaul while keeping conversion performance front and center.

2. BlueBolt Solutions — best Near North Side option
   • 415 N LaSalle Dr, in River North.
   • Focuses on ecommerce strategy, Shopify/Shopify Plus, custom development, integrations, and ongoing optimization.
   • A good candidate if the redesign also involves speed, third-party integrations, personalization, or more complex Shopify functionality.

3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — best if CRO is the priority
   • 205 N Michigan Ave, in the Loop.
   • Their offering specifically includes mobile-first ecommerce design, CRO, funnel analysis, heatmaps/session recordings, and A/B testing.
   • That makes them worth considering if the primary business case for the redesign is "increase mobile conversion" rather than simply modernize the brand.

A couple of other interesting options: Codal in the West Loop is a larger UX/ecommerce consultancy that can handle sophisticated redesigns and integrations, while Sixth City Marketing in River North combines Shopify development with CRO and broader digital marketing.

What I'd ask each agency

Don't let the pitch become "we'll make your Shopify store look modern." Give them the same brief and ask for:

• A mobile funnel audit using your GA4/Shopify data and session recordings.
• Specific hypotheses for improving PDP → add-to-cart → checkout conversion.
• Their plan for Core Web Vitals/mobile performance.
• Examples of Shopify redesigns where conversion actually increased, not just prettier screenshots.
• Whether they'll run A/B tests after launch or simply hand you the new theme.
• A clear distinction between theme redesign, CRO, and ongoing optimization in the proposal.

Shopify's own partner directory also confirms that The Chicago Web Co. offers store redesign, checkout upgrades and CRO, with a 4.9/5 rating across 50 reviews, so I'd include them if you're interested in a smaller shop rather than a larger agency. www.shopify.com

If it were my shortlist: Praella → BlueBolt → 1DIGITAL. Praella is the one I'd contact first given the combination of Loop location, Shopify specialization, and CRO/performance capabilities.

Yes. For your specific brief—aging Shopify store + redesign + measurable mobile conversion improvement + preferably Near North Side/Loop—I’d put Praella at the top of the list.

My shortlist

1. Praella — Loop
   • 203 N LaSalle St, Chicago
   • Shopify/Shopify Plus specialist with a strong ecommerce focus.
   • Particularly interesting for you because their offering includes CRO and performance optimization, not just visual redesign.
   • I'd make them the first call if you want a serious redesign rather than simply a new theme.

2. 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — Loop
   • 205 N Michigan Ave
   • Very close to your preferred area.
   • Their CRO approach includes heatmaps/session recordings, funnel analysis and A/B testing, alongside mobile-first ecommerce design. That's a good combination if conversion lift is the primary KPI.

3. Sixth City Marketing — Near North Side
   • 620 N LaSalle Dr
   • Convenient River North/Near North Side location.
   • More of a growth/CRO + marketing agency than a pure Shopify design studio, but they explicitly offer CRO, ecommerce, Shopify and web development.

4. WPrime Agency — Merchandise Mart
   • 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
   • Another good Near North Side option, particularly if you want UX/UI + Shopify + ongoing optimization under one roof.

One wildcard I'd seriously consider

The Chicago Web Co. isn't in your preferred neighborhood, but its Shopify work is unusually relevant to the problem you're describing. Its portfolio includes a Shopify redesign for Southern Scholar that reportedly produced a 26% conversion-rate increase, alongside improvements in sales, orders and returning-customer rate. It also specifically emphasizes mobile-first Shopify builds and UX/CRO audits. chicagoweb.co

The Chicago Web Co.

Who I'd contact first

Praella → The Chicago Web Co. → 1DIGITAL.

When you talk to them, I wouldn't ask simply for a "Shopify redesign." I'd ask for a conversion-focused redesign with a mobile funnel audit, and require them to establish a baseline for:

• mobile conversion rate
• add-to-cart rate
• checkout initiation/completion
• mobile page speed/Core Web Vitals
• PDP engagement
• cart abandonment
• revenue per mobile visitor

I'd also ask each agency to show you 2–3 comparable Shopify redesigns where they can demonstrate actual conversion/revenue results, rather than just attractive screenshots.

If you tell me roughly your annual/monthly Shopify revenue and what you sell, I can narrow this to the best 2 agencies and give you a realistic budget range for the redesign.

Yes. Based on your priorities—Shopify redesign + mobile conversion improvement + Chicago location—my first call would be The Chicago Web Co..

My shortlist

1. The Chicago Web Co. — best overall fit

• Location: 332 S. Michigan Ave., right in the Loop. chicagoweb.co
• Shopify-focused since 2013, with 1,200+ stores claimed.
• Specifically offers mobile-first Shopify design, UX/CRO audits, redesigns, and post-launch optimization. chicagoweb.cowww.shopify.com
• Their portfolio is unusually relevant to your situation: they have done legacy-store redesigns, mobile UX improvements, navigation/checkout work, and reported conversion lifts. For example, their Southern Scholar redesign reportedly produced a 26% conversion-rate increase, while their Stan's Donuts work focused heavily on mobile performance and shopping UX. chicagoweb.co
• Shopify's partner directory currently shows a 4.9/5 rating from 50 reviews. chicagoweb.cowww.shopify.com

Why I'd pick them: They're close to exactly what you're describing rather than being primarily a general marketing agency. I'd ask them to start with a mobile UX/CRO audit of your existing store before proposing a full rebuild.

The Chicago Web Co.

2. Dumo Digital — strongest if you're a CPG/consumer brand

• Chicago-based, with a primary location listed in 60614 (Lincoln Park area). www.linkedin.com
• Shopify Plus partner focused specifically on CRO, storefront optimization, AOV and retention. www.dumodigital.com
• Their stated results include a 32% average conversion-rate increase and 48% average AOV lift across their portfolio. www.dumodigital.com
• Particularly compelling if you're selling food/beverage, beauty, wellness, home goods, or another physical CPG product.

Dumo Digital

3. Alo Agency — worth a conversation for a more technical Shopify rebuild

• Chicago-based Shopify partner with a 5.0/5 rating from 49 Shopify reviews. www.shopify.com
• Handles redesigns, theme customization, custom apps/integrations, and Shopify API work. www.shopify.com
• I'd favor them if your aging store has substantial custom Liquid/code, app integrations, or technical debt, rather than just needing a visual/UX refresh.

Alo Agency

What I'd do

I'd get proposals from Chicago Web Co. + Dumo Digital, and make the agencies compete on the same brief:

“We have an aging Shopify store and want to improve mobile conversion, not simply make the site prettier. Audit our current funnel, identify the biggest mobile drop-offs, recommend a redesign, and give us a measurement plan for conversion rate, add-to-cart, checkout initiation, and completed purchase.”

I'd specifically ask for before/after mobile conversion data from comparable Shopify projects, their approach to Core Web Vitals/page speed, whether they run A/B tests after launch, and what analytics/heatmap data they'll need from your existing store.

If you tell me what you sell, approximate annual online revenue, and whether you're on Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the 2 best agencies and give you a rough expected project budget.

Given your priorities—Shopify redesign + mobile conversion improvement + Chicago proximity—I’d shortlist these:

My top pick: Praella - eCommerce Agency

Praella - eCommerce Agency
Web
Address: 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 312-761-3218
203 N LaSalle St, Suite 2100 — The Loop

Praella is the strongest fit if you want a fairly sophisticated Shopify/Shopify Plus partner. It’s downtown, Shopify-focused, and combines redesign/development with CRO and performance work. Its local office also makes it practical for in-person strategy sessions.

Why I’d call them first: your project sounds like more than a visual refresh—you want the agency to diagnose why mobile shoppers aren't converting and rebuild around that.

Best smaller/local-feeling option: Sixth City Marketing

Sixth City Marketing
Web
Address: 620 N La Salle Dr Ste 415, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Phone: +1 312-872-7726
620 N La Salle Dr — River North

This is particularly interesting if you want CRO to be central to the engagement, rather than hiring a design agency that happens to offer CRO. They combine conversion optimization with web/ecommerce work and are right in River North.

Best if you're heavily design/brand-led: The Chicago Web Co.

This is a Shopify-specialist agency with a Chicago base. Shopify's partner directory lists it at 4.9/5 from 50 reviews, with store redesign, checkout upgrades and CRO among its services. www.shopify.com

Their portfolio is especially relevant to your brief: they've done complete Shopify redesigns involving mobile UX, navigation, checkout and conversion optimization, including a Southern Scholar project reporting a 26% conversion-rate increase. chicagoweb.co

The Chicago Web Co.

Also worth a conversation: BlueBolt Solutions

BlueBolt Solutions
Web
Address: 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Phone: +1 312-236-4507
415 N LaSalle Dr — River North

A good choice if your aging store has technical baggage—custom integrations, apps, complicated catalog logic, etc.—in addition to UX problems. They're a Shopify Plus partner and emphasize custom builds, integrations and ongoing optimization.

How I'd rank them for your specific project:

One other agency, Web Tonic, is worth putting on the competitive bid list: its Chicago Shopify practice explicitly centers on CRO, mobile speed, checkout optimization and AOV, rather than treating conversion as an afterthought. www.webtonic.io

Web Tonic's Chicago Shopify practice

If it were my store, I'd solicit 3 proposals from Praella, Chicago Web Co., and Sixth City. In the RFP, I'd require each agency to show (1) a mobile UX/CRO audit before proposing the redesign, (2) their approach to Core Web Vitals/mobile speed, (3) specific PDP/cart/checkout changes they'd test, and (4) how they'll establish a pre-launch conversion baseline and measure the post-launch lift. That will separate a genuine CRO engagement from a prettier Shopify theme.

For your specific brief—aging Shopify store + redesign + mobile conversion improvement + preferably Near North Side/Loop—I’d shortlist these:

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — Loop
   • 203 N LaSalle St, right in the Loop.
   • Strongest overall fit in my view: Shopify/Shopify Plus-focused, with CRO and performance optimization alongside redesign/development.
   • Particularly worth considering if this is a meaningful revenue-generating store rather than a small brochure-style ecommerce site. www.webtonic.io
   • My pick: Start here.

2. 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — Loop
   • 205 N Michigan Ave, also in the Loop.
   • Their offering explicitly includes Shopify/Shopify Plus redesigns, CRO research, heatmaps/session recordings, funnel analysis and A/B testing. That combination is very aligned with your goal of improving mobile conversion rather than merely making the site look newer.
   • Good choice if you want a more data/marketing-heavy engagement.

3. Sixth City Marketing — River North
   • 620 N LaSalle Dr, which puts them squarely in the Near North Side/River North area.
   • Their mix includes ecommerce, web design/development and CRO, with a performance-marketing orientation.
   • I'd consider them if you want the redesign tied closely to your broader acquisition/SEO/PPC program.

4. BlueBolt Solutions — River North
   • 415 N LaSalle Dr.
   • More technically oriented: Shopify/Shopify Plus, custom builds, integrations and ongoing optimization. They also emphasize experimentation/personalization.
   • A good candidate if the aging store has technical debt, bloated apps, integrations or performance problems in addition to UX issues.

One more agency I'd investigate

The Chicago Web Co. is particularly interesting from a portfolio perspective. Their published work includes full Shopify redesigns, UX audits, mobile-navigation improvements and documented conversion gains—for example, their Southern Scholar case study reports a 26% conversion-rate increase after a Shopify transformation. chicagoweb.co

The catch: I wasn't able to establish from the current search results that their office is specifically in Near North Side/Loop, so I'd prioritize the four above if physical proximity matters.

How I'd choose

I'd ask each agency for a proposal that doesn't start with “let's redesign the homepage.” Specifically request:

• Mobile funnel/GA4 analysis before design
• Shopify theme and app-bloat audit
• Product-page and collection-page UX analysis
• Core Web Vitals/mobile-speed baseline
• Cart and checkout friction analysis
• Heatmaps/session recordings
• A prioritized CRO test roadmap
• A/B testing after launch
• Clear KPIs: mobile CVR, add-to-cart rate, checkout initiation, revenue/session and AOV

That will separate a genuine ecommerce/CRO partner from a conventional web-design shop.

My order for initial calls: Praella → 1DIGITAL → BlueBolt → Sixth City. Praella is the best geographic + Shopify-specialist combination; 1DIGITAL looks especially strong if you want rigorous CRO experimentation; BlueBolt moves up the list if the store has substantial technical complexity.

If you tell me roughly annual online revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, product count, and your target budget, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 agencies and compare likely project scope/pricing.

For an aging Shopify store where the goal is redesign + measurable mobile conversion improvement, I’d prioritize agencies that do UX/CRO work (not just “pretty Shopify themes”). A few Chicago-area options that look like strong fits:

Best matches for a Shopify redesign + mobile CRO

1. Praella — Loop / downtown Chicago

• Strong Shopify and Shopify Plus focus.
• Better fit if you have a mature store with integrations, subscriptions, personalization, or a larger catalog.
• Their Chicago office is in the Loop area (203 N LaSalle St).

2. BlueBolt Solutions — River North

• Good option if your store needs more than a visual refresh: UX improvements, Shopify Plus work, integrations, and ongoing optimization.
• Located at 415 N LaSalle St.

3. Sixth City Marketing — River North

• More of a broader digital agency, but they offer Shopify/ecommerce work and are conveniently located near your preferred area.
• Their Chicago office is at 620 N LaSalle Dr.

4. 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — The Loop

• Ecommerce-focused and located downtown (205 N Michigan Ave).
• Worth considering if you want Shopify redesign plus broader ecommerce marketing support.

5. Ethercycle — Chicago area

• Shopify-specialist studio with a strong ecommerce focus.
• Less “big agency,” more Shopify-focused partner approach.

If mobile conversion rate is the main KPI

I’d specifically ask any agency you interview whether they will:

• audit mobile funnel drop-off in GA4/Shopify Analytics
• review heatmaps/session recordings (e.g., Clarity, Hotjar)
• redesign PDPs (product pages) for mobile shopping behavior
• improve Core Web Vitals/page speed
• test navigation, search, filtering, cart drawer, checkout friction
• run A/B tests after launch rather than declaring victory at launch

A couple of Shopify-focused firms that emphasize CRO/mobile optimization (though not necessarily in your preferred neighborhoods) are:

• Dumo Digital — focuses on Shopify CRO, retention, and DTC growth. www.dumodigital.comchicagoweb.co
• The Chicago Web Co. — offers Shopify redesigns, UX audits, and conversion optimization. chicagoweb.co

My shortlist to contact first would be:

1. Praella (if you’re a serious revenue-generating Shopify brand)
2. BlueBolt (if you need UX + technical modernization)
3. Ethercycle (if you want Shopify depth from a more focused studio)
4. The Chicago Web Co. (if you want a smaller, design-led partner)

When reaching out, I’d send them your current conversion rate, mobile share of traffic, monthly sessions/orders, and your top 3 mobile pain points. That will usually separate agencies that do real CRO from agencies that mainly redesign themes.

For an aging Shopify store where the goal is mobile conversion improvement (not just a visual refresh), I’d prioritize agencies that do UX research, CRO, Shopify theme development, and analytics—not general web design shops. These Chicago-area options look like strong fits, with several close to the Near North Side/Loop:

1. Praella — Best fit if you want a sophisticated Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild

Praella - eCommerce Agency
Web
Address: 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 312-761-3218

• Location: The Loop (LaSalle St)
• Strong choice for a mature brand that needs more than a theme swap: UX redesign, Shopify Plus work, performance improvements, integrations, and CRO.
• I’d consider them if your store has:
  • large catalogs
  • subscriptions
  • complex apps/integrations
  • significant paid traffic you want to convert better

2. The Chicago Web Co. — Best boutique Shopify redesign option

Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding
Web
Address: 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
Phone: +1 312-741-0303

• Chicago-based Shopify specialist with a strong focus on design, UX, conversion optimization, and mobile-first storefronts. www.shopify.com
• Their portfolio highlights Shopify redesigns, UX audits, CRO work, and mobile shopping improvements. chicagoweb.co
• Good fit if you want a hands-on boutique partner rather than a larger enterprise agency.

3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — Best Loop-based CRO/ecommerce option

1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency
Web
Address: 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 888-982-8269

• Location: The Loop (Michigan Ave)
• Focuses on ecommerce design/development and conversion optimization, including funnel analysis, UX improvements, and testing.
• Worth considering if you want a more data-driven CRO engagement.

4. Sixth City Marketing — Best if redesign is tied to marketing growth

Sixth City Marketing
Web
Address: 620 N La Salle Dr Ste 415, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Phone: +1 312-872-7726

• Location: River North area
• Offers CRO, ecommerce work, and digital marketing services.
• Better fit if your problems include not only conversion rate but also acquisition, SEO, paid traffic, and analytics.

5. Web Tonic — Strong CRO-first Shopify positioning

• Their Chicago Shopify practice emphasizes mobile optimization, checkout improvements, speed, merchandising, and conversion-focused design. www.webtonic.io
• Good match for a brand saying: “We have traffic, but our store isn’t turning enough visitors into buyers.”

My shortlist for your specific need

If I were narrowing this to three agencies to interview:

1. Praella — if you’re a serious revenue-generating Shopify store and want a strategic rebuild.
2. The Chicago Web Co. — if you want a high-touch Shopify redesign with strong UX/design instincts.
3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — if improving conversion rate through testing and analytics is the priority.

When you talk to them, I’d ask for:

• 2–3 examples of mobile conversion rate improvements they delivered
• their process for analyzing your current funnel (GA4, Shopify analytics, heatmaps/session recordings)
• whether they run A/B tests after launch or only hand off a redesigned theme
• examples of product page, cart, and checkout improvements

A good agency should be able to show you exactly where mobile shoppers are dropping off before proposing a redesign.

Yes. Based on your priorities—Shopify redesign + mobile conversion improvement + genuinely Chicago-based + Near North Side/Loop preference—I’d shortlist these:

1. Praella — best overall fit

Praella - eCommerce Agency
Web
Address: 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 312-761-3218
203 N LaSalle St, Suite 2100, Loop

Praella is the one I’d contact first. It’s a Chicago-headquartered Shopify/Shopify Plus agency with explicit experience in CRO and performance optimization, rather than treating the project as purely a visual redesign. Its downtown location is also an excellent match for your geography.

Why I like it: strong Shopify specialization, local office, and enough technical depth if your aging store has accumulated apps, integrations, or theme debt.

2. Sixth City Marketing — best Near North Side option

Sixth City Marketing
Web
Address: 620 N La Salle Dr Ste 415, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Phone: +1 312-872-7726
620 N LaSalle Dr, River North

This is particularly interesting if your goal is conversion improvement rather than just a prettier storefront. They combine Shopify/ecommerce web development with CRO, SEO and paid acquisition, so they can look at the entire funnel.

I'd put them on the shortlist if your mobile conversion problem may partly stem from traffic quality, landing pages, merchandising or analytics—not just UX.

3. UX 4Sight — best if UX/mobile friction is the central problem

UX 4Sight
Web
Address: 111 W Jackson Blvd Unit 1700, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
Phone: +1 312-224-0095
111 W Jackson Blvd, Loop

They specialize in UX/UI and conversion-oriented experience design. They're less of a Shopify-first implementation shop than Praella, so I'd consider them if you already have solid Shopify development resources and primarily need research, mobile UX diagnosis, customer journeys and redesign direction.

Worth considering: The Chicago Web Co.

The Chicago Web Co. is a Shopify-focused Chicago agency offering custom, mobile-first design plus conversion optimization and UX audits. Shopify's partner directory currently shows a 4.9/5 rating from 50 reviews and specifically lists store redesign and CRO among its services. www.shopify.com

My ranking for your project:
Praella → Sixth City → The Chicago Web Co. → UX 4Sight

One thing I'd insist on in the RFP: don't ask simply for a “Shopify redesign.” Ask each agency to audit your current mobile funnel first—PDP → add-to-cart → cart → checkout—and establish a conversion baseline, Core Web Vitals/mobile speed baseline, and prioritized hypotheses for improvement. That will separate agencies capable of actually improving revenue from agencies that mainly produce attractive themes.

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, product category, and whether you're on Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the best 2 agencies and compare likely project scope/pricing.

For your brief, I’d put Praella - eCommerce Agency at the top of the list.

It’s especially well matched because Praella is a Chicago-based Shopify Plus agency with capabilities spanning UX/design, conversion-rate optimization, migrations, integrations, and performance. Shopify’s own partner directory lists it as a Platinum Partner and specifically includes CRO and store redesign work. www.shopify.com Its Chicago office is at 203 N LaSalle St, right in the Loop.

Praella

My shortlist

One more I'd interview

The Chicago Web Co. is another Shopify-focused Chicago option. Shopify's directory lists store redesign and CRO among its services, and its own site emphasizes mobile-first Shopify builds, UX audits, and conversion optimization. www.shopify.com

The Chicago Web Co.

If mobile conversion is the primary KPI, I'd make the RFP less about "redesigning the site" and more about diagnosing and improving the mobile purchase funnel. Ask each agency to show:

• 2–3 Shopify redesigns where they can demonstrate conversion-rate or revenue improvement
• Their process for analyzing mobile PDP → add-to-cart → checkout drop-off
• How they'll improve Core Web Vitals/mobile speed without sacrificing merchandising
• Whether they run A/B tests after launch rather than treating launch as the finish line
• Their approach to apps/scripts—aging Shopify stores often have substantial performance drag from app bloat
• A proposed measurement baseline: mobile CVR, add-to-cart rate, checkout initiation, purchase completion, AOV and revenue/session

My ranking for your particular project: Praella → The Chicago Web Co. → Uncap, with Alpha Efficiency as a fourth conversation if having a very local design partner matters.

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and what you sell, I can narrow this to the 2–3 agencies I'd actually invite to the RFP and compare their likely strengths/weaknesses.

Yes. Based on your priorities—Shopify redesign + mobile conversion improvement + genuinely Chicago-local—I’d shortlist these:

1. Praella — Best overall fit

Praella - eCommerce Agency
Web
Address: 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 312-761-3218
203 N LaSalle St, Loop

Praella is the strongest match if you want a serious Shopify/Shopify Plus partner rather than a general web-design shop. It’s a Chicago-headquartered ecommerce agency with Shopify redesign, CRO, and performance optimization capabilities. The Loop location is a particularly good fit for your preference. www.webtonic.io

Why I'd call them: They can handle the redesign as an ecommerce growth project rather than simply giving the store a visual refresh.

Praella website

2. BlueBolt Solutions — Best Near North Side option

BlueBolt Solutions
Web
Address: 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Phone: +1 312-236-4507
415 N LaSalle Dr, River North

BlueBolt is especially interesting if your aging store has technical baggage—slow performance, legacy integrations, custom functionality, or a messy theme. They specialize in Shopify/Shopify Plus and ecommerce experiences, including optimization and ongoing support.

BlueBolt Solutions website

3. 1Digital Agency — Best Loop alternative

1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency
Web
Address: 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 888-982-8269
205 N Michigan Ave, Loop

They explicitly offer CRO involving funnel analysis, heatmaps/session recordings and A/B testing, alongside Shopify design/development. That's attractive if mobile conversion rate is the primary KPI rather than just aesthetics.

1Digital Agency website

4. 10com Web Development — Worth considering for a smaller project

10com Web Development
Web
Address: 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
Phone: +1 312-321-7496
205 N Michigan Ave, Loop

They do Shopify and responsive redesigns and have a very strong volume of local reviews. I'd put them behind the three above if you're a sizable ecommerce operation, but they could make sense if the redesign is relatively straightforward.

My recommendation

I'd talk to Praella first, then BlueBolt and 1Digital as comparison bids.

For your situation, I wouldn't ask agencies simply for a "Shopify redesign." I'd ask for a proposal specifically covering:

• Mobile-first UX audit of your current store
• GA4/Shopify funnel analysis
• Product-page and collection-page redesign
• Cart/checkout friction analysis
• Core Web Vitals/mobile speed
• Heatmaps/session recordings
• A/B testing roadmap after launch
• Conversion-rate and add-to-cart benchmarks
• Measurement plan comparing mobile vs. desktop CVR

That will quickly distinguish an agency that makes Shopify stores prettier from one that can actually increase mobile revenue.

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, product category, and current mobile conversion rate, I can narrow this to the 2 agencies I'd actually invite to pitch.

For your specific brief—aging Shopify store + mobile conversion improvement + preference for Near North Side/Loop—I’d shortlist these:

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — Loop
   • 203 N LaSalle St, right in the Loop.
   • Strongest overall fit if you want a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus redesign rather than just a visual refresh. They focus on Shopify and e-commerce, including CRO and performance optimization.
   • Best choice if your store has meaningful revenue, integrations, or technical complexity.

2. BlueBolt Solutions — River North
   • 415 N LaSalle Dr, in the Near North Side.
   • Particularly interesting if the aging store has technical debt. They work with Shopify/Shopify Plus, custom development, migrations, integrations, and ongoing optimization.
   • I'd put them high on the list if speed, UX experimentation, and backend architecture matter as much as visual design.

3. Sixth City Marketing — River North
   • 620 N La Salle Dr.
   • More performance-marketing-oriented than a pure Shopify studio, but they specifically offer CRO + e-commerce + Shopify web development. That makes them worth considering if you want the redesign tied closely to acquisition and conversion data.

4. SeedCart | Web Designers In Chicago — Loop
   • 222 S Riverside Plaza.
   • E-commerce-focused and explicitly works with Shopify/Shopify Plus, including speed, conversion optimization, custom themes and integrations.
   • Potentially a good option if you want a more hands-on redesign without necessarily going all the way into an enterprise Shopify engagement.

One specialist I'd also interview

The Chicago Web Co. is worth putting on your RFP list even though I wouldn't choose it primarily based on neighborhood. Shopify's partner directory lists it as a Chicago-based partner offering store redesign, checkout upgrades, and CRO, with a 4.9/5 rating from 50 Shopify reviews. www.shopify.com

More importantly, their published portfolio has unusually relevant evidence for your situation: a Shopify redesign for Southern Scholar reportedly produced a 26% conversion-rate increase, while their LoveShackFancy work involved a UX audit specifically examining mobile glitches, shopping friction and conversion pathways. chicagoweb.co Their own site also emphasizes mobile-first Shopify builds and UX/CRO work. chicagoweb.co

The Chicago Web Co.

My ranking

If it were my RFP, I'd start with Praella, BlueBolt, and Chicago Web Co. I'd ask all three to audit your existing mobile funnel before proposing a redesign. That will tell you whether your biggest opportunity is navigation/PDP UX, page speed, cart/checkout friction, merchandising, or something else.

One especially important request: don't accept “mobile responsive” as the KPI. Ask for a baseline and targets for mobile add-to-cart rate, checkout initiation, purchase conversion rate, Core Web Vitals/page speed, and revenue per mobile visitor. That will separate a genuinely conversion-focused Shopify agency from one primarily selling a prettier theme. www.webtonic.io

If you tell me roughly your annual Shopify revenue, industry, and whether you're on Shopify or Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 agencies and give you a suggested RFP/scope and questions to ask each one.