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
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Fresh Design Studio - 53 W Jackson Blvd, Ste 256, Chicago, IL 60604
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

For a downtown Chicago Shopify rebuild with WCAG as a core requirement, I’d contact:

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St. Shopify/Shopify Plus-focused; particularly relevant for a substantial ecommerce rebuild.
• BlueBolt Solutions — 415 N LaSalle Dr. Shopify Plus and custom-commerce engineering.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr. Strong UX/engineering and documented WCAG-oriented work.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr. Design, UX and development.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave; explicitly positions accessibility/WCAG as part of its builds.

For accessibility depth, also consider Mightybytes, which states its deliverables comply with WCAG 2.2 AA by default, although its office is outside downtown. Mightybytes

When requesting proposals, require manual keyboard/screen-reader testing, WCAG 2.2 AA acceptance criteria, remediation of the actual Shopify theme/code (not merely an overlay), and post-launch regression testing.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Fresh Design Studio - 53 W Jackson Blvd, Ste 256, Chicago, IL 60604
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

If downtown Chicago is important and accessibility/WCAG is a core requirement, I’d put these firms on your initial outreach list:

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St. Chicago-based Shopify/Shopify Plus agency. They’re particularly relevant if this is a substantial ecommerce rebuild rather than a simple theme refresh. Their Shopify credentials and local office make them worth an RFP. Clutch
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr. A downtown agency doing strategy, UX, development and ecommerce, including Shopify. This is a good candidate if you want accessibility considered alongside brand/design rather than bolted on afterward.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr. Larger digital-transformation shop with UX, engineering and ongoing optimization; its Chicago operation specifically references accessibility practices aligned with WCAG.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave. Their Chicago materials explicitly position accessibility/WCAG as part of their web builds, so I'd include them if WCAG is one of the primary selection criteria.
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency — 875 N Michigan Ave. Offers ecommerce/web development and describes accessibility considerations such as keyboard navigation, contrast and descriptive labels.
• Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St. Explicitly offers accessible builds and ADA/WCAG-oriented services, though I'd verify exactly how much Shopify development they do in-house before making them a finalist.

One non-downtown specialist I'd also contact

Netalico is worth adding even though it's not a downtown-Chicago office. Its Shopify Plus Chicago practice explicitly offers ADA compliance audits and remediation, alongside Shopify Plus design/development. Netalico Netalico

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask agencies to "make the site ADA compliant." Ask for:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target standard.
• Accessibility requirements incorporated during UX, design, development and QA, not just an accessibility scan at the end.
• Keyboard-only testing, focus management, semantic HTML, forms/error handling, headings, color contrast, responsive zoom/reflow, accessible navigation and screen-reader testing.
• Testing of the Shopify checkout, cart, search, filters, product variants, account flows and third-party apps—not merely the homepage.
• A documented accessibility audit before launch and remediation after the build.
• Automated testing plus manual testing with assistive technology.
• Accessibility requirements for any new Shopify apps/integrations they recommend.
• A post-launch accessibility maintenance process so the store doesn't regress when your team adds products, promotions or content.

One important distinction: an accessibility widget/overlay shouldn't be accepted as the agency's definition of WCAG compliance. You want the underlying storefront implemented accessibly.

If you want, I can also narrow this to 3–5 Chicago agencies that specifically have both strong Shopify credentials and demonstrable WCAG work, with contact links and what to ask each one.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Fresh Design Studio - 53 W Jackson Blvd, Ste 256, Chicago, IL 60604
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

If you want Chicago-based firms that can actually rebuild a Shopify store—not just run an accessibility audit—I’d start with these. I prioritized firms with a downtown/Loop presence and evidence of both Shopify/ecommerce and accessibility capability.

My shortlist

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St

• Probably my first call for a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
• Chicago-headquartered ecommerce agency with Shopify Plus experience and a downtown Loop office.
• Best fit if you need a sophisticated redesign, integrations, migration, and ongoing optimization—not merely a theme refresh.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr

• Strong option for a larger, strategy-heavy rebuild.
• Their work spans UX, engineering, digital transformation and accessibility, with the Chicago office right in the Loop.
• I'd particularly consider them if accessibility needs to be integrated into your design system and development/QA process rather than treated as a final checklist.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr

• Downtown ecommerce specialist with Shopify/Shopify Plus development experience.
• More technically oriented, so worth considering if your rebuild involves complex integrations, ERP/CRM, B2B, or custom functionality.
• I'd explicitly ask them to demonstrate their WCAG testing and remediation methodology before putting them on the shortlist.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave

• Very central and appears to incorporate accessibility/WCAG considerations into its web builds.
• More appropriate if you're looking for a brand + UX + ecommerce redesign rather than a highly complex enterprise implementation.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr

• Same firm as #2; the duplicate local listing is worth consolidating rather than treating as a separate vendor. Their downtown location and accessibility-oriented development make them one of the more interesting calls for a serious rebuild.

One non-downtown specialist I'd also contact

The Chicago Web Co. is worth adding even though I wouldn't limit the search to downtown addresses. Shopify lists them as a Chicago Shopify Partner with 12+ years of Shopify experience, and their portfolio specifically includes a Shopify Plus redesign described as fully ADA-compliant. They also show UX/accessibility work for other ecommerce brands. Shopify The Chicago Web Co

Another interesting option is Pixel Design: its current service offering explicitly combines Shopify/Shopify Plus development with WCAG audits and remediation, which is exactly the combination you're looking for. Pixel Design

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask agencies, "Are you WCAG compliant?" Ask:

• Which WCAG version and conformance level? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA as the target where feasible.
• Will you perform manual keyboard testing and screen-reader testing, not just automated scans?
• Which screen readers/browsers do you test with?
• Will accessibility be tested across product pages, collection/filtering, search, cart, checkout, account/login, menus, modals and forms?
• Will you fix accessibility issues in the Shopify theme/code, rather than relying on an accessibility overlay?
• Will third-party Shopify apps be evaluated for accessibility?
• Do you provide a pre-launch accessibility audit and post-remediation retest?
• Who actually performs the testing, and can you provide a sample anonymized accessibility report?
• How will accessibility be maintained when your team adds new components or Shopify apps after launch?

That last point is particularly important: accessibility agencies themselves emphasize that automated scanning alone isn't sufficient and that human keyboard/screen-reader testing should be part of the process. Web Tonic Running Start Digital

If this were my project, I'd send the RFP first to Praella, Clique Studios, Atwix, and The Chicago Web Co. That gives you a useful mix of enterprise ecommerce, technical Shopify development, digital strategy/accessibility, and a Shopify-focused specialist.

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, current Shopify plan (Basic/Advanced/Plus), and whether this is a $25k, $50k, $100k+ rebuild, I can narrow this to the 3 best-fit Chicago agencies and give you the questions I'd use to compare their proposals.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Codal - 433 W Van Buren St Ste 205, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States

If you specifically want a downtown Chicago firm that can rebuild a Shopify store with accessibility/WCAG treated as an engineering requirement—not just bolt on an accessibility widget—I’d put these on the shortlist:

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop. Strongest overall candidate for a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They’re a Shopify Platinum Partner and Chicago-headquartered, with deep ecommerce strategy, design, and development capabilities.
• Codal — 433 W Van Buren St, West Loop. A good choice if this is a complex rebuild involving custom functionality, integrations, UX, and accessibility rather than simply a theme redesign.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Particularly worth talking to if you want a strategic redesign with UX, engineering, performance, accessibility, and ongoing optimization all under one roof.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. More technically oriented; worth considering for a larger/complex Shopify Plus implementation, integrations, or migration.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave, Loop. Smaller/local option whose positioning explicitly includes accessibility and WCAG-oriented web development.
• Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St, River North. Accessibility/ADA is explicitly part of their offering, though I'd scrutinize their Shopify experience and how they validate WCAG before selecting them.

One I'd add even though it's not downtown

The Chicago Web Co. is worth contacting. Shopify's own partner directory lists them as a Shopify service partner with 12+ years of Shopify experience, and their portfolio specifically documents a Shopify redesign that they describe as ADA-compliant. Their LoveShackFancy work also included an accessibility audit and remediation. Shopify The Chicago Web Co

My first three calls

For a serious accessibility-focused rebuild, I'd start with:

1. Praella — best overall Shopify/ecommerce depth.
2. The Chicago Web Co. — particularly interesting because there's direct evidence of accessibility work on Shopify projects.
3. Clique Studios — strong candidate if you want accessibility integrated into broader UX/design strategy.

One important qualification: “ADA compliant” or “WCAG compliant” in an agency's marketing isn't enough. In your RFP, require them to commit to a specific target such as WCAG 2.2 AA, accessibility acceptance criteria, keyboard-only testing, screen-reader testing, automated + manual testing, and remediation before launch. For example, an agency that actually publishes its accessibility methodology should be able to explain how it tests rather than simply offering an overlay/widget. Shopify-specific accessibility also needs to cover the theme, product/filter interfaces, cart, search, navigation, forms, third-party apps, and checkout limitations.

If you want, I can also rank 5–8 Chicago agencies specifically for a $50k–$150k Shopify rebuild, comparing their Shopify credentials, accessibility evidence, downtown location, likely project fit, and what I'd ask each one in the first call.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Danie Lyn The Brand - 401 N Michigan Ave, Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60611
• WPrime Agency - 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #1212, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Operation Technology - 211 W Wacker Dr 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Yes. I’d put accessibility capability ahead of simply finding a “Shopify agency”—you want a team that can build the theme correctly and validate it against WCAG, rather than bolt on an accessibility widget afterward.

Here are the downtown Chicago firms I’d shortlist:

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop. Strongest overall candidate if you want a serious Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They’re a Shopify Plus/Platinum Partner and focus specifically on ecommerce. I’d ask them to demonstrate their WCAG QA process rather than accepting a generic “ADA compliant” claim.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr. A technically oriented ecommerce agency with Shopify/Shopify Plus experience. Worth considering if your rebuild involves integrations, custom functionality, or a complicated commerce stack.
• BlueBolt Solutions — 415 N LaSalle Dr, River North. Particularly interesting for a technically complex Shopify Plus rebuild: custom apps, headless work, Checkout Extensibility, and integrations are among its capabilities.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr. More of a digital-transformation/UX agency than a Shopify specialist, but its Chicago team explicitly emphasizes accessibility practices aligned with WCAG. This could be a good fit if the project is as much a UX/design overhaul as a Shopify rebuild.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave. Their Chicago materials specifically discuss building to WCAG standards, making them worth an introductory call if accessibility is a primary requirement.
• Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St. They explicitly offer accessibility/ADA-oriented web work and Shopify services. I'd put them on the RFP list, but I'd probe harder on actual WCAG testing methodology and Shopify-specific accessibility experience.

One non-downtown option I'd also contact

Conspire is worth adding to the shortlist even though I wouldn't choose it simply for the downtown-office criterion. Its Chicago Shopify Plus practice specifically mentions accessibility and working with certified auditors for ADA compliance. Conspire

There are also Chicago Shopify specialists such as The Chicago Web Co., which has extensive Shopify build/redesign experience and a strong Shopify Partner rating, although I found less explicit evidence of a formal WCAG practice. Shopify

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask, “Can you make the site WCAG compliant?” Ask:

1. Target: “We require WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the accessibility target.”
2. Audit: Who performs the accessibility audit—your developers, an independent accessibility specialist, or both?
3. Testing: Require automated and manual testing, including keyboard-only navigation and screen readers.
4. Shopify: Ask for 2–3 Shopify stores they've built where accessibility was a substantive requirement.
5. Deliverable: Require an accessibility findings/remediation report before launch.
6. Acceptance: Define the WCAG success criteria that must pass before launch rather than accepting an “ADA widget” or general accessibility statement.
7. Post-launch: Ask how they prevent accessibility regressions when your team adds products, content, apps, and promotions.

My first three calls would be Praella, BlueBolt, and Clique Studios, with Conspire as a fourth for comparison. The important distinction is that I'd make the agencies prove their accessibility process in the proposal, not just promise compliance.

If you'd like, I can also research 5–8 Chicago agencies and rank them by Shopify expertise, WCAG/accessibility credentials, downtown location, client size, and likely budget, so you have a tighter RFP shortlist.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Codal - 433 W Van Buren St Ste 205, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG/accessibility is a core requirement, I’d prioritize agencies that can demonstrate both serious Shopify engineering and accessibility work—not just agencies that offer an “ADA widget.”

My Chicago shortlist

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop. This would be one of my first calls for a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They’re Chicago-based and focused heavily on ecommerce and Shopify.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Stronger candidate if you want a broader UX/design + engineering partner rather than a Shopify-only shop. Their Chicago team emphasizes digital transformation, UX, engineering, performance and accessibility.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr. A good downtown option for a design-led rebuild where accessibility needs to be incorporated into the UX and development process.
• Codal — 433 W Van Buren St, West Loop. Particularly worth considering for a larger/custom ecommerce build involving integrations, complex functionality or Shopify Plus.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr. An ecommerce-focused agency with Shopify/Shopify Plus experience and a downtown Chicago office; I'd put them on the RFP list for a technically complex rebuild.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave. Their Chicago offering specifically discusses WCAG/accessibility alongside web design, so they're worth a conversation if accessibility is a prominent part of the brief.

One non-downtown option I'd add

The Chicago Web Co. is worth contacting even though I'd verify their current office location before requiring an in-person downtown engagement. Their Shopify portfolio specifically includes a fully ADA-compliant Shopify Plus redesign for Naked Cashmere, which is unusually relevant to your requirement. The Chicago Web Co Shopify

Also, Netalico is worth putting on the competitive-bid list if physical Chicago office location isn't essential. Their Chicago Shopify Plus offering explicitly includes ADA compliance audits and remediation. Netalico Netalico

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't simply ask, “Can you make the site ADA compliant?” Ask each agency:

1. Target WCAG version/level: Can you build and test to WCAG 2.2 AA?
2. Independent testing: Will accessibility be tested by actual keyboard and screen-reader users, not just automated scanners?
3. Testing tools: Which automated and manual testing tools/processes do you use?
4. Shopify-specific issues: How will you handle accessible navigation, product filters, variant selectors, modals, cart/drawer, checkout, reviews, search and third-party apps?
5. Design system: Will accessibility requirements be incorporated into the design system before development?
6. Acceptance criteria: Will WCAG criteria be written into the project acceptance criteria and launch checklist?
7. Post-launch: Do you provide remediation and regression testing after Shopify/theme/app updates?
8. Evidence: Ask for 2–3 Shopify examples where they can explain exactly what accessibility problems they found and how they fixed them.

One important distinction: WCAG conformance and legal “ADA compliance” aren't quite the same thing. I'd make WCAG 2.2 AA conformance the concrete technical target rather than accepting a vague promise that the site will be “ADA compliant.”

If you tell me your approximate annual online revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, number of SKUs, and whether you need ERP/POS/inventory integrations, I can narrow this to the 3 Chicago agencies I'd actually invite to the RFP and compare them on Shopify expertise, accessibility evidence, likely project size, and downtown location.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Elevate Studios: A Digital Design Firm - 5416 N Wayne Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

Yes. I’d put accessibility experience ahead of simply being a “Shopify agency” for this project. For a rebuild, you want WCAG requirements baked into UX, design-system components, Liquid/theme development, app selection, QA, and content—not an accessibility widget added afterward.

Downtown Chicago firms I’d contact

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop. Strong Shopify/Shopify Plus focus and a particularly relevant choice if this is a substantial ecommerce rebuild rather than a simple theme refresh. I’d ask them specifically for recent examples where accessibility was part of the Shopify build acceptance criteria.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Ecommerce-development specialist with Shopify/Shopify Plus experience and a downtown office. A good candidate if your rebuild involves complex integrations or custom functionality.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. More of a digital-product/design-and-engineering firm than a pure Shopify shop. Their Chicago listing specifically highlights WCAG-aligned accessibility practices, making them worth considering if UX/accessibility is a major part of the brief.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr, Loop. Stronger creative/UX orientation, with Shopify among its ecommerce platforms. I'd consider them if the rebuild also involves significant brand, visual-design, and UX work.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave. Their Chicago operation positions accessibility and performance as core build considerations and works with Shopify. Worth getting a proposal if you're looking for a smaller, more hands-on agency.
• BlueBolt Solutions — 415 N LaSalle Dr. Particularly interesting for a technically complicated Shopify Plus store: custom apps, integrations, checkout extensibility, and enterprise ecommerce. I'd make WCAG 2.2 AA a contractual requirement in the RFP.

There are also two firms I would definitely include in the competitive bid even though they're not as clean a match for “downtown office”: Commerce Pundit explicitly describes Shopify builds with WCAG 2.1 AA checks during development/QA, while Netalico describes Shopify Plus work and ADA compliance audits/remediation. Commerce Pundit Netalico

My shortlist

If I were sending out 3–4 RFPs, I'd start with:

1. Praella — Shopify/ecommerce depth.
2. Clique Studios — accessibility + UX/design + engineering.
3. Atwix — complex ecommerce/Shopify engineering.
4. Commerce Pundit — especially if demonstrable WCAG QA is a deciding factor.

One important caveat: “ADA compliant” or “WCAG compliant” on an agency website isn't enough. Ask each firm to show you an actual Shopify storefront they've rebuilt and explain exactly how they test it.

Your RFP should require, at minimum:

• WCAG 2.2 AA target (not merely “ADA-friendly”)
• Keyboard-only testing
• Screen-reader testing (NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver as appropriate)
• Focus management and visible focus states
• Semantic headings, landmarks, forms and error handling
• Accessible product variants, filters, menus, modals and cart
• Color contrast and non-color-dependent UI
• Alt-text/content governance
• Accessibility review of third-party Shopify apps
• Automated + manual accessibility testing before launch
• A documented list of known exceptions and remediation
• Post-launch accessibility regression testing

Also ask whether their accessibility work is performed by actual accessibility specialists/testers or solely by developers running an automated scanner. The distinction matters.

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and whether you're doing a visual rebrand too, I can narrow this to the best 3 Chicago agencies and give you a side-by-side RFP scorecard.

• 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
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Elevate Studios: A Digital Design Firm - 5416 N Wayne Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• 1o8 - 231 S LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60604, United States

Yes. I’d narrow the field to agencies that can demonstrate actual accessibility work in the Shopify build itself, rather than firms that simply install an ADA overlay.

My downtown Chicago shortlist

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St

• Probably my first call if this is a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
• Shopify Platinum Partner, with capabilities spanning UX, design, migrations, integrations and custom development. Shopify
• Ask specifically: Who owns WCAG testing/remediation, and can they provide an accessibility test report before launch?
• BlueBolt Solutions — 415 N La Salle Dr

• Strong option for a technically complex Shopify Plus store, particularly if you have ERP, PIM, B2B, subscriptions or other integrations.
• Shopify lists BlueBolt as a Plus Partner and describes its work as custom store design/development and integrations. Shopify
• I'd make accessibility a formal requirement in the RFP rather than assuming it's included.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr

• More of a strategic digital-experience agency than a Shopify-only shop.
• Their Chicago team emphasizes UX, engineering, usability testing and accessibility practices aligned with WCAG.
• Good candidate if the rebuild involves brand, UX, content architecture and accessibility, not just theme development.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr

• Downtown and particularly interesting if you need a strong UX/design + accessibility component.
• They work across Shopify and other commerce platforms and emphasize usability/accessibility in their UX practice.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave

• More generalist, but their Chicago practice explicitly discusses accessibility/WCAG considerations alongside Shopify/ecommerce work.
• I'd consider them if the project is mid-sized rather than highly complex.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Orbit Media Studios isn't downtown—it's in Ravenswood—but it's worth putting on the list if accessibility is a major buying criterion. Their work specifically includes improving accessibility, and their process combines UX, development, performance and ongoing optimization.

There's also a particularly relevant Shopify example from The Chicago Web Co.: its portfolio describes a Shopify Plus redesign for Naked Cashmere as fully ADA-compliant, so I'd consider them if you're open to a smaller Shopify specialist outside the Loop. The Chicago Web Co Shopify

What I'd put in the RFP

Don't just ask, "Are you WCAG compliant?" I'd require the agency to commit to something like:

The rebuilt Shopify storefront must target WCAG 2.2 AA, with accessibility incorporated into UX, design, development and QA—not through an accessibility overlay. The agency must conduct automated and manual accessibility testing, including keyboard-only navigation and screen-reader testing, remediate identified issues before launch, and provide documentation of testing and remediation.

Also ask each agency for 2–3 Shopify examples where they personally implemented accessibility, not merely audited a client's site.

My first three calls would be Praella, BlueBolt, and Clique—with The Chicago Web Co. as the smaller Shopify-specialist option.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Codal - 433 W Van Buren St Ste 205, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• The Chicago Lighthouse - 1850 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Yes. I’d shortlist downtown/central Chicago firms that can handle both Shopify engineering and accessibility, rather than hiring a generic ADA consultant and a separate Shopify developer.

My top calls

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop. Strong Shopify/Shopify Plus fit and an established Chicago presence. I’d put them near the top if this is a substantial ecommerce rebuild rather than a simple theme refresh.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Dedicated ecommerce agency with Shopify Plus experience and more technical/enterprise capabilities. Good candidate if you have complex integrations or a sophisticated catalog.
• Codal — 433 W Van Buren St, West Loop. Shopify-focused digital product/ecommerce consultancy; worth considering for a custom rebuild where UX, engineering, and integrations all matter.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Particularly interesting if you want a broader UX/digital-transformation partner. Their Chicago team emphasizes strategy, design, engineering, performance and accessibility.
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. — 200 W Jackson Blvd, Loop. A larger enterprise-oriented option for a complex rebuild, particularly if accessibility governance, QA and integrations are important.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave. More of a design/marketing agency, but its Chicago operation specifically advertises Shopify and WCAG-oriented work. I'd consider it if the project is more brand/UX-led.

One accessibility specialist I'd involve

The Chicago Lighthouse isn't a Shopify agency, but its Digital Accessible Experience team provides accessibility consulting, audits, WCAG/508 compliance and accessibility certification, with extensive experience involving people who are blind or visually impaired. The Chicago Lighthouse The Chicago Lighthouse

That could be valuable as an independent accessibility reviewer after the agency builds the store, rather than relying solely on the agency's own QA.

What I'd ask every agency

Don't just ask "Are you ADA compliant?" Ask:

1. Will you build to WCAG 2.2 AA from the design stage onward? One Chicago agency, Mightybytes, explicitly says its deliverables comply with WCAG 2.2 AA by default, which is the kind of concrete commitment I'd look for. Mightybytes
2. Do you perform manual keyboard and screen-reader testing, in addition to automated scans?
3. Will accessibility be tested on the actual Shopify theme, product templates, cart, search, filters, account pages and checkout-related flows?
4. How do you handle third-party Shopify apps? Apps frequently introduce accessibility problems that aren't present in the theme itself.
5. Will you provide an accessibility conformance report and remediation log?
6. Who owns accessibility after launch? New products, content, apps and theme changes can reintroduce issues.
7. Can you show me a Shopify store you've rebuilt with documented accessibility work?

I'd be wary of any agency whose solution is primarily an "accessibility widget/overlay." The better approach is to fix the underlying HTML, CSS, JavaScript, semantics, keyboard behavior, focus management, forms, contrast and other issues in the actual storefront code. Kirkby Consulting

If this were my RFP, I'd start with Praella, Atwix, Codal and Clique Studios, then bring in an independent accessibility reviewer for the final audit. That gives you a much stronger setup than asking one agency to both build and certify its own work.

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and whether you're doing a full redesign or mostly a technical rebuild, I can narrow this to the 3 best agencies and give you a comparison of likely project fit, strengths, and questions to ask each one.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Operation Technology - 211 W Wacker Dr 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

Yes. I’d put accessibility capability ahead of simply finding a Shopify agency that happens to mention “ADA.” For a rebuild, you want the agency to own the theme/code, test with keyboard and screen readers, and target a specific WCAG level—not just install an accessibility overlay.

My Chicago shortlist

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop

Probably my first call if this is a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They’re a Chicago-based ecommerce agency and Shopify partner, with a strong focus on migrations, custom builds, and optimization. Ask specifically for their WCAG 2.2 AA development and QA process rather than assuming accessibility is included.

• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop

A good choice if you need more than an ecommerce implementation—strategy, UX, design system, engineering, and ongoing optimization. Their Chicago team specifically references accessibility practices aligned with WCAG. This is the sort of firm I'd consider for a larger, more complex replatform.

• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop

Strong technical/ecommerce option, including Shopify Plus and custom integrations. I'd interview them if your rebuild has complicated ERP, CRM, B2B, or other systems work alongside accessibility.

• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave, Loop

Downtown option that explicitly positions accessibility and WCAG considerations as part of its web-development approach. I'd consider them if you want a smaller/generalist agency rather than a large enterprise ecommerce shop.

• Operation Technology — 211 W Wacker Dr, Loop

Another downtown option with Shopify ecommerce development and web redesign capabilities. Worth getting a proposal from if you want a more hands-on boutique engagement.

One especially interesting Shopify/accessibility candidate

The Chicago Web Co. isn't downtown—the Shopify directory lists it simply as Chicago—but I'd still put it on the RFP list. Its portfolio specifically describes a Shopify redesign for Naked Cashmere as fully ADA-compliant, and the agency has extensive Shopify redesign experience. Shopify's directory currently lists it as a Select Partner with a 4.9/5 rating from 50 reviews. Shopify The Chicago Web Co

shopify.com

The accessibility specialist I'd consider pairing with the build

Mightybytes is not downtown, but it's unusually compelling for the accessibility requirement: the agency states that its deliverables comply with W3C WCAG 2.2 Level AA by default. Mightybytes

That makes them worth talking to if accessibility is a hard requirement rather than a nice-to-have. You could also have an independent accessibility specialist audit the Shopify build before launch.

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask, “Can you make our Shopify store WCAG compliant?” Ask each firm:

1. Which standard and level will you contractually target? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA.
2. Will accessibility be built into the design system and Liquid/theme code from day one?
3. Do you test with actual assistive technology? Ask for keyboard-only, NVDA/JAWS, VoiceOver, zoom/reflow, focus management, forms, dialogs, navigation, and dynamic cart behavior.
4. How do you handle third-party Shopify apps? Apps are a common source of accessibility failures outside the theme.
5. Will you provide an accessibility audit/remediation report before launch?
6. Who performs the final audit—your developers or an independent accessibility tester?
7. How will accessibility be maintained after launch when products, content, apps, and Shopify features change?
8. Can they show you a recent Shopify site they built that was tested against WCAG?

One important distinction: don't accept an accessibility overlay as the agency's primary compliance strategy. The underlying Shopify theme, components, forms, navigation, product selectors, cart, checkout-adjacent experiences, etc. need to be accessible themselves.

If you tell me roughly your current store size/revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and whether you need a full visual rebrand or primarily a technical rebuild, I can narrow this to 3 Chicago firms I'd actually invite to the RFP and give you a suggested RFP/scorecard.

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask, “Can you make our Shopify store WCAG compliant?” Ask each firm:

1. Which standard and level will you contractually target? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA.
2. Will accessibility be built into the design system and Liquid/theme code from day one?
3. Do you test with actual assistive technology? Ask for keyboard-only, NVDA/JAWS, VoiceOver, zoom/reflow, focus management, forms, dialogs, navigation, and dynamic cart behavior.
4. How do you handle third-party Shopify apps? Apps are a common source of accessibility failures outside the theme.
5. Will you provide an accessibility audit/remediation report before launch?
6. Who performs the final audit—your developers or an independent accessibility tester?
7. How will accessibility be maintained after launch when products, content, apps, and Shopify features change?
8. Can they show you a recent Shopify site they built that was tested against WCAG?

One important distinction: don't accept an accessibility overlay as the agency's primary compliance strategy. The underlying Shopify theme, components, forms, navigation, product selectors, cart, checkout-adjacent experiences, etc. need to be accessible themselves.

If you tell me roughly your current store size/revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and whether you need a full visual rebrand or primarily a technical rebuild, I can narrow this to 3 Chicago firms I'd actually invite to the RFP and give you a suggested RFP/scorecard.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

For a Shopify rebuild where accessibility and WCAG compliance are core requirements, I’d prioritize agencies that can handle both Shopify engineering and inclusive UX/testing, rather than a typical “theme customization” shop. A few Chicago-area firms worth contacting:

Best-fit Shopify + accessibility candidates

Praella - eCommerce Agency — Loop / downtown Chicago

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

Praella - eCommerce Agency is a Shopify-focused ecommerce agency with a downtown office and Shopify Plus experience. They’re a strong candidate if you need a full rebuild involving UX, migration, integrations, and ongoing optimization.

Ask them:

• “Who owns WCAG compliance during design and development?”
• “Do you run automated scans plus manual keyboard/screen-reader testing?”
• “Can you provide accessibility acceptance criteria before launch?”

Clique Studios — Loop

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+13123799329)

Clique Studios is a downtown Chicago digital product agency with UX, engineering, and accessibility-focused design capabilities. They may be a good fit if your rebuild is more than a storefront refresh and involves customer experience strategy.

ArtVersion® Creative Agency — West Loop / downtown area

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-837-7466)

ArtVersion® Creative Agency combines UX/design and development and highlights accessibility-oriented implementation practices. They could fit brands that need a stronger design-system and usability focus alongside Shopify work.

Sandstorm Design — Chicago

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 773-348-4200)

Sandstorm Design is more of an accessibility/inclusive digital experience specialist than a pure Shopify shop, but they’re worth considering if you want rigorous accessibility strategy, audits, and governance involved.

Shopify specialists to add to your shortlist

Praella - eCommerce Agency

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

Good for Shopify Plus migrations and complex commerce builds.

netalico.com

A Shopify Plus-focused agency serving Chicago merchants; they specifically discuss ADA/accessibility auditing and remediation as part of their services. Netalico

makroagency.com

Worth a conversation for enterprise Shopify Plus work, especially if you have complex catalogs, B2B needs, integrations, or a large migration. Makro Agency

Questions I would put in your RFP

Ask every agency to answer these explicitly:

1. WCAG target

• “Will you build toward WCAG 2.2 Level AA?”
• “Which success criteria do you test against?”
• Testing process

• Automated tools (axe, Lighthouse, WAVE, etc.)
• Manual keyboard testing
• Screen reader testing (NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver)
• Testing with users with disabilities, if available
• Shopify-specific accessibility

• Accessible theme architecture
• Semantic HTML
• Proper heading hierarchy
• Accessible product filters
• Variant selectors
• Cart drawer behavior
• Checkout considerations
• Third-party apps reviewed for accessibility impact
• Launch documentation

• Accessibility QA report
• Known limitations list
• Content-editor accessibility guidelines
• Post-launch monitoring plan

My initial outreach list would be Praella + Clique Studios + ArtVersion + Netalico, with Sandstorm involved if accessibility assurance is a major legal or brand requirement. Netalico

I can also help you draft a Shopify rebuild RFP that screens agencies specifically for WCAG 2.2 AA capability.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Alpha Efficiency - Web Design Chicago Agency - 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Codal - 433 W Van Buren St Ste 205, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Kin + Carta - 111 N Canal St floor 3, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Bounteous - 4115 N Ravenswood Ave #101, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where accessibility/WCAG is a first-class requirement, I’d start with these downtown Chicago firms rather than treating accessibility as a last-minute QA item.

My shortlist

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Suite 2100. Probably my first call if you want a Shopify-focused agency with strong UX/design and Shopify Plus capabilities. Their Chicago office is right in the Loop, and their positioning centers on Shopify/Shopify Plus ecommerce builds.

Ask specifically: “Can you provide a WCAG 2.2 AA acceptance/QA process for the Shopify theme, including keyboard, screen-reader, focus-state and checkout testing?”

• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Suite 1075. A particularly interesting option if accessibility and broader UX engineering are as important as Shopify. Their capabilities include ecommerce, engineering, QA, accessibility remediation and WCAG-oriented work.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr, Suite 1130. Stronger fit if you want a substantial redesign/brand experience alongside development. Their capabilities include ecommerce, front/back-end development and accessibility/ARIA-focused implementation.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Suite 1200. Worth contacting if your Shopify rebuild involves complicated integrations, migration, or enterprise ecommerce architecture. They work across Shopify/Shopify Plus and other commerce platforms.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave, Suite 504. More of a design/branding-oriented option, but their Chicago materials specifically address WCAG/accessibility considerations.

One non-downtown firm I'd also put on the RFP

The Chicago Web Co. is worth considering despite not being downtown. It's a Shopify specialist with 12+ years of Shopify experience and a substantial Shopify Partner review history. Shopify

For a serious accessibility requirement, I'd actually favor a Shopify specialist that can demonstrate accessibility testing over a generic agency that simply says “ADA compliant.”

What I'd put in your agency RFP

Don't just ask, “Do you make sites WCAG compliant?” Ask them to commit to:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target standard.
• Manual keyboard-only testing.
• Screen-reader testing, ideally with NVDA/JAWS and VoiceOver.
• Proper heading structure, landmarks, labels, alt text and error messaging.
• Visible and logical focus states.
• Accessible menus, filters, modals, carousels and product variants.
• Accessible cart and checkout to the extent Shopify/third-party components permit.
• Testing of every major Shopify app/integration, not just the theme.
• Automated testing plus manual accessibility QA.
• A documented accessibility issue log and remediation pass before launch.
• Accessibility testing on mobile as well as desktop.
• A post-launch monitoring/remediation plan.

I'd be particularly cautious about agencies promising “100% ADA compliance” without defining the actual WCAG success criteria and testing methodology.

If you tell me roughly your store size, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and budget range, I can narrow this to 3 agencies I'd actually invite to bid and compare their Shopify/accessibility capabilities side-by-side.

I'd be particularly cautious about agencies promising “100% ADA compliance” without defining the actual WCAG success criteria and testing methodology.

If you tell me roughly your store size, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and budget range, I can narrow this to 3 agencies I'd actually invite to bid and compare their Shopify/accessibility capabilities side-by-side.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency - 211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1130, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Chicago Website Design SEO Company - 10 S Riverside Plaza #875, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Doejo - 444 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

If Shopify rebuild + accessibility/WCAG is the priority, I’d put these Chicago firms on your shortlist:

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Suite 2100, Loop. Strongest downtown fit if you want a serious Shopify/Shopify Plus ecommerce agency. Their work covers Shopify builds, redesigns, UX, and development. I’d specifically ask them to put WCAG acceptance criteria into the statement of work rather than treating accessibility as a final QA pass.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Suite 1200. Downtown ecommerce specialists with Shopify/Shopify Plus experience and a more technical/enterprise orientation. Worth contacting if your store has integrations, complex catalogs, or other architectural requirements.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Suite 1075. More of a digital transformation/UX/engineering agency. Their positioning includes accessibility alongside performance and broader website engineering, making them interesting if this is a substantial redesign rather than simply a theme replacement.
• ArtVersion® Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr, Suite 1130. Downtown design/UX agency with Shopify among its platform capabilities. I'd consider them if brand, UX and visual redesign are major parts of the project, but I'd probe their hands-on WCAG testing depth.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave, Suite 504. Very central and explicitly positions accessibility/WCAG as part of its web work. I'd put it behind the first three for a technically demanding Shopify rebuild, but it's worth a conversation for a smaller/mid-market project.

One agency I'd also talk to, despite not being downtown

mightybytes.com is particularly interesting for your requirements. They're a Chicago digital agency that explicitly says its deliverables comply with WCAG 2.2 Level AA by default and offers dedicated accessibility services. They're at 1725 W Balmoral Ave rather than downtown, so I'd treat them as the accessibility-first benchmark against which you compare the downtown Shopify agencies. Mightybytes

There's also unusually strong evidence from The Chicago Web Co.: its Shopify portfolio describes a LoveShackFancy engagement involving accessibility/ADA compliance gaps and a full Shopify UX restructuring. Shopify's own partner directory lists them as a Shopify service partner with 12+ years of Shopify experience. The Chicago Web Co Shopify They're Chicago-based, although I wouldn't classify them as a downtown firm.

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask agencies, "Do you make sites ADA compliant?" Ask:

1. Which WCAG version and conformance level? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA.
2. Who performs accessibility testing? Ask for manual keyboard testing, screen-reader testing, and automated testing—not just Lighthouse/axe.
3. Will accessibility be built into design and development? You want accessible components, focus states, keyboard interaction, headings/landmarks, forms, error messaging, color contrast, alt text, etc. designed correctly from the beginning.
4. How will Shopify apps be vetted? Third-party reviews/widgets are a common source of accessibility regressions.
5. Will they test the actual production store before launch?
6. What documentation do you receive? Ideally an accessibility audit/remediation report and an ongoing accessibility maintenance plan.
7. Do they use overlays? I'd be cautious of an agency whose primary answer is an accessibility overlay rather than fixing the underlying Shopify theme/code. One Chicago accessibility provider explicitly argues for code-level remediation rather than overlays. Kirkby Consulting

My first three calls would be Praella, Atwix, and Mightybytes—giving you a Shopify/ecommerce-heavy agency, a technical commerce agency, and an accessibility-first agency to compare.

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, number of SKUs, current Shopify plan (Basic/Advanced/Plus), and budget range, I can narrow this to 3–5 agencies and compare their likely fit, accessibility credentials, Shopify experience, downtown location, and estimated project tier.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Plego Technologies - 8 W Monroe St APT 424, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Elevate Studios: A Digital Design Firm - 5416 N Wayne Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Digital Authority Partners - 420 W Huron, Fl 1, Chicago, IL 60654
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG/accessibility is a first-class requirement, I’d prioritize agencies that can demonstrate both Shopify engineering and actual accessibility work—not just agencies that say “ADA compliant.”

My Chicago shortlist

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop

• My first call. They specialize in Shopify/Shopify Plus and have a documented accessibility program targeting WCAG 2.1 AA, including automated and user/assistive-technology testing. Praella
• Good fit if this is a substantial redesign/replatform rather than a simple theme refresh.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop

• Particularly interesting if you want UX + accessibility + engineering handled together.
• Their accessibility positioning specifically references WCAG 2.1 and AA-level goals, and their services include accessibility design/testing.
• I'd ask them specifically for Shopify case studies, since their broader digital-transformation practice isn't exclusively Shopify.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave, Loop

• Worth including if you're looking for a smaller downtown team. Their Chicago offering explicitly emphasizes WCAG-oriented accessibility alongside web design/development.
• I'd scrutinize their Shopify-specific portfolio and technical QA process before putting them on the final shortlist.
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop

• Ecommerce-focused and explicitly works with Shopify/Shopify Plus.
• Their positioning includes accessibility-minded design, so they're worth an RFP conversation, particularly if SEO/CRO will be part of the rebuild.
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. — 200 W Jackson Blvd, Loop

• The enterprise option. They're substantially broader than a boutique Shopify agency and can handle complicated ecommerce, UX, integrations, accessibility and ongoing support.
• I'd consider them if your store has significant integrations, multiple markets/catalogs, or enterprise governance requirements.

One non-downtown agency I'd still contact

Sandstorm Design isn't downtown, but its accessibility credentials make it worth considering if accessibility is genuinely one of your top requirements. Their practice includes accessibility audits, remediation and training—not merely an accessibility statement.

One important caveat

I wouldn't put “WCAG compliant” in the RFP and leave it at that. Ask each agency:

1. Which WCAG version and conformance level? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA for a new build, while asking how they handle legacy requirements.
2. Will they perform manual keyboard and screen-reader testing, not just Lighthouse/automated scans?
3. Will accessibility testing happen throughout design/development, rather than immediately before launch?
4. Can they provide a page/template-level accessibility test plan and remediation report?
5. How will they handle Shopify-specific components—cart drawer, filters, variant selectors, predictive search, modals, checkout, apps and third-party widgets?
6. Will they test with actual assistive technologies such as NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver?
7. What accessibility requirements will be written into the definition of done for every component?
8. Can they provide two Shopify accessibility references from comparable stores?

That's especially important because automated accessibility tools catch only a portion of WCAG issues; a credible accessibility engagement needs human/manual testing too. Cascadia Marquee

If I were sending three initial outreach emails, I'd start with Praella, Clique Studios, and Americaneagle.com—then use the responses to determine whether you need a Shopify specialist, a UX/accessibility specialist, or an enterprise integrator.

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, number of products, and whether you're keeping the existing theme, I can narrow this to the 3 best-fit firms and give you a short RFP you can send to all three.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Ste 1300, Chicago, IL 60631
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• 216digital - 2208 E Enterprise Pkwy, Twinsburg, OH 44087, United States
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• West Town Websites - 834 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
• WPrime Agency - 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #1212, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Elevate Studios: A Digital Design Firm - 5416 N Wayne Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

For a Shopify rebuild with WCAG accessibility as a core requirement, I’d prioritize agencies that can show both Shopify engineering depth and a real accessibility process (audit → design system → development → manual QA/testing), rather than just adding an accessibility widget after launch.

Here are Chicago-area firms I’d put on your shortlist, with a focus on downtown/Loop and nearby offices:

Downtown Chicago / Loop firms to contact

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — Downtown at 203 N LaSalle St. Praella is Shopify/Shopify Plus focused and appears suited for more complex ecommerce rebuilds (subscriptions, integrations, custom experiences). Ask specifically for their WCAG testing workflow and examples of accessible Shopify launches.
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — Near Michigan Ave at 205 N Michigan Ave. They position around ecommerce design/development, Shopify migrations, and accessibility-minded builds. A good fit if you want a full ecommerce partner covering UX, development, and SEO/performance.
• Clique Studios — Downtown at 20 N Wacker Dr. They are more of a digital product/design engineering firm than a pure Shopify shop, but their accessibility remediation and WCAG-oriented UX capabilities may be valuable if your rebuild involves custom UX, integrations, or a broader digital transformation.
• BlueBolt Solutions — River North area at 415 N La Salle Dr. They focus on digital commerce and Shopify/Shopify Plus-type implementations, especially where integrations and backend complexity matter.

Shopify-focused Chicago partners worth adding

• Uncap — Chicago-based Shopify Platinum Partner focused heavily on B2B, complex catalogs, ERP integrations, and migrations. If your store has wholesale, dealer accounts, or complicated product data, they’re worth a conversation.
• bigfolio.co — Shopify Plus-focused agency serving Chicago brands with redesigns, migrations, custom development, and optimization work. Bigfolio LLC
• netalico.com — Shopify Plus agency that specifically discusses ADA/accessibility compliance audits and remediation services alongside ecommerce development. Netalico
• conspireagency.com — Shopify Plus partner that highlights accessibility and ADA compliance work as part of its ecommerce services. Conspire

Questions I’d ask every agency before hiring

1. “Can you provide a WCAG 2.2 AA implementation plan?”

Look for specifics:

• semantic HTML
• keyboard-only navigation
• focus states
• screen-reader testing
• color contrast validation
• accessible forms/errors
• accessible product filters and checkout flows
• “Who performs accessibility testing?”

Strong answers include:

• automated tools (axe, Lighthouse, WAVE, etc.) plus
• manual testing
• ideally testing with assistive technology users or accessibility specialists
• “Can you show Shopify stores you rebuilt with accessibility requirements?”

Ask for:

• before/after audits
• accessibility backlog examples
• launch QA checklist
• “Will accessibility be in the design system, not just the code?”

Many failures originate in Figma/design decisions before developers touch the theme.

For a serious WCAG-focused rebuild, I’d probably start with Praella, 1DIGITAL, Uncap, Clique Studios, and Netalico and run a short RFP asking each for their accessibility methodology, Shopify experience, timeline, and estimated investment. Netalico

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Plego Technologies - 8 W Monroe St APT 424, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Mightybytes, Inc. - 1725 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Kin + Carta - 111 N Canal St floor 3, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• IDE Interactive, Inc. - 2945 W Peterson Ave Ste 103, Chicago, IL 60659, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• IODEV - Chicago, IL 60642
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Yes. I’d narrow the field to firms that can actually rebuild the Shopify theme/code with accessibility baked into UX, components, QA, and content, rather than agencies that simply bolt an “ADA widget” onto the store.

Downtown Chicago firms I’d contact

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop

• Best overall Shopify-specific candidate.
• Their Chicago office is downtown, and they specialize in Shopify/Shopify Plus store builds, redesigns, migrations, and custom functionality.
• I’d put them near the top of your RFP list if Shopify expertise is the primary requirement.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop

• Best accessibility/design candidate.
• They explicitly include accessibility design in their capabilities and state that their own site work follows WCAG 2.1 and targets AA.
• I'd ask specifically for examples of Shopify storefronts where they owned both the implementation and accessibility QA.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave

• Worth considering for a smaller/mid-sized rebuild.
• Their downtown team emphasizes accessibility/WCAG alongside web design and development.
• I'd verify their depth in custom Shopify/Liquid development before putting them ahead of the two above.
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. — 200 W Jackson Blvd

• Best enterprise-scale option.
• Their Chicago office handles ecommerce, web development, UX and ongoing support. If your store has complicated integrations, a large catalog, multiple markets, or substantial compliance/procurement requirements, they're worth an RFP.
• Potential downside: likely more agency/process overhead than you need for a straightforward Shopify rebuild.
• Plego Technologies — 8 W Monroe St

• Potential technical-development alternative.
• Downtown Chicago firm with Shopify/ecommerce development capabilities. I'd investigate their accessibility methodology carefully before shortlisting them.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Mightybytes is not in the Loop, but I'd include them if accessibility is genuinely one of your top requirements. Their practice explicitly covers accessibility audits, remediation, inclusive experience design and WCAG, and they specifically caution against treating accessibility overlays as a substitute for actual remediation.

For comparison, there are also Shopify agencies advertising WCAG checks during development—for example, ConversioneX says its Shopify builds include WCAG 2.1 AA checks, while Commerce Pundit says it performs WCAG 2.1 AA checks as part of Shopify QA. ConversionEX commercepundit.com

My shortlist

If this were my RFP, I'd start with:

1. Praella — Shopify depth
2. Clique Studios — accessibility + UX/design
3. Mightybytes — strongest accessibility philosophy, despite not being downtown
4. Americaneagle.com — enterprise complexity
5. Brand Vision — additional downtown comparison bid

One important point: don't ask them simply for “ADA compliance.” Ask for WCAG 2.2 AA, with automated and manual testing, keyboard-only testing, screen-reader testing, accessible Shopify components/forms/navigation, and accessibility testing of third-party apps. Automated scans alone won't establish meaningful conformance; even Chicago Loop Alliance's accessibility program describes combining automated testing, manual testing, and testing with people with disabilities. Loop Chicago

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, current Shopify vs Shopify Plus, number of SKUs, and whether you need a full visual rebrand, I can narrow this to the 3 firms I'd actually invite to bid and give you a short RFP checklist to send them.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, 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
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Ste 1300, Chicago, IL 60631
• Elevate Studios: A Digital Design Firm - 5416 N Wayne Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• West Town Websites - 834 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

If downtown Chicago + Shopify rebuild + serious WCAG accessibility are the requirements, I’d put these firms at the top of your outreach list:

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St

• Probably my first call for a Shopify-focused rebuild.
• Chicago-headquartered, downtown office, with Shopify/Shopify Plus as a core focus.
• Good fit if you need a substantial redesign/replatform rather than just theme tweaks. Shopify
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr

• Particularly interesting for your accessibility requirement.
• Their Chicago team does UX, usability testing and accessibility design, and the firm explicitly discusses WCAG 2.1 AA in its accessibility commitment.
• I'd ask them specifically for recent Shopify examples, since accessibility/digital experience is more central to their positioning than Shopify alone.
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave

• Downtown/Loop location and explicit ecommerce/Shopify experience.
• Their services include custom ecommerce design/development with accessibility-minded design practices.
• Worth including as a comparison bid, particularly if you're looking for a more ecommerce-specialist agency.
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. — 200 W Jackson Blvd

• A much larger agency option.
• Their Chicago operation handles sophisticated ecommerce and complex UX requirements; potentially a good choice if your rebuild involves integrations, large catalogs, or enterprise-scale requirements.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr

• Another downtown option for a technically complex ecommerce rebuild.
• Stronger fit if the Shopify project involves integrations, complicated commerce logic, or enterprise systems rather than simply a visual redesign.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Netalico is worth putting on the RFP list even though its Chicago operation isn't as clearly a downtown office. Its Chicago Shopify Plus practice explicitly offers ADA compliance audits and remediation, including Level A/AA work, alongside Shopify Plus design and development. That's unusually close to your exact brief. Netalico Netalico

I'd also look at Sigma Infosolutions: its Chicago Shopify practice specifically cites a project combining subscriptions, wholesale, and WCAG accessibility in one Shopify build. That's a stronger accessibility/Shopify proof point than a generic agency saying it "supports ADA." Sigma Infosolutions

How I'd approach the RFP

Don't just ask, "Can you make our Shopify store WCAG compliant?" Ask each agency:

• Which WCAG version and conformance level will you contractually target? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA unless you have a reason not to.
• Will accessibility be incorporated during UX/design and development, rather than fixed after launch?
• Who performs the accessibility testing: developers, an independent accessibility specialist, or both?
• Will you test with keyboard-only navigation and actual screen readers, not just automated scanners?
• Can you provide a VPAT/accessibility conformance report or equivalent audit at launch?
• Will you test Shopify's cart, customer account, search, filters, product variants, forms, error states and third-party apps?
• How will you handle inaccessible third-party Shopify apps?
• Is accessibility remediation included in the fixed project price?
• What happens if an independent post-launch audit finds WCAG issues?

That's important because an accessibility widget/overlay or an automated scan isn't the same thing as building an accessible Shopify storefront.

My initial shortlist would be Praella + Clique Studios + Netalico + Sigma, with Americaneagle.com added if this is a larger/enterprise rebuild. That gives you a useful mix of Shopify specialization and demonstrated accessibility capability.

For a Shopify rebuild where accessibility and WCAG compliance are first-class requirements, I’d prioritize agencies that can handle custom Shopify theme development, UX design systems, QA/testing, and accessibility remediation—not just a visual redesign. A few Chicago-area firms worth contacting:

Strong Shopify + accessibility candidates

• Codal — A larger Chicago digital agency with Shopify experience and broader UX/product capabilities. Good fit if you need a more enterprise-style rebuild with research, design systems, and engineering. Clutch

Ask specifically: “Who owns WCAG 2.2 AA testing, and do you include manual keyboard/screen-reader testing?”

• Uncap — Shopify-focused agency in Chicago. A possible fit for a full storefront rebuild, migrations, and custom ecommerce work. Clutch
• Chicago Web — Focuses on custom Shopify development, integrations, and more complex storefront needs rather than simple theme swaps. Chicago Web
• Commerce Pundit — Worth including if you want a team that explicitly discusses WCAG checks during Shopify development and QA. Commerce Pundit
• WayOut — Focuses on custom Shopify storefronts, Shopify Plus, and more technical builds. WayOut Inc

Accessibility specialists to consider alongside a Shopify builder

If accessibility risk is a major concern (legal exposure, public-sector customers, large customer base), consider bringing in an accessibility specialist either as the primary partner or as an independent audit layer:

• Running Start Digital — Focuses on accessible design, WCAG testing, and manual testing workflows. They may be useful as an accessibility QA partner even if another agency builds the Shopify store. Running Start Digital
• Cartmade — Not necessarily a downtown Chicago agency, but specifically focused on Shopify accessibility remediation and WCAG-oriented builds. Cartmade

Questions I’d send every agency before choosing

1. Do you build to WCAG 2.2 AA or WCAG 2.1 AA?
2. Will accessibility be tested manually, or only with automated scanners?
3. Who performs keyboard-only and screen-reader testing?
4. Can you provide an accessibility QA report before launch?
5. How do you handle Shopify-specific issues like: - product filters
6. variant selectors
7. cart drawers
8. popups/modals
9. checkout-adjacent experiences
10. third-party apps that inject inaccessible code
11. Can you show 2–3 Shopify stores you rebuilt with accessibility requirements?

For a shortlist, I’d probably start with Codal, Uncap, Chicago Web, and Running Start Digital and ask them all the same WCAG-focused RFP questions so you can compare apples-to-apples. Clutch Chicago Web Running Start Digital

If you tell me your store size (SKUs/orders/month), Shopify vs Shopify Plus, budget range, and whether “downtown” means Loop/River North only, I can narrow this to the 3–5 best fits.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• Elevate Studios: A Digital Design Firm - 5416 N Wayne Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Ste 1300, Chicago, IL 60631
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Design In Chicago - 159 N Sangamon St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• WPrime Agency - 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #1212, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG/accessibility is a real project requirement—not just an accessibility widget—I’d start with these Chicago firms:

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, downtown/Loop. This is probably my first call if you want a serious Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They’re Chicago-headquartered and focused heavily on Shopify.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Stronger candidate if accessibility and inclusive UX are central to the project: their capabilities explicitly include accessibility design, usability testing, and WCAG 2.1/AA-oriented work.
• BlueBolt Solutions — 415 N LaSalle Dr, River North. Worth contacting for a technically complex Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild involving integrations, custom apps, Checkout Extensibility, or headless work.
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop. Ecommerce-focused and specifically positions its design/development work around accessibility-minded design, Shopify/Shopify Plus, UX and performance.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave, Loop. A smaller downtown option that explicitly emphasizes WCAG/accessibility in its web-development positioning.
• Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North. Interesting if you want an agency with both Shopify experience and a more formal ADA/WCAG audit → remediation → QA process.

My shortlist

I'd send the RFP to Praella, Clique Studios, BlueBolt, and 1DIGITAL first. There's a useful split:

One particularly useful signal: Netalico publicly advertises Shopify Plus work in Chicago and dedicated ADA/accessibility auditing and remediation, including Level AA-oriented accessibility examples. They're worth adding if you're willing to consider a Chicago-serving agency rather than restricting the search to firms physically headquartered downtown. Netalico Netalico

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't simply say "WCAG compliant." I'd require the agency to commit to:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target standard.
• Keyboard-only navigation throughout the storefront.
• Screen-reader testing with NVDA/JAWS and VoiceOver, where appropriate.
• Semantic HTML, correct heading hierarchy, landmarks and accessible forms.
• Color contrast and non-color-dependent states.
• Accessible product filters, variants, accordions, modals, carousels and menus.
• Accessible Shopify cart/checkout experiences and third-party apps.
• Alt-text strategy and accessible content guidance for your team.
• Automated and manual accessibility testing—not just an overlay/widget.
• Accessibility QA before launch, with a documented list of remaining issues.
• A post-launch remediation/warranty period.

I'd also ask each agency for 2–3 Shopify examples where they personally implemented WCAG/ADA requirements, rather than accepting generic statements that their sites are "accessible."

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, whether you're on Shopify or Shopify Plus, and your budget (e.g. $25–50k, $50–100k, $100k+), I can narrow this to the 3 best-fit Chicago agencies and compare their likely strengths, pricing tier, accessibility credibility, and Shopify expertise.

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target standard.
• Keyboard-only navigation throughout the storefront.
• Screen-reader testing with NVDA/JAWS and VoiceOver, where appropriate.
• Semantic HTML, correct heading hierarchy, landmarks and accessible forms.
• Color contrast and non-color-dependent states.
• Accessible product filters, variants, accordions, modals, carousels and menus.
• Accessible Shopify cart/checkout experiences and third-party apps.
• Alt-text strategy and accessible content guidance for your team.
• Automated and manual accessibility testing—not just an overlay/widget.
• Accessibility QA before launch, with a documented list of remaining issues.
• A post-launch remediation/warranty period.

I'd also ask each agency for 2–3 Shopify examples where they personally implemented WCAG/ADA requirements, rather than accepting generic statements that their sites are "accessible."

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, whether you're on Shopify or Shopify Plus, and your budget (e.g. $25–50k, $50–100k, $100k+), I can narrow this to the 3 best-fit Chicago agencies and compare their likely strengths, pricing tier, accessibility credibility, and Shopify expertise.

• 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
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Ethercycle - 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• 216digital - 2208 E Enterprise Pkwy, Twinsburg, OH 44087, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
• Elevate Studios: A Digital Design Firm - 5416 N Wayne Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• West Town Websites - 834 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

For a Shopify rebuild where accessibility and WCAG compliance are first-class requirements, I’d prioritize firms that can handle both Shopify engineering and accessible UX/front-end implementation (semantic HTML, keyboard navigation, screen-reader testing, contrast, focus states, accessible components, and QA—not just an overlay widget).

Here are Chicago-area firms I’d put on your outreach list:

Strong Shopify + accessibility candidates

Praella - eCommerce Agency

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

• Downtown Loop location.
• Shopify/Shopify Plus-focused ecommerce agency with experience on complex storefronts and integrations.
• Good fit if you have a larger catalog, custom functionality, subscriptions, integrations, or a Shopify Plus roadmap.
• Ask specifically for: - WCAG 2.2 AA build process
• manual accessibility testing
• screen-reader QA
• accessible Shopify theme component library

BlueBolt Solutions

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

• River North/Loop-area digital commerce agency.
• Focuses on Shopify/Shopify Plus, ecommerce strategy, migrations, and integrations.
• Worth considering if your rebuild involves ERP, PIM, CRM, fulfillment, or B2B complexity.

Clique Studios

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-379-9329)

• Downtown Chicago digital product agency.
• More of a UX/product engineering partner than a Shopify-only shop.
• Their services include ecommerce, accessibility remediation, QA, and WCAG-aligned practices.
• Good option if you need a broader redesign of the customer experience.

1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 888-982-8269)

• Downtown Michigan Avenue presence.
• Ecommerce-focused; highlights Shopify/Shopify Plus work, migrations, UX, and accessibility-minded development.
• A reasonable fit for a merchant looking for strategy + build + migration support.

Shopify specialists worth including (even if not strictly downtown)

Ethercycle

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 877-384-3740)

• Shopify-focused consultancy.
• Their accessibility offering includes WCAG-oriented auditing, fixes, and ongoing monitoring.
• Particularly worth contacting if you want a Shopify-native team rather than a general digital agency.

Chicago Web

• Shopify development shop focused on custom themes, integrations, and migrations. Chicago Web
• Ask them to include accessibility acceptance criteria in the statement of work.

What I’d ask every agency before signing

Send a short requirements checklist like:

• “We need WCAG 2.2 AA as a launch requirement.”
• “No accessibility overlay as the primary solution.”
• “Accessibility must be addressed in design system, Liquid templates, apps, and content workflows.”
• “Include keyboard-only testing and screen-reader testing.”
• “Provide an accessibility audit before launch and remediation report afterward.”
• “Show 2–3 Shopify stores where accessibility was considered during the build.”

A key question:

“Who on your team owns accessibility QA, and what tools and manual testing methods do you use?”

A lot of agencies can run automated scanners; fewer have a repeatable process for real user barriers.

For a mid-market or enterprise Shopify rebuild, I’d probably start with Praella, BlueBolt, Clique Studios, and Ethercycle for discovery calls, then compare their accessibility approach rather than just their portfolios.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Ethercycle - 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• 216digital - 2208 E Enterprise Pkwy, Twinsburg, OH 44087, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

For a Shopify rebuild where accessibility and WCAG compliance are core requirements, I’d prioritize agencies that can handle custom Shopify theme development, UX, QA, and accessibility testing—not just a visual redesign. A few Chicago firms worth contacting:

Downtown / Loop / near-downtown Shopify candidates

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — A strong Shopify/Shopify Plus-focused ecommerce agency with a downtown Loop office. Good fit if you have a complex store, integrations, subscriptions, personalization, or enterprise requirements. Ask specifically for their WCAG testing process and whether accessibility is included in QA gates.
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — Located on Michigan Avenue and focused on ecommerce strategy, design/development, migrations, and accessibility-minded builds. Worth a conversation if you need both rebuild and growth/SEO support.
• Clique Studios — A downtown digital product agency with UX, engineering, ecommerce, integrations, and accessibility remediation capabilities. This may be a fit if your rebuild involves broader customer experience work rather than only a Shopify theme refresh.
• BlueBolt Solutions — A River North-area digital commerce firm focused on Shopify/Shopify Plus and complex integrations (ERP, CRM, PIM, fulfillment). Good candidate for operationally complex stores.
• Uncap — More specialized toward B2B commerce, manufacturers, and distributors on Shopify. Consider them if your store has wholesale workflows, large catalogs, or ERP needs.

Other Chicago Shopify/accessibility specialists to consider

• Alphazeta — River North agency that lists Shopify experience plus ADA/accessibility work using an audit/remediation approach.
• Sandstorm Design — A UX-focused agency with a notable accessibility/inclusive design practice. It may be a good partner if accessibility strategy, user research, and governance matter as much as the Shopify build itself.
• 10com Web Development — Shopify development shop that emphasizes custom themes, integrations, and migrations. Chicago Web

Questions I’d ask every agency before signing

1. Do you target WCAG 2.2 AA? (Not just “ADA-friendly.”)
2. Will you do manual testing with keyboard-only navigation and screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS), or only automated scans?
3. Will accessibility be built into the component library/theme system, rather than fixed after launch?
4. Who owns accessibility QA before launch?
5. Do you avoid accessibility overlay widgets? Ask what their approach is to fixing underlying theme code.
6. Can you show a Shopify store you rebuilt with accessibility requirements?

For a serious rebuild, I’d probably start with Praella, Clique Studios, 1DIGITAL, and BlueBolt for agency-scale projects, then include Alphazeta or Sandstorm if accessibility expertise is the deciding factor.

If you share your store size (SKU count), current platform/theme, B2C vs. B2B, and approximate budget range, I can narrow this to a shorter shortlist.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. - 200 W Jackson Blvd Fl 22, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Chicago Internet(Fireplace's Specialist) Marketing Company - Kensium LLC - 200 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding - 30 N Michigan Ave #504, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Ste 1300, Chicago, IL 60631
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• Danie Lyn The Brand - 401 N Michigan Ave, Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60611
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• 10com Web Development - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• Virgo Web Design - 5874 N Ridge Ave, Ste G, Chicago, IL 60660

Yes. I’d narrow the downtown field considerably because “Shopify agency” and “accessibility agency” are not the same thing. For a rebuild where WCAG is a core acceptance criterion, I’d prioritize firms that can demonstrate both Shopify implementation and actual accessibility QA/remediation.

My downtown Chicago shortlist

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop. Strongest fit if you have a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They specialize in Shopify and Shopify Plus and handle end-to-end redesigns, custom functionality and integrations. I would specifically ask them to put WCAG testing and remediation into the statement of work rather than treating it as a design add-on.
• Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Particularly interesting if accessibility and UX are as important as the commerce implementation. Their published approach explicitly includes accessibility design and WCAG 2.1/AA-oriented work. Mightybytes
• Americaneagle.com, Inc. — 200 W Jackson Blvd, Loop. The enterprise-scale option. They do ecommerce, UX, development and ongoing support, so I'd consider them if your Shopify rebuild involves significant integrations, multiple teams, or a large catalog.
• Chicago Internet(Fireplace's Specialist) Marketing Company - Kensium LLC — 200 S Wacker Dr. Worth a conversation if your Shopify store has complicated ERP, B2B, inventory or other commerce integrations. They're more commerce/integration-oriented than boutique Shopify design.
• Brand Vision Marketing - Web Design & Branding — 30 N Michigan Ave. A smaller downtown option whose Chicago offering specifically emphasizes accessibility/WCAG alongside web design. I'd make them a contender if the project is more straightforward and you want a design/branding-heavy partner.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr. More technically oriented and better suited to complex ecommerce implementations than a purely creative Shopify shop. Their Chicago office is downtown and they have Shopify/Shopify Plus experience.

One non-downtown firm I'd still interview

SEO Design Chicago isn't downtown, but I'd include them if accessibility is a major requirement. Their published services specifically include accessibility compliance/WCAG auditing alongside Shopify and ecommerce development. Web Tonic

I'd also look at The Chicago Web Co. even though its exact downtown location isn't clear. It's a Shopify specialist with extensive Chicago Shopify work, and its portfolio specifically describes a Shopify redesign that was made fully ADA-compliant. Shopify The Chicago Web Co

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask, “Can you make the site WCAG compliant?” Ask each agency:

1. Which WCAG version and conformance level will you contractually target? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA for a new build.
2. Who performs accessibility testing? Ask for human keyboard testing plus screen-reader testing (e.g. VoiceOver/NVDA/JAWS), not just an automated scanner.
3. Will accessibility be tested throughout development, or only at launch?
4. Will you remediate the Shopify theme, apps and custom components themselves?
5. How do you handle third-party Shopify apps that introduce accessibility failures?
6. Will you provide a page/template-level accessibility report and remediation log?
7. Will you retest after fixes and after launch?
8. Can you show me a Shopify site you rebuilt where accessibility was an explicit acceptance criterion?

That's important because an automated accessibility scan alone isn't sufficient; good accessibility work tests the actual user experience, including keyboard and assistive-technology interaction. Web Tonic

If I were sending out only three RFPs, I'd start with Praella, Clique Studios, and Americaneagle.com—then use a smaller Shopify specialist such as The Chicago Web Co. as a fourth bid for comparison. For a highly accessibility-sensitive project, I'd also consider bringing in The Chicago Lighthouse as an independent accessibility testing/consulting resource; it provides accessibility audits, WCAG/508 consulting and certification-related services. The Chicago Lighthouse

If you tell me roughly your current Shopify Plus/non-Plus setup, annual revenue or store size, number of templates/products, and whether you have ERP/PIM integrations, I can narrow this to the 3 agencies I'd actually invite to pitch and compare their likely strengths, weaknesses, and questions to ask.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• BlueBolt Solutions - 415 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Mightybytes, Inc. - 1725 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Homade - 1464 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, 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
• Ethercycle - 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Penguin E-Commerce - 20 Danada Square W #222, Wheaton, IL 60189, United States
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• SEO Design Chicago - 2068 N Western Ave 1F - Front, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
• SITE IT NOW - 1016 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

For a Shopify rebuild where accessibility and WCAG compliance are a core requirement, I’d prioritize agencies that can handle both Shopify engineering and accessibility QA/remediation (not just install an accessibility widget). A few Chicago-area firms worth contacting:

Downtown / Loop firms to shortlist

Praella - eCommerce Agency

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

• Best fit: Shopify Plus rebuilds, complex DTC brands, larger commerce programs.
• Why consider: Downtown office at 203 N LaSalle St; focused on Shopify/Shopify Plus work. Ask specifically for their WCAG testing process, assistive technology testing, and launch QA checklist.

Clique Studios

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 312-379-9329)

• Best fit: Brands wanting strong UX, design systems, and accessibility baked into the experience.
• Why consider: Located at 20 N Wacker Dr; they emphasize accessibility and inclusive design practices aligned with WCAG.

1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 888-982-8269)

• Best fit: Ecommerce-focused rebuilds, migrations, optimization.
• Why consider: Downtown office at 205 N Michigan Ave and experience with ecommerce platforms including Shopify/Shopify Plus; their services mention accessibility-minded design practices.

Atwix

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 833-462-8949)

• Best fit: Enterprise or technically complex commerce builds.
• Why consider: Downtown office at 20 N Wacker Dr; strong ecommerce engineering background, including Shopify Plus work. Ask about their accessibility ownership during design, development, and QA.

BlueBolt Solutions

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

• Best fit: Shopify Plus, integrations, custom functionality.
• Why consider: Chicago office at 415 N La Salle Dr; focuses on technical commerce builds and Shopify/Shopify Plus implementations.

Accessibility-focused partners to consider alongside a Shopify agency

If you already like a Shopify developer but want deeper WCAG expertise, consider adding an accessibility specialist. Some firms emphasize code-level remediation, manual testing, and WCAG audits rather than relying only on automated tools or overlays. Symmetry Commerce Inc. Cartmade

• Mightybytes, Inc. — Chicago accessibility-focused digital agency; they state their deliverables comply with WCAG 2.2 AA. Mightybytes
• Homade — offers ADA/WCAG compliance services with strategy, implementation, and handoff documentation. Homade

Questions I’d ask every agency before signing

1. “Will you build to WCAG 2.2 AA, and what parts are included in the contract?”
2. “Do you perform manual testing with keyboard-only navigation and screen readers (VoiceOver/NVDA/JAWS)?”
3. “Will accessibility testing happen during development, or only after launch?”
4. “How do you handle third-party Shopify apps that introduce accessibility issues?”
5. “Will you provide a VPAT, accessibility conformance report, or remediation documentation?”
6. “Do you avoid accessibility overlays as the primary solution?” (Many accessibility specialists recommend fixing underlying theme code instead.) Symmetry Commerce Inc. Kirkby Consulting

For a typical Shopify store rebuild, I’d probably start conversations with Praella, Clique Studios, and BlueBolt for the rebuild, and keep Mightybytes in the mix if you want an independent accessibility review before launch.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Garenne Bigby - 200 E Randolph Dr, Ste 5100, Chicago, IL 60601
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• Ethercycle - 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
• YourPortal - 2211 N Elston Ave Ste 208, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
• Penguin E-Commerce - 20 Danada Square W #222, Wheaton, IL 60189, United States
• 1o8 - 231 S LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• B&B Online inc - 1022 Denham Pl, Schaumburg, IL 60194, United States
• 216digital - 2208 E Enterprise Pkwy, Twinsburg, OH 44087, United States
• Danie Lyn The Brand - 401 N Michigan Ave, Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60611
• Millennial Web Development - 329 W 18th St Ste 413, Chicago, IL 60616, United States

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG/accessibility is a core requirement rather than an afterthought, I’d put these Chicago firms at the top of the outreach list:

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, downtown/Loop. Strong Shopify/Shopify Plus focus and a particularly good candidate if you want a larger, experienced ecommerce partner. I’d ask specifically for their accessibility QA process and WCAG target.
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop. Shopify/Shopify Plus development, migrations, UX, and accessibility-minded design are all within their stated capabilities.
• Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North. This is particularly interesting for your requirements because it explicitly describes an ADA/WCAG audit → remediation → QA → ongoing maintenance approach, alongside Shopify/ecommerce experience.
• Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St, River North. Offers Shopify development plus accessibility/ADA support and says its builds incorporate accessible practices. I'd clarify whether they'll perform manual WCAG testing rather than relying on an accessibility widget.
• Garenne Bigby — 200 E Randolph Dr, Loop. More accessibility/UX-focused than a conventional Shopify agency. Worth considering as an independent accessibility specialist alongside a Shopify development firm, particularly if WCAG conformance is a serious procurement requirement.

One more worth contacting

Conspire has a Chicago Shopify Plus practice and is unusually explicit about accessibility: its Chicago service page says it provides Shopify Plus SEO & accessibility work and collaborates with certified auditors for ADA compliance. Conspire

I would not make “has an accessibility widget” your definition of compliance. For a rebuild, ask prospective agencies for a process involving WCAG 2.2 AA, semantic HTML, keyboard-only testing, screen-reader testing, focus management, color/contrast, forms, error handling, dynamic Shopify components, and manual testing of the actual storefront—not just automated scans.

My first three calls: Praella for overall Shopify capability, Alphazeta for the explicit accessibility process, and 1DIGITAL for the downtown Shopify/ecommerce combination.

If you want, I can also narrow this to 3–5 agencies that specifically have downtown offices and documented WCAG/ADA experience, with contact links and a suggested RFP shortlist.

Yes. I’d narrow the field to downtown/Loop firms that can actually handle both a Shopify rebuild and accessibility, rather than hiring a general web shop and bolting an accessibility audit on afterward.

My Chicago shortlist

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St
   • Probably my first call for a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Downtown Chicago office and strong Shopify/e-commerce focus.
   • Better fit if you have complex integrations, subscriptions, B2B, or a sizeable catalog.
   • Ask specifically: who owns WCAG testing and whether accessibility is built into design, Liquid development, and QA—not treated as a post-launch add-on.

2. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — 205 N Michigan Ave
   • Very convenient Loop location.
   • Does Shopify/Shopify Plus builds and migrations, with accessibility-minded design called out in its service profile.
   • Worth putting in the RFP if you want a broader e-commerce/growth agency rather than a pure development shop.

3. BlueBolt Solutions — 415 N LaSalle Dr
   • Strong option for a more technical Shopify Plus implementation.
   • Particularly worth considering if your rebuild involves integrations, migration, or ongoing technical support.
   • I'd make WCAG 2.2 AA manual testing an explicit contractual deliverable.

4. Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North
   • Interesting option because its listed capabilities specifically include Shopify/e-commerce plus ADA accessibility work.
   • Its accessibility approach is described as audit → remediation → QA/maintenance, which is closer to what you want than an accessibility-overlay pitch.

5. Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St
   • Downtown-adjacent and explicitly offers e-commerce/web development and accessibility services.
   • I'd rank it below the first three for a major Shopify rebuild, but it's worth getting a proposal if accessibility is a major part of the evaluation.

One important caveat

I wouldn't simply ask agencies for "ADA compliance." Put WCAG 2.2 Level AA into the RFP and require evidence of how they'll test it.

For example, specify:

• keyboard-only navigation
• NVDA and VoiceOver testing
• semantic HTML/headings/landmarks
• focus management and visible focus
• color contrast
• accessible product filters, menus, modals and forms
• accessible cart and checkout flows to the extent Shopify/apps permit
• alt text and content-authoring guidance
• accessibility testing of third-party Shopify apps
• automated and manual testing
• a documented remediation report mapped to WCAG success criteria
• regression testing before launch

That's important because an agency can honestly say it builds "accessible" sites while relying primarily on automated scans or an overlay. For comparison, accessibility-focused Shopify specialists describe manual screen-reader and keyboard testing alongside automated testing, which is the standard I'd want your rebuild agency to commit to. cartmade.com

A fifth firm I'd consider outside your downtown requirement

The Chicago Web Co. has particularly relevant Shopify experience and its portfolio describes a Shopify UX audit that identified ADA compliance gaps as part of a broader redesign. Shopify's own partner directory also lists it for store builds/redesigns. www.shopify.com

If accessibility is the deciding factor, I'd shortlist Praella, Alphazeta, 1DIGITAL, and BlueBolt and make them all answer the exact same WCAG requirements. That will make the proposals much easier to compare.

If you tell me roughly your current Shopify store size, annual online revenue, and whether you're on Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the best 3 and give you the questions/scoring criteria to use in the RFP.

Yes. I’d narrow the field to agencies that can handle both Shopify rebuild work and accessibility as an engineering/UX requirement, rather than agencies that simply bolt an accessibility widget onto the store.

Downtown Chicago firms I’d contact

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St
   • Probably my first call for a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Downtown office and strong Shopify/ecommerce focus.
   • Ask specifically for the person responsible for accessibility QA and whether they will contractually target WCAG 2.2 AA rather than merely saying "ADA compliant."

2. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr
   • Particularly interesting if accessibility and inclusive UX are major priorities.
   • Their published capabilities include accessibility design, usability testing, and WCAG 2.1, alongside design and engineering.
   • I'd ask whether they have recent Shopify ecommerce examples—not just general web accessibility work.

3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — 205 N Michigan Ave
   • Right in the Loop and explicitly focused on ecommerce.
   • Shopify/Shopify Plus experience plus accessibility-minded design.
   • Worth getting a proposal from as a comparison point.

4. Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr
   • Better candidate if your rebuild involves complex integrations, ERP, B2B, or sophisticated ecommerce architecture.
   • Shopify Plus is among the platforms they work with, although their heritage is particularly strong in Magento/Adobe Commerce.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Alphazeta — River North, 325 W Huron St

This one caught my attention specifically for your requirement. Its published capabilities include Shopify plus ADA/WCAG work, with an audit → remediation → QA → maintenance approach. That's much closer to what I'd want than an agency simply promising an accessibility overlay.

There's also a useful Shopify-specific benchmark: Netalico publicly describes ADA compliance audits and remediation for Shopify Plus, including accessibility testing. netalico.com

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't just ask, "Can you make the site WCAG compliant?" Ask:

• WCAG version: Can you commit to WCAG 2.2 AA?
• Testing: Will you perform both automated testing and manual testing?
• Keyboard: Full keyboard-only navigation and visible focus states?
• Screen readers: Testing with NVDA/JAWS and VoiceOver?
• Forms/checkout: Accessibility testing of cart, account, search, filters and checkout—not just content pages?
• Shopify theme: Will semantic HTML, ARIA, headings, labels, focus management, error handling, etc. be built into the theme?
• Third-party apps: How will they evaluate accessibility problems introduced by Shopify apps?
• Design: Are accessibility requirements incorporated into Figma/design-system work before development?
• Acceptance criteria: Will WCAG criteria be written into the statement of work and launch acceptance criteria?
• Post-launch: Will they remediate accessibility regressions after Shopify/theme/app updates?
• Evidence: Can they provide a sample accessibility audit or VPAT/ACR-style documentation from a comparable ecommerce project?

My shortlist would be Praella + Clique + Alphazeta + 1DIGITAL, with Atwix added if the rebuild has substantial backend/integration complexity.

One important distinction: "ADA compliant" and "WCAG compliant" aren't interchangeable guarantees. For your RFP, I'd make the contractual target explicit—ideally WCAG 2.2 Level AA, with defined testing methodology and remediation obligations.

If you tell me roughly your current Shopify store size/revenue, whether you're on Shopify Plus, and what integrations you have (ERP, subscriptions, B2B, etc.), I can narrow this to the 3 firms I'd actually send an RFP to and give you the questions I'd use to compare their proposals.

• Praella - eCommerce Agency - 203 N LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency - 205 N Michigan Ave Suit 810, Chicago, IL 60601, United States
• Atwix - 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Alphazeta - 325 W Huron St, Ste 506, Chicago, IL 60654
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• PlanetX Technologies - 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 222, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
• Orbit Media Studios - 4043 N Ravenswood Ave #316, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
• Rise, a Quad agency - 1 S Wacker Dr #3, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Uncap - 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave #1300, Chicago, IL 60631, United States
• SeedCart | Web Designers In Chicago - 222 S Riverside Plaza #15, Chicago, IL 60606, United States
• Ethercycle - 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
• 1o8 - 231 S LaSalle St Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60604, 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
• Garenne Bigby - 200 E Randolph Dr, Ste 5100, Chicago, IL 60601

Yes. I’d put accessibility expertise ahead of simply finding a Shopify agency here. For a rebuild, you want WCAG considered in UX, design, Liquid/theme development, third-party apps, QA, and post-launch monitoring—not just an accessibility widget added afterward.

My Chicago shortlist

• Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop. Probably the first downtown firm I’d contact for a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They’re Shopify-focused and have a downtown office. I’d specifically ask them to show their WCAG testing/remediation process before putting them on the shortlist.
• 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop. A strong option if you want ecommerce strategy, UX/design, development, and migration under one roof. Their Chicago offering explicitly mentions accessibility-minded design and Shopify/Shopify Plus migrations.
• Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop. Worth considering for a technically complex store, particularly if you have integrations, B2B, ERP, or other substantial backend requirements. They work with Shopify/Shopify Plus, although their roots are more heavily in enterprise commerce than Shopify specifically.
• Alphazeta — River North. This one is particularly interesting for your requirement: its published capabilities include ADA/WCAG work using an audit → remediation → maintenance approach, alongside Shopify ecommerce.
• Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St, River North. Another local option that explicitly offers accessibility/ADA support and Shopify/ecommerce development. I would ask whether accessibility is incorporated into the actual rebuild and manual QA rather than relying on their widget offering.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Uncap is not downtown—it’s on Bryn Mawr—but it's much more Shopify-centric than many general digital agencies. They specialize in Shopify/Shopify Plus, migrations, B2B, integrations, and custom development. Uncap

Also, Third & Grove is worth a look if you're open to a larger agency rather than requiring a Chicago office. Their Shopify practice explicitly lists ADA & WCAG compliance, along with custom development, migrations, integrations, and performance optimization. Third and Grove

Who I'd contact first

I'd send the same RFP to Praella, Alphazeta, 1DIGITAL, Uncap, and Third & Grove and compare their answers. The key questions I'd put in the RFP are:

1. Which WCAG version/level will you target? I'd specify WCAG 2.2 AA unless you have a particular legal/contractual requirement.
2. Will accessibility be included from wireframes/design through development, rather than treated as post-build remediation?
3. Do you perform manual keyboard, screen-reader, focus-management, zoom/reflow, and form-error testing, in addition to automated scanning?
4. How do you test Shopify apps, third-party scripts, reviews, search/filtering, cart, checkout, and other injected components?
5. Will you provide an accessibility VPAT/ACR, conformance report, or detailed remediation report at launch?
6. Who performs the final accessibility QA, and can they demonstrate two or three Shopify stores they've made accessible?
7. What is their process for preventing accessibility regressions when your merchandising team changes content after launch?

One important distinction: “ADA compliant” or an accessibility widget isn't the same thing as a genuinely accessible Shopify implementation. I'd give substantially more weight to an agency that can demonstrate manual WCAG testing and accessible component/theme development.

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, current platform/theme, whether you're Shopify Plus, and whether you need B2B/integrations, I can narrow this to the best 3 Chicago agencies and give you a suggested RFP/scoring matrix.

One important distinction: “ADA compliant” or an accessibility widget isn't the same thing as a genuinely accessible Shopify implementation. I'd give substantially more weight to an agency that can demonstrate manual WCAG testing and accessible component/theme development.

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, current platform/theme, whether you're Shopify Plus, and whether you need B2B/integrations, I can narrow this to the best 3 Chicago agencies and give you a suggested RFP/scoring matrix.

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG accessibility is a core requirement—not an accessibility widget bolted on afterward—I’d put these Chicago firms on the shortlist:

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop
   • Probably my first call for a serious Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Downtown Chicago office and Shopify-focused.
   • Good candidate if you need strategy, UX, development, integrations, and a substantial replatform rather than just a theme refresh. clutch.co
   • Ask specifically: who owns WCAG QA, which WCAG version/level they contract to, and whether accessibility testing involves actual keyboard and screen-reader users.

2. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • Particularly interesting if accessibility/inclusive design is as important as ecommerce.
   • Their Chicago operation explicitly covers accessibility design, usability testing, and engineering/QA; their stated accessibility approach targets WCAG 2.1 AA.
   • I'd consider them if the store has a complex UX or you want accessibility embedded in the design system from day one.

3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop
   • Downtown and ecommerce-focused, with Shopify/Shopify Plus experience.
   • Their service profile includes accessibility-minded design and development.
   • Worth getting a proposal, particularly if you want ecommerce strategy/SEO/marketing bundled with the rebuild.

4. ArtVersion Creative Agency — 211 W Wacker Dr, Loop
   • More design/UX-oriented than a pure Shopify specialist.
   • Their process includes UX research, usability, accessibility considerations, and user testing.
   • I'd shortlist them if brand/design + accessible UX is a major part of the project.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Uncap is not downtown—their office is at 8770 W Bryn Mawr—but they're very Shopify-centric and particularly strong for Shopify Plus, B2B, integrations, migrations, and operationally complicated stores. www.uncap.com

Also worth a look is Conspire: their Chicago Shopify Plus offering explicitly includes Shopify SEO & accessibility and says they work with certified auditors for ADA compliance. www.conspireagency.com

My shortlist

If I were sending out an RFP, I'd probably invite:

One important distinction: I'd avoid selecting an agency merely because it says "ADA compliant." Ask for a WCAG 2.2 AA acceptance criterion in the SOW, accessibility requirements in the design system/component library, manual keyboard testing, screen-reader testing, automated testing, and remediation/QA before launch. That makes accessibility an actual deliverable rather than a marketing claim.

If you tell me roughly how big your store is (revenue/SKUs), whether you're already on Shopify, and whether you need Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the best 3 firms and compare likely project fit, accessibility depth, and price tier.

Yes. I’d put accessibility capability ahead of simply finding a “Shopify agency.” For a rebuild, you want the agency to own accessibility from UX/design through Liquid/HTML/CSS/JS, QA, and launch—not bolt an accessibility widget onto the finished store.

My Chicago shortlist

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St, downtown
   • Strongest overall fit if you want a sophisticated Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Downtown Chicago office and Shopify-focused.
   • I’d specifically ask them to demonstrate how accessibility is incorporated into their design system and development QA, rather than assuming their general Shopify expertise means WCAG expertise.

2. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • Particularly interesting for your requirement because their published capabilities explicitly include accessibility design, usability testing, QA, accessibility engineering, and ecommerce.
   • This makes them worth interviewing if WCAG is a first-class project requirement rather than a compliance checkbox.

3. BlueBolt Solutions — 415 N LaSalle Dr
   • Shopify Plus-focused, with custom builds, migrations, integrations, and ongoing support.
   • Good candidate if your rebuild involves substantial integrations or a more complex commerce architecture.

4. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — 205 N Michigan Ave
   • Downtown/Loop location and specifically describes accessibility-minded ecommerce design and development.
   • Their scope includes Shopify/Shopify Plus migrations and custom development, so they're worth getting a proposal from.

5. Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North
   • Interesting hybrid option: Shopify/ecommerce development plus explicitly listed ADA accessibility services.
   • I'd investigate their recent Shopify work and ask for WCAG 2.1/2.2 examples before putting them on the final shortlist.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Cybernautic Web Design is at 515 N State St and specifically advertises accessible builds and ADA/WCAG-oriented support. It's more of a general web agency than a Shopify specialist, though, so I'd rank the Shopify-focused firms above it for a major store rebuild.

There's also a particularly relevant Shopify-specific example from The Chicago Web Co.: its portfolio describes a Shopify Plus redesign for Naked Cashmere that was designed to meet ADA accessibility standards, and another UX audit identified accessibility issues as part of a broader Shopify UX review. chicagoweb.co

Who I'd contact first

For a serious rebuild, I'd send the RFP to Praella, Clique Studios, BlueBolt, and 1DIGITAL. That gives you four somewhat different capabilities to compare.

In the RFP, I'd make these requirements explicit:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target—not merely “ADA compliant”
• Keyboard-only navigation throughout
• Screen-reader testing (NVDA/JAWS + VoiceOver)
• Semantic HTML and correct heading/landmark structure
• Focus management and visible focus states
• Color contrast
• Accessible forms, errors, filters, modals, menus, search and checkout
• Accessible product variants, accordions, carousels and dynamic Shopify components
• Alt-text/content governance for your merchandising team
• Accessibility testing during design, development, and pre-launch QA
• A third-party accessibility audit before launch
• Remediation of audit findings before acceptance
• An ongoing accessibility regression-testing process after launch

One important question to ask every agency: “Show us the accessibility test plan and WCAG audit from your last Shopify rebuild.” That will separate firms that actually engineer for accessibility from firms that simply say “ADA/WCAG compliant” in their sales material.

If you tell me roughly your store size/revenue, current Shopify setup, and whether this is Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the 3 best-fit Chicago agencies and compare their likely strengths, accessibility depth, and project fit.

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where accessibility/WCAG is a first-class requirement, I’d put these Chicago firms on the shortlist:

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St
   • Probably my first call for a serious Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Downtown office and strong Shopify specialization.
   • Ask specifically for a WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA acceptance criterion in the project scope, rather than treating accessibility as a post-launch audit.

2. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr
   • Particularly interesting if accessibility is as important as visual design and UX.
   • Their accessibility practice explicitly references WCAG 2.1 and AA, along with accessibility design and usability testing. chicagoweb.co
   • I'd ask whether they have recent Shopify-specific accessibility/replatforming examples.

3. Alphazeta — River North
   • A good fit if you want accessibility expertise alongside ecommerce development.
   • Their services specifically describe ADA/WCAG work involving audit, remediation, QA and ongoing maintenance, and they list Shopify among their ecommerce platforms.

4. Americaneagle.com, Inc. — 200 W Jackson Blvd
   • Worth considering for a larger/complex rebuild where accessibility, integrations and enterprise-grade QA matter.
   • Their downtown Chicago office is in the Loop, and they handle substantial ecommerce and complex digital projects.

5. The Chicago Web Co.
   • Not strictly a downtown-office pick, but I'd include them because the actual Shopify/accessibility evidence is unusually relevant: their portfolio describes a Shopify Plus redesign for Naked Cashmere as fully ADA-compliant and discusses accessibility work on other brand experiences. chicagoweb.co
   • This may be the strongest candidate if you want a Shopify-native agency with demonstrated accessibility work, rather than a general accessibility consultancy.

One I'd put on the second tier

1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave is another Loop option. They work with Shopify/Shopify Plus and mention accessibility-minded ecommerce design, but I'd want stronger evidence of WCAG delivery before putting them ahead of the firms above.

My suggested RFP shortlist

I'd send the same brief to Praella, Clique Studios, Alphazeta, Americaneagle.com, and The Chicago Web Co. That gives you a useful mix of Shopify specialization and accessibility depth.

One important point: don't accept "ADA compliant" as a checkbox or an accessibility widget as the deliverable. Shopify itself doesn't make an individual storefront automatically WCAG-compliant; the theme, components, content and integrations all matter. plus-launch-hub.myshopify.com

In the RFP, I'd require the agency to commit to:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target (or 2.1 AA if there's a specific reason)
• keyboard-only navigation
• screen-reader testing
• semantic HTML and accessible forms
• color/contrast and focus-state requirements
• accessible menus, filters, modals, cart and checkout-adjacent experiences
• accessibility of third-party apps
• automated and manual testing
• a pre-launch accessibility audit and remediation round
• an accessibility regression-testing process after launch
• a written list of any known exceptions

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, current platform/theme, number of SKUs, and whether you're Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the 3 firms I'd actually invite to bid and compare them on Shopify expertise, WCAG depth, likely project size, and downtown location.

Yes. I’d put Praella at the top of the list for this particular brief because they combine a downtown Chicago presence, deep Shopify/Shopify Plus expertise, and explicit accessibility work.

My Chicago shortlist

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop
   • Best overall fit. Praella is a Shopify Platinum Partner with substantial Shopify Plus experience, including redesigns, migrations, custom development, and UX/UI. praella.com
   • More importantly for you, they explicitly discuss accessibility and have an accessibility initiative using Deque, targeting WCAG 2.1 AA, with automated testing plus feedback from users with disabilities. praella.com
   • Their own Shopify accessibility guidance covers keyboard navigation, contrast, text alternatives, responsive design, and accessibility auditing. praella.com
   • Praella — contact / proposal

2. Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North
   • Interesting accessibility-first alternative in downtown/River North.
   • Their listed services include Shopify/ecommerce plus an ADA/WCAG process covering audit → remediation → maintenance.
   • I'd specifically ask them how much of that accessibility work is performed during Shopify theme/component development, rather than as a post-build audit.
   • Alphazeta

3. Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • Better suited if this is a technically complex rebuild—ERP/integrations, B2B, large catalog, custom commerce functionality, etc.
   • They work with Shopify/Shopify Plus and have a downtown Chicago office, although their core strength is broader complex-commerce engineering rather than accessibility specifically.
   • Atwix

4. SeedCart | Web Designers In Chicago — 222 S Riverside Plaza
   • Downtown option with Shopify/Shopify Plus ecommerce development, custom themes, integrations and migrations.
   • I would rank them behind Praella/Alphazeta because I found less compelling evidence of a mature WCAG-specific practice. Make accessibility a condition of the proposal rather than assuming it.

One important distinction

I wouldn't simply ask, "Can you make our Shopify site ADA compliant?" Ask for WCAG 2.2 AA as an explicit engineering and QA requirement.

Your RFP should require things like:

• Manual keyboard-only testing
• Screen-reader testing (VoiceOver/NVDA, as appropriate)
• Automated testing with something like axe/WAVE plus manual review
• WCAG success criteria mapped to defects and fixes
• Accessible navigation, menus, modals, forms, filters, product variants and checkout-related UI
• Color contrast and visible focus states
• Semantic HTML and appropriate ARIA
• Alt-text/content governance
• Accessibility testing of third-party Shopify apps, not just the theme
• A final accessibility regression test before launch
• Documentation showing what was tested and what remains outside the agency's control

That's important because automated scanners alone don't establish WCAG conformance. For comparison, an ecommerce accessibility provider I found describes a process combining automated scans with keyboard and screen-reader testing and code-level remediation. www.i95dev.com

If I were sending three RFPs tomorrow: Praella, Alphazeta, and Atwix. Praella is the clearest first call for the combination of Shopify Plus + Chicago + accessibility.

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, Shopify plan (Basic/Advanced/Plus), catalog size, and whether you're B2B, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 agencies and give you a set of questions to use on the intro calls.

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG/accessibility is a first-class requirement, I’d shortlist these downtown Chicago firms rather than choosing a generic Shopify developer.

My top contacts

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop
   • Strongest overall fit if you want a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Shopify-focused, downtown-based, and experienced with store redesigns and complex ecommerce implementations.
   • I’d ask specifically who handles accessibility QA and whether WCAG testing is performed by an independent specialist.

2. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • Particularly interesting for your requirement because accessibility is part of its stated design practice; its own site says it follows WCAG 2.1 and targets AA.
   • Better candidate if you want accessibility incorporated into UX/design and development rather than bolted on afterward.
   • Confirm their current Shopify-specific team and recent Shopify examples before selecting them.

3. Americaneagle.com, Inc. — 200 W Jackson Blvd, Loop
   • Good option if this is a larger, enterprise-style rebuild with integrations, substantial catalog complexity, or formal compliance requirements.
   • Their downtown office is directly in the Loop.
   • I'd put them on the RFP list if the project has a significant budget.

4. Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • More technically oriented and suitable if your Shopify rebuild involves complicated integrations or commerce architecture.
   • Shopify/Shopify Plus is among its commerce capabilities, although its roots are particularly strong in Adobe Commerce.

5. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop
   • Shopify/ecommerce-focused and explicitly markets accessibility-minded design and development.
   • Worth getting a proposal from as a potentially more ecommerce-specialized alternative.

One non-downtown firm I'd still contact

Sandstorm Design is in Ravenswood rather than downtown, but I'd seriously consider them specifically for accessibility. Their positioning includes inclusive design, accessibility audits/remediation, and IAAP accessibility expertise.

There's also a particularly relevant Shopify example from The Chicago Web Co.: its portfolio describes a Shopify Plus redesign for Naked Cashmere that was built to be ADA-compliant. Shopify's partner directory also lists them for store builds/redesigns. www.shopify.com

What I'd put in the RFP

Don't simply ask, “Do you make sites WCAG compliant?” Ask them to commit to:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target standard (unless your legal/compliance team specifies another version).
• Keyboard-only testing.
• Screen-reader testing (e.g. NVDA/JAWS + VoiceOver).
• Color contrast and focus-state testing.
• Semantic HTML, headings, landmarks, labels and error handling.
• Accessible product filters, variant selectors, cart and checkout.
• Accessible third-party apps/widgets—not just the Shopify theme.
• Automated and manual accessibility testing.
• A documented accessibility issue log and remediation process.
• Testing again after fixes and before launch.
• Accessibility requirements incorporated into the design system/component library.
• A post-launch accessibility QA process so future merchandising/content changes don't regress compliance.

My first three calls would be Praella, Clique Studios, and Americaneagle.com, with Sandstorm as the accessibility-focused specialist to compare against them.

If you tell me roughly your store's annual revenue, number of SKUs, current Shopify/Shopify Plus status, and approximate rebuild budget, I can narrow this to 3 agencies and compare their likely fit, accessibility depth, Shopify expertise, and project scale.

Yes. I’d prioritize firms that can demonstrate actual WCAG work on Shopify, rather than agencies that simply install an “accessibility widget.”

Downtown Chicago firms I’d contact

1. Praella - eCommerce Agency — 203 N LaSalle St

Strongest overall fit if this is a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild. They’re a Shopify Platinum Partner with a downtown office and specialize in complex ecommerce implementations. I’d specifically ask them to include WCAG 2.2 AA requirements in the technical specification and QA process.

2. Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr

A good option for a technically complicated store, especially if you have ERP, PIM, B2B, or other integrations. They work with Shopify/Shopify Plus alongside their broader ecommerce expertise. www.mejix.com

3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY | eCommerce Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave

Worth an RFP if you want ecommerce + design/development + migration + accessibility under one roof. Their Chicago listing specifically describes accessibility-minded design and Shopify/Shopify Plus migrations.

4. Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North

Particularly interesting for your requirements because they explicitly describe an ADA/WCAG audit → remediation → maintenance process, alongside Shopify and ecommerce development. That's closer to what I'd want than a generic agency promising that a site will be “ADA compliant.”

5. Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St

Accessibility is explicitly among their services, including accessible builds and WCAG/ADA-related work. I'd put them on the shortlist if you're looking for a smaller Chicago team.

One non-downtown firm I'd seriously consider

Orbit Media Studios is in Ravenswood rather than downtown, but I'd still interview them. They're strong on accessibility, UX, performance, SEO and structured website rebuilds. For a major redesign where accessibility needs to be baked into UX/content/development rather than treated as a final audit, they're worth a conversation.

What I'd put in the RFP

Don't just ask “Can you make our Shopify store WCAG compliant?” Ask for:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the target standard
• Accessibility requirements incorporated into UX, Figma/design system, Liquid/theme development, apps and content
• Keyboard-only testing
• Screen-reader testing with NVDA/JAWS and VoiceOver
• Color contrast, focus states, forms, error handling, menus, modals, carousels and dynamic cart behavior
• Accessible product filtering/search and Shopify checkout considerations
• Testing of third-party Shopify apps—not just the theme
• Automated testing plus manual expert testing
• A pre-launch accessibility audit and remediation cycle
• A documented accessibility conformance report / VPAT-style deliverable where appropriate
• Post-launch regression testing and an accessibility maintenance plan

I'd also specifically ask who performs the manual accessibility testing and what their accessibility credentials are. That's a useful way to distinguish genuine accessibility expertise from agencies selling overlays.

My first three calls would be Praella, Alphazeta, and 1DIGITAL—with Orbit as the wildcard if you're willing to go outside downtown. www.shopify.com

If you tell me roughly your current Shopify setup, annual online revenue, number of SKUs, and whether you're on Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to 3 firms and compare them on Shopify expertise, WCAG capability, likely project size, and Chicago location.

Yes. I’d shortlist downtown/central Chicago firms that can handle both a serious Shopify rebuild and accessibility as part of the engineering process, rather than hiring a generic Shopify designer and bolting on an accessibility widget afterward.

My top Chicago shortlist

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop
   • Strongest overall fit if you want a substantial Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Chicago-headquartered, Shopify-focused, and listed as a Shopify Platinum Partner.
   • Worth asking specifically for their WCAG 2.2 AA development/testing process, because Shopify expertise alone doesn't establish accessibility expertise.

2. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • Particularly interesting for your requirements because its published capabilities explicitly include accessibility design, usability testing, engineering, QA, ecommerce, and accessibility.
   • I'd put this high on the list if accessibility needs to be integrated into UX, design system, frontend development and QA—not just audited at the end.

3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop
   • Downtown location and ecommerce focus, including Shopify/Shopify Plus.
   • Its profile specifically mentions accessibility-minded design practices.
   • I'd interview them alongside Praella and Clique, but make them demonstrate their actual WCAG testing methodology before selecting them.

4. Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North
   • Not quite the Loop, but very relevant to your brief.
   • Its public positioning includes an Audit → Fix → Maintain accessibility approach involving automated and human testing, remediation and QA.
   • The combination of Shopify/ecommerce development and explicit WCAG/ADA work makes this one worth a conversation.

5. Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • More of an enterprise/complex-commerce engineering option.
   • Particularly worth considering if your Shopify rebuild involves substantial integrations, complex B2B functionality or migration work.
   • I would specifically probe their recent Shopify accessibility portfolio rather than assuming their broader ecommerce expertise translates to WCAG.

One important wildcard

The Chicago Web Co. is worth contacting even though I wouldn't put it ahead of the firms above for a large enterprise rebuild. Shopify's partner directory lists it as a Chicago Shopify expert with store redesign/build experience, and its own portfolio mentions ADA compliance corrections on a major brand engagement. www.shopify.com

The Chicago Web Co.

Who I'd contact first

If this were my RFP, I'd start with:

Clique Studios → Praella → Alphazeta → 1DIGITAL → Atwix

The reason I'd put Clique unusually high is that your requirement isn't simply "make us a Shopify store." You want accessibility embedded in the design + code + QA process. Their listed capabilities line up unusually well with that.

What I'd put in the RFP

Don't just ask, "Are you WCAG compliant?" Ask each agency:

• Can you commit to WCAG 2.2 AA as a project acceptance criterion?
• Will accessibility be addressed during UX/design, not just after development?
• Do you perform manual keyboard testing and screen-reader testing in addition to automated scans?
• Which screen readers/browsers do you test? (e.g. NVDA, VoiceOver, JAWS)
• Will you test Shopify's cart, checkout, account flows, search, filters, modals and third-party apps?
• How do you handle accessibility of third-party Shopify apps?
• Will you provide an accessibility issue log mapped to individual WCAG success criteria?
• Who performs the final accessibility QA, and is that person independent of the developer who made the fix?
• What happens when an app/theme update introduces a regression?
• Can they show you two recent Shopify stores where accessibility was an explicit project requirement, rather than merely saying they "follow ADA best practices"?

One other thing: I'd avoid agencies whose primary solution is an accessibility overlay/widget. For a rebuild, you want semantic HTML, keyboard behavior, focus management, headings, forms, contrast, alt text, accessible components, etc. fixed in the underlying theme/code.

If you tell me your approximate store size/revenue, Shopify vs Shopify Plus, B2B vs DTC, and rough rebuild budget, I can narrow this to 3 Chicago firms and give you a side-by-side comparison of likely fit, accessibility capability, Shopify strength, and what to ask each in the first call.

Yes. If downtown Chicago is a hard requirement and accessibility/WCAG is a core part of the rebuild—not an afterthought—I’d start with these:

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St
   • My first call. Praella is a Shopify Plus Platinum Partner with a downtown Loop office and substantial Shopify rebuild/migration experience. www.shopify.com
   • More importantly, they explicitly operate an accessibility program with Deque, target WCAG 2.1 AA, and describe automated plus user-based accessibility testing and remediation. praella.com
   • Best fit if you're a mid-market/enterprise merchant with integrations, complex UX, or a significant migration.
   • Praella

2. 1Digital® Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave
   • Probably the strongest explicit WCAG + Shopify combination I found downtown. Their Chicago office is in the Loop, and they are a Shopify Plus Partner. www.1digitalagency.com
   • They specifically say their custom Shopify designs are engineered to WCAG 2.2 AA, including keyboard navigation, focus states, semantic structure, contrast and screen-reader support. www.1digitalagency.com
   • They also handle Shopify migrations, custom development and redesigns, so this looks particularly relevant to a ground-up rebuild. www.1digitalagency.com
   • 1Digital Agency

3. Atwix — 20 N Wacker Dr
   • A genuine downtown/Loop option with experience in complex ecommerce implementations and Shopify/Shopify Plus. www.atwix.com
   • I'd put them on the RFP list if your rebuild involves ERP/integration complexity, B2B, or a technically demanding architecture.
   • Caveat: I found strong evidence for their ecommerce/Shopify capabilities, but not the same explicit WCAG evidence I found for Praella and 1Digital. I'd make accessibility a specific contractual requirement in the RFP rather than assuming it.
   • Atwix

My shortlist

One important point: don't accept "we install an accessibility widget" as your definition of WCAG compliance. For a rebuild, I'd require the agency to address accessibility in the theme/component code and UX, then independently test it with automated tools and keyboard/screen-reader testing.

For your RFP, I'd specifically ask each agency to commit to WCAG 2.2 AA, provide an accessibility audit before development, test the actual Shopify theme/components and third-party apps, and deliver a post-launch accessibility report with remediation of identified Level A/AA issues.

If you tell me roughly your annual online revenue, Shopify vs. Shopify Plus, and whether you're B2C/B2B, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 firms and give you a suggested RFP scorecard.

Yes. For downtown Chicago, I’d put these at the top of your outreach list, with accessibility treated as a core rebuild requirement rather than an overlay added afterward:

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St
   • Best overall fit for a serious Shopify rebuild.
   • Shopify Plus/Platinum Partner with substantial enterprise ecommerce experience.
   • Particularly interesting for your requirement because Praella has an accessibility initiative with Deque, and says accessibility is prioritized across its projects. Its published accessibility approach includes WCAG 2.1 AA and automated plus user testing. praella.comwww.1digitalagency.com
   • Praella

2. 1Digital Agency — 205 N Michigan Ave
   • Best if WCAG is a major procurement requirement.
   • Explicitly offers Shopify/Shopify Plus development and currently advertises WCAG 2.2 AA in its Shopify design/development work. It also describes code-level accessibility remediation rather than relying solely on an accessibility widget. www.1digitalagency.com
   • 1Digital Agency

3. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr
   • Best if UX, accessibility, and a larger digital-experience engagement matter as much as Shopify.
   • Their Chicago team offers UX/UI, usability testing and accessibility design, and their published accessibility commitment targets WCAG 2.1 AA.
   • I'd specifically ask them to identify the person/team responsible for Shopify implementation, since they're a broader digital agency rather than a Shopify-only specialist.

4. Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St
   • Worth getting a proposal from if you're looking for a smaller Chicago team.
   • Their offering includes Shopify/ecommerce work and accessibility/ADA support, including accessible builds.
   • Cybernautic

My shortlist

If this were my RFP, I'd start with Praella + 1Digital + Clique, then use Cybernautic as a smaller-agency comparison.

One important distinction: don't accept "ADA compliant" or an accessibility widget as the specification. Put WCAG 2.2 AA into the actual statement of work and require manual keyboard and screen-reader testing, accessible forms/error handling, focus management, color contrast, semantic HTML, accessible product filtering/navigation, and testing of the Shopify apps and checkout-related components.

I'd also ask each agency:

• Will you build against WCAG 2.2 AA from the design system onward?
• Who performs manual accessibility testing, and which assistive technologies do they use?
• Will accessibility acceptance criteria be tied to launch/sign-off?
• How will you handle accessibility problems introduced by third-party Shopify apps?
• Will you provide an accessibility audit/report and remediation log?
• What happens to accessibility when our staff add products, images, promotions and content after launch?
• Can you show me 2–3 Shopify stores you've rebuilt where accessibility was a contractual requirement, not merely an optional service?

One caveat: Mightybytes is probably one of the strongest accessibility-focused Chicago agencies—I found that it states its deliverables comply with WCAG 2.2 AA by default—but its office is in Ravenswood rather than downtown. www.mightybytes.com If "Chicago" matters more than literally being downtown, I'd absolutely add Mightybytes to the RFP. Mightybytes

If you tell me roughly your current Shopify revenue/traffic, number of SKUs, and whether you're on Shopify or Shopify Plus, I can narrow this to the 2–3 agencies I'd actually invite to pitch and give you a short RFP scorecard.

Yes. For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG accessibility is a first-class requirement, I’d put these Chicago firms at the top of your outreach list:

1. Praella — 203 N LaSalle St, Loop
   • Probably my first call for a serious Shopify/Shopify Plus rebuild.
   • Chicago-headquartered, Shopify-focused, and their downtown office is right in the Loop.
   • Strong fit if you need a substantial replatform/rebuild rather than just theme tweaks.

2. Clique Studios — 20 N Wacker Dr, Loop
   • Especially interesting for your accessibility requirement. They explicitly offer accessibility design and usability testing and state that their own site targets WCAG 2.1 AA.
   • Better candidate if you want accessibility integrated into UX/design, development and QA—not bolted on afterward.

3. 1DIGITAL AGENCY — 205 N Michigan Ave, Loop
   • E-commerce specialist with Shopify/Shopify Plus experience.
   • Their listed capabilities include accessibility-minded design, migrations, custom development and integrations.
   • Worth including in an RFP if you're comparing several implementation-oriented agencies.

4. Alphazeta — 325 W Huron St, River North
   • Particularly interesting on the accessibility side: they describe an audit → remediation → QA → ongoing maintenance approach based on WCAG/ADA guidance.
   • They also list Shopify among their e-commerce platforms.
   • I'd consider them if accessibility compliance is as important as the Shopify engineering itself.

5. Cybernautic Web Design — 515 N State St
   • Chicago-based, with Shopify capability and explicit ADA/WCAG accessibility services.
   • Potentially a good fit if you're looking for a smaller/more hands-on shop rather than a large transformation agency.

One more I'd seriously investigate

The Chicago Web Co. is a Shopify specialist with a strong store-redesign portfolio. More importantly for your particular brief, its portfolio specifically describes a Shopify Plus redesign for Naked Cashmere as ADA-compliant, and discusses accessibility work on other e-commerce experiences. www.shopify.com

My shortlist

If I were sending out 3–4 RFPs, I'd start with:

Praella + Clique Studios + The Chicago Web Co. + Alphazeta

That gives you a useful mix of Shopify depth + accessibility expertise + downtown/local presence.

One caution: don't accept "ADA compliant" or an accessibility widget as sufficient evidence of WCAG compliance. In your RFP, I'd require the agency to commit to a specific target such as WCAG 2.2 AA, with keyboard/screen-reader testing, automated + manual testing, documented exceptions, and accessibility QA before launch.

If you tell me roughly your store's revenue/size, Shopify vs Shopify Plus, number of SKUs, and budget range, I can narrow this to the best 3 agencies and give you the specific questions to ask each one.

For a Shopify rebuild where WCAG accessibility is a core requirement, I’d prioritize firms that can handle both Shopify engineering and accessibility QA/remediation rather than just a visual redesign. A few Chicago-area firms worth contacting:

For your first outreach, I’d ask each agency these questions:

1. Do you build to WCAG 2.2 AA (or a specific WCAG target), and how do you verify it?
2. Will accessibility testing happen during design, development, and before launch—not just after?
3. Do you include manual testing with keyboard-only navigation and screen readers (for example NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver), or only automated scanners?
4. Who owns accessibility acceptance criteria in the project plan?
5. Can you show Shopify stores you rebuilt with accessibility requirements?
6. How do you handle Shopify theme limitations, third-party apps, reviews, subscriptions, search/filter tools, and checkout-related accessibility issues?

If this is a mid-market or enterprise Shopify store, my shortlist would probably start with Praella, Uncap, Clique Studios, and Mightybytes. If the store is smaller but needs a careful accessibility-first rebuild, The Chicago Web Co. is also worth a conversation. www.shopify.com

One note: “WCAG compliant” is often used loosely in agency pitches. I’d require the contract to specify the target (for example, WCAG 2.2 Level AA) and the testing/acceptance process.