# How to Identify Shopify Plus Stores

> Learn 7 ways to detect Shopify Plus stores for B2B prospecting, backed by a 44,369-store study of apps, scores, and Plus signals.

Published: 2026-01-28
Author: StoreInspect Team
Tags: shopify, shopify-plus, lead-generation, agencies, prospecting, data
Canonical HTML: https://storeinspect.com/blog/how-to-identify-shopify-plus-stores

![How to identify Shopify Plus stores](/images/blog/how-to-identify-shopify-plus-stores.webp)

**TL;DR:** We analyzed 44,369 Shopify stores and found Plus merchants have 2.4x more apps and 2x higher lead scores than regular stores. Plus stores pay $2,000+/month for Shopify alone, which is a strong budget signal. Use the free [Store Inspector extension](/extension) to detect Plus stores instantly. For prospecting at scale, [StoreInspect](/) lets you filter thousands of verified Plus merchants.

---

*Editor's note: this guide was published before Shopify expanded core B2B features beyond Plus on April 2, 2026. Do not use `b2b` or `wholesale` storefront hints alone as a Plus signal anymore. For the current B2B plan breakdown, read [Shopify B2B Features by Plan](/blog/shopify-b2b-features-by-plan).*

If you sell to Shopify merchants, you need to know which ones are on Shopify Plus.

Why? Plus stores are different prospects:

- They pay **$2,000+/month** just for Shopify (regular plans are $39-399)
- They get dedicated support and account managers
- They spend more on **apps, agencies, and tools**
- They're usually doing **$1M+ per year** in sales

Here's the problem: Shopify doesn't show which stores are on Plus. There's no badge. No public list. No obvious way to check.

We spent months figuring this out. After analyzing **44,369 Shopify stores**, we documented every detection method that actually works. This guide shows you how to spot Plus stores for prospecting, competitor research, or [qualifying leads](/blog/how-to-qualify-shopify-leads).

## Why Finding Shopify Plus Stores Matters

Different people care about Plus detection for different reasons:

| Who You Are | Why It Matters |
|-------------|----------------|
| **Agency sales rep** | Plus merchants have budget for $5k-50k+ projects |
| **SaaS founder** | Plus stores adopt new tools faster |
| **App developer** | Some features only work on Plus |
| **Freelancer** | Know if a prospect can afford you |
| **Investor/analyst** | Understand the enterprise market |

The common thread: **Plus stores are better targets.**

### The $2,000/Month Budget Signal

[Shopify Plus](https://www.shopify.com/plus) costs at least $2,000/month. That's **$24,000/year** just for the platform.

Stores that pay this much are showing you four things:

1. **They have budget.** If they spend $24k+ on Shopify, they'll spend on apps and agencies.
2. **They're growing.** Plus is built for stores doing $1M+ per year.
3. **They need advanced features.** Checkout customization, advanced B2B workflows, automation.
4. **They have real decision-makers.** Bigger teams mean dedicated ecommerce roles.

That's why Plus stores get a big boost in our [lead scoring system](/blog/how-to-qualify-shopify-leads). They're simply better prospects. For [agencies prospecting Shopify stores](/for/agencies), filtering by Plus status is one of the fastest ways to build a qualified list.

## Shopify Plus vs Regular Shopify: What the Data Shows

We analyzed 44,369 Shopify stores across 16 categories. Here's how Plus merchants differ from regular Shopify stores.

### Key Metrics Comparison

| Metric | Shopify Plus | Non-Plus | Difference |
|--------|--------------|----------|------------|
| **Average apps installed** | 2.6 | 1.1 | **+142%** |
| **Average tracking pixels** | 6.2 | 2.3 | **+175%** |
| **Average lead fit score** | 85.7 | 40.6 | **+111%** |
| **Average product count** | 1,137 | 538 | **+111%** |
| **Average contacts found** | 2.3 | 1.2 | **+98%** |

**Key insight:** Plus stores install **2.4x more apps** than regular stores. More apps = more budget for tools = more opportunities if you're selling to them. The gap extends to emerging tech too: Plus stores are [14x more likely to be AI-Ready for agentic commerce](/blog/shopify-agentic-commerce) than standard stores (42.2% vs. 2.9%).

### Theme Usage Patterns

| Theme Type | Plus Stores | Non-Plus Stores |
|------------|-------------|-----------------|
| **Paid themes** | 50.6% | 35.0% |
| **Free themes** | 25.8% | 45.7% |
| **Custom themes** | 23.6% | 19.3% |

Plus merchants are **45% more likely** to use paid themes. They spend more across the board.

### Traffic Tier Correlation

Bigger stores are more likely to be on Plus:

| Traffic Tier | Plus Adoption |
|--------------|---------------|
| Under 10k/month | 75.8% |
| 10k-50k/month | 97.6% |
| 50k-200k/month | 98.5% |
| 500k-1M/month | 99.9% |
| 1M+/month | ~100% |

At the highest traffic levels, almost every store is on Plus. Big stores need Plus features like unlimited staff accounts, dedicated support, and custom checkout pages. For a deeper look at which non-Plus stores are most likely to upgrade (and how to prospect them), see our [Shopify Plus upgrade signals study](/blog/shopify-plus-upgrade-signals).

**Real examples:** Stores like [Allbirds](https://www.allbirds.com), [Gymshark](https://www.gymshark.com), and [Kylie Cosmetics](https://kyliecosmetics.com) are all on Shopify Plus. You can verify this using the methods below.

### Plus Adoption by Category

| Category | Plus Adoption | Total Stores |
|----------|---------------|--------------|
| Beauty | 93.6% | 4,575 |
| Pets | 92.3% | 479 |
| Health & Wellness | 92.3% | 2,533 |
| Outdoor & Adventure | 91.8% | 1,360 |
| Sports & Fitness | 91.3% | 1,116 |
| Electronics | 90.9% | 1,947 |
| Fashion | 90.2% | 11,475 |
| Food & Beverage | 86.8% | 6,708 |

Beauty and health categories have the highest Plus adoption. These niches often use subscriptions and complex shipping, which Plus handles better. (For more category insights, see our [Shopify competitor analysis](/blog/how-to-analyze-shopify-competitors).)

---

## 7 Ways to Detect Shopify Plus Stores

Here's every method that works, ranked by how reliable and easy each one is.

### Method 1: Check for Plus-Exclusive Features (Most Reliable)

Certain Shopify features are **only available on Plus**. If you see them, the store is definitely on Plus.

**Plus-exclusive features to look for:**

| Feature | What It Indicates | How to Detect |
|---------|-------------------|---------------|
| **Checkout customization** | Custom checkout UI/logic | Look for branded checkout pages |
| **Shopify Scripts** | Custom discounts/shipping | Check for dynamic pricing logic |
| **Advanced B2B implementation** | Heavier B2B complexity, sometimes Plus | Look for multiple catalogs, contextual trade flows, or deeper account logic rather than just a `/pages/wholesale` URL |
| **Launchpad** | Scheduled sales/events | Check for countdown timers on product launches |
| **Multipass** | SSO integration | Look for seamless login from external systems |

**Example:** If a store has a completely custom checkout page with unique styling, animations, or logic that isn't standard Shopify checkout, they're on Plus.

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| 100% accurate when found | Features aren't always visible |
| No tools needed | Requires understanding of Plus features |
| Works even if other signals are hidden | Time-consuming for bulk checking |

### Method 2: Inspect the Page Source

The fastest technical method is searching the page source for Plus-specific patterns.

**How to do it:**

1. Open the store in Chrome
2. Right-click → "View Page Source" (or `Cmd+U` / `Ctrl+U`)
3. Search (`Cmd+F` / `Ctrl+F`) for these patterns:

```
checkout-ui-extensions
shopify.extend
Shopify.Plus
shopify-plus
checkout.liquid
launchpad
shopify.scripts
multipass
```

If you find **2+ of these patterns**, the store is likely on Plus.

**Code snippet for DevTools Console:**

```javascript
// Paste this in DevTools Console (F12 → Console)
const html = document.documentElement.innerHTML.toLowerCase();
const plusSignals = [
  'checkout-ui-extensions',
  'shopify.extend',
  'shopify plus',
  'shopify-plus',
  'launchpad',
  'shopify.scripts',
  'multipass'
];
const found = plusSignals.filter(s => html.includes(s));
console.log(`Plus signals found (${found.length}):`, found);
console.log(found.length >= 2 ? '✅ Likely Shopify Plus' : '❌ Probably not Plus');
```

Do not add `b2b` or `wholesale` to this list anymore. Those terms became noisy after Shopify expanded core B2B features to all plans in April 2026.

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Quick (30 seconds) | Some signals may appear on non-Plus stores |
| No tools required | Requires technical comfort |
| Works on any store | False positives possible with single signals |

### Method 3: Check for Checkout Extensibility

Only Plus stores can customize their checkout page. Shopify calls this "Checkout Extensibility."

**What to look for:**

- `data-shopify-checkout-api-token` in the page code
- Scripts from `checkout.shopifycs.com`
- References to `checkout-ui-extensions`

**Important dates:**

- **August 2024:** Old checkout customization (checkout.liquid) stopped working
- **August 2025:** More old features removed
- **June 2026:** Shopify Scripts replaced by Shopify Functions

These changes make older detection tricks less useful. The patterns above are what work now. For a detailed breakdown of all three 2026 deadlines and which apps and pixels are affected, see our [Shopify checkout migration study](/blog/shopify-checkout-migration).

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Specific to Plus | Only visible during checkout flow |
| Current (post-deprecation) | Can't check without initiating checkout |
| Definitive when found | Requires adding item to cart |

### Method 4: Look for Enterprise App Patterns

Plus stores tend to use enterprise-grade apps that are rare on non-Plus stores.

**Apps that strongly signal Plus:**

| App | Why It Signals Plus |
|-----|---------------------|
| Shopify Flow | Automation platform (Plus-only until recently) |
| [Rebuy](https://rebuyengine.com/?ref=2144) | Enterprise personalization ($99+/month) |
| [Gorgias](https://partner.gorgias.com/x8uxyjtuzct8-c509r) | Enterprise support ($300+/month for full features) |
| [Triple Whale](/apps/triple-whale) | Attribution ($129+/month) |
| [Attentive](/apps/attentive) | Enterprise SMS (custom pricing) |
| [Yotpo](https://yotpo.sjv.io/Jkzyee) | Enterprise loyalty/reviews |

If you see 3+ of these enterprise apps, the store is almost certainly on Plus.

**How to check:** Use the free [Store Inspector extension](/extension) to instantly see which apps a store is running.

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Strong correlation with Plus | Indirect signal (not definitive) |
| Easy to check with tools | Some non-Plus stores use enterprise apps |
| Reveals other useful intel | Requires detection tool |

### Method 5: Use Browser Extensions (Fastest)

The fastest way to check one store at a time is a browser extension. (See our full [Shopify spy tools comparison](/blog/best-shopify-spy-tools) for more options.)

**Recommended extensions:**

| Extension | Plus Detection | Price | Best For |
|-----------|----------------|-------|----------|
| [Store Inspector](/extension) | ✅ Yes | Free | Quick checks + app/theme detection |
| [Wappalyzer](https://www.wappalyzer.com/) | ✅ Yes | Freemium | General tech detection |
| [BuiltWith](https://builtwith.com/) | ✅ Yes | Freemium | Detailed tech profiles |

**Using Store Inspector:**

1. Install the [free extension](/extension)
2. Visit any Shopify store
3. Click the extension icon
4. Look for the Shopify Plus indicator in "Enterprise Signals"

The extension also shows apps, themes, and pixels, which is useful for [finding agency clients](/blog/how-to-find-shopify-clients-for-your-agency).

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Instant results (2 seconds) | One store at a time |
| Free options available | Requires browser extension |
| Additional context (apps, theme) | Desktop only |

### Method 6: Use Store Databases (For Scale)

Checking stores one by one doesn't scale. If you need hundreds or thousands of Plus stores, use a database. (We covered more options in our [guide to finding Shopify stores](/blog/how-to-find-shopify-stores).)

**Database comparison:**

| Database | Plus Stores | Pricing | Best For |
|----------|-------------|---------|----------|
| StoreInspect | 39,000+ | Free tier / $49/mo | Prospecting with contacts |
| [BuiltWith](https://builtwith.com/) | 81,000+ | $295/mo | Enterprise/API access |
| [Store Leads](https://storeleads.app/) | 66,000+ | $149/mo | Lists and exports |
| [CartInsight](https://www.cartinsight.io/) | 2,300+ | Varies | Basic lookups |

**When to use each:**

- **Need contacts too:** StoreInspect. Filter by Plus, get owner emails, export to CRM.
- **Need API or bulk data:** BuiltWith. Most comprehensive but expensive.
- **Need simple lists:** Store Leads. Good balance of features and price.
- **Just browsing:** CartInsight. Free but limited.

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Scale to thousands of stores | Monthly cost |
| Pre-verified data | Data freshness varies |
| Export and integrate | May miss newer stores |

### Method 7: Check Public Plus Directories

Some directories and marketplaces reveal Plus stores.

**Where to look:**

1. **Shopify Plus Partner Directory.** Agencies list their Plus clients as case studies.
2. **BuiltWith Trends.** [trends.builtwith.com/shop/Shopify-Plus](https://trends.builtwith.com/shop/Shopify-Plus) lists detected Plus stores.
3. **Shopify Plus Homepage.** Featured customer logos are all Plus.
4. **Case Study Databases.** Search "[brand] Shopify Plus case study".

**Reverse engineering approach:**

1. Find a Shopify Plus agency (e.g., from [Plus Partner directory](https://www.shopify.com/plus/partners))
2. Look at their portfolio/case studies
3. Those stores are confirmed Plus

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| 100% verified (from official sources) | Limited to featured/public stores |
| Free | Not comprehensive |
| Good for finding notable brands | Manual process |

---

## Why Plus Detection Is Getting Harder

Shopify keeps moving Plus-only features to regular plans. This makes detection trickier every year.

**What changed:**

| Feature | Before | Now |
|---------|--------|-----|
| checkout.liquid | Plus-only | Gone (Aug 2024) |
| Shopify Scripts | Plus-only | Going away (June 2026) |
| Shopify Flow | Plus-only | Available on all plans |
| Some APIs | Plus-only | Opening up |

**What still works:**

1. **Checkout Extensibility.** Still Plus-only.
2. **Advanced B2B controls.** Unlimited catalogs, direct catalog assignment, deposits, and partial payments are still Plus-only.
3. **Multipass SSO.** Still Plus-only.
4. **Enterprise app patterns.** Strong signal.
5. **Database verification.** Pre-checked by providers.

The best approach: combine multiple signals. Don't rely on just one method.

---

## Detection Accuracy: What to Expect

No method is perfect. Here's what each one actually delivers:

| Method | Accuracy | Catches Most? | Misses Some? |
|--------|----------|---------------|--------------|
| Plus-exclusive features | 100% (when found) | No, features often hidden | Yes |
| Source code patterns | 85-90% | Yes | Some |
| Checkout inspection | 95%+ | No, requires checkout | Yes |
| Enterprise app patterns | 80-85% | Yes | Some |
| Browser extensions | 85-90% | Varies | Some |
| Store databases | 90-95% | Yes | New stores |

**Best practice:** Use 2+ methods. If a store shows Plus signals from multiple sources, you can trust it.

---

## FAQ

**How accurate is Shopify Plus detection?**

No single method is 100% accurate. Source code scanning is about 85-90% accurate. Store databases verify Plus status through multiple signals, hitting 90-95% accuracy. Your best bet: combine 2-3 methods.

**Is there a free way to detect Shopify Plus?**

Yes. The [Store Inspector extension](/extension) is free and detects Plus instantly. You can also check the page source manually (Method 2) or use the code snippet above.

**What's the difference between Shopify Plus and Shopify Advanced?**

Shopify Advanced costs $399/month. Shopify Plus starts at $2,000/month and adds unlimited staff accounts, dedicated support, checkout customization, Launchpad, higher API limits, and the heavier B2B controls that still matter after April 2026, such as unlimited catalogs, direct catalog assignment, deposits, and partial payments. For the current B2B breakdown, see [Shopify B2B Features by Plan](/blog/shopify-b2b-features-by-plan).

**Why should I care if a store is Shopify Plus?**

Plus stores are better prospects. They have more budget ($24k+/year just for Shopify), run more apps (2.4x more), and have dedicated ecommerce teams. Our data shows Plus stores score **2x higher** on lead quality.

**Where can I get a list of all Shopify Plus stores?**

No single list has them all. [BuiltWith](https://builtwith.com/) tracks ~81,000. StoreInspect has 39,000+ with contact info. [Store Leads](https://storeleads.app/) reports ~66,000. These lists overlap, and none are complete.

**Is Shopify Plus detection getting harder?**

Yes. Shopify removed checkout.liquid (2024), is removing Scripts (2026), made Flow free for everyone, and expanded core B2B beyond Plus in April 2026. Detection now depends more on Checkout Extensibility, Multipass, advanced B2B controls, and app patterns. Store databases stay reliable because they check multiple signals.

**Can stores hide that they're on Shopify Plus?**

Not really. Stores can remove some visible signals, but Plus features still leave technical traces: API calls, checkout code, Multipass, and advanced checkout or B2B behavior. With enough digging, you can usually confirm Plus status.

---

## Summary

Plus stores are better prospects. The data proves it:

- **2.4x more apps.** They spend more on tools.
- **2x higher lead scores.** Better qualified.
- **$2,000+/month.** Real budget for services.

**The 7 detection methods:**

1. Check for Plus-exclusive features (most reliable)
2. Inspect page source for patterns
3. Look for Checkout Extensibility signals
4. Spot enterprise app patterns
5. Use browser extensions (fastest)
6. Query store databases (for scale)
7. Check public directories

For checking one store, use the free [Store Inspector extension](/extension). For prospecting at scale, filter by Plus status in a store database.

Once you've found Plus stores, [audit them](/blog/how-to-audit-a-shopify-store) to find the best opportunities. For a current plan-by-plan view of which B2B capabilities moved downmarket and which still stay on Plus, see [Shopify B2B Features by Plan](/blog/shopify-b2b-features-by-plan). For a data-backed look at what enterprise stores are missing and how to prospect them, see our [Shopify B2B opportunity map](/blog/shopify-b2b-opportunity-map). For a complete [prospecting workflow](/for/prospecting) that combines Plus detection with gap analysis, see our prospecting guide.

---

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