
Are you looking to give your brick-and-mortar store a digital transformation or develop an Ecommerce website for a new venture? Well, that’s great.
With the projected revenue in Australia’s Ecommerce market to reach US$58.03bn by 2029 from US$37.10bn in 2024, it’s the best time for you to invest. However, the competition in the Ecommerce market is so fierce that if you want to mark your brand presence, choosing the right framework is essential.
Whether you’re a SME or a big enterprise in the retail market, the framework for the ecommerce website you choose determines the success of your business. Ecommerce framework impacts everything from user experience to scalability and growth rate. If you’re not sure which one is the best for your business type and needs, consider working with the top ecommerce development company in Australia. They will help pick the ideal framework.
In this post, we’ll explore the 7 best frameworks for ecommerce website development that will help you understand which goes best with your business goals.
What is an Ecommerce Framework?
A framework for an ecommerce website is a platform that provides the required tools and infrastructure to create and manage an e-shopping store. These frameworks are built to help you develop an ecommerce website that allows managing products and customer accounts along with smooth payment transactions. The framework you select defines your customers’ shopping experience to a great extent.
Not all frameworks offer the same functionalities. There are many common in-built features such as inventory management, secure payment processing, marketing and analytics and third-party tool integration. However, talking about advanced features, all platforms for ecommerce websites offer different features. While some provide plug-and-play solutions, others provide customisation options to help you build a tailored online store. The right Ecommerce framework should align with your specific business needs, whether it’s flexibility or scale.
Types of Ecommerce Frameworks
Businesses typically choose between three main types of Ecommerce frameworks. Understanding these types will help you narrow down which solution fits your needs,
- SAAS Ecommerce Framework
Software as a Service Ecommerce platforms are cloud-based solutions that businesses access via subscription. The service provider handles all technical aspects, such as hosting, security, and software updates, allowing business owners to focus on running their store.
SaaS platforms are particularly suitable for startups and SMEs that need quick setups and low website maintenance. Shopify and Wix are prime examples of popular SaaS platforms. These frameworks come with integrated tools for marketing and customer management along with payment functions. It is a great type of platform if you want a simple and functional online store.
- Open-Source Ecommerce Framework
Open-source platforms provide businesses with complete control over their online store, offering the freedom to customise every aspect of the website. Open-source solutions require you to host the platform and manage security updates, meaning partnering with a technical team is often necessary.
Despite these challenges, open-source frameworks like WooCommerce and Magento are popular because they allow businesses to create highly personalised websites that can be adapted to specific customer needs. Open-source solutions are ideal for growing your business if it requires advanced customisation and you want to scale quickly.
- Headless Ecommerce Framework
Headless Ecommerce frameworks decouple the front-end presentation layer from the back-end Ecommerce functionality. This architecture allows businesses to deliver content to multiple channels using a single back-end system.
If you are seeking more control over the user experience or wanting to offer omnichannel shopping experiences, headless solutions provide flexibility and speed. The back-end system can be managed independently of the customer-facing interface, offering more freedom to design unique experiences while retaining robust business operations.
7 Best Ecommerce Frameworks for Online Store Website Development
Here’re the most recommended frameworks to create your user-friendly and sales-oriented ecommerce website,
1. WooCommerce
WooCommerce, a plugin for WordPress, remains one of the most popular open-source platforms in 2025. Known for its flexibility, WooCommerce is ideal for your business if you’re already using WordPress for your website or looking for a highly customisable solution. This framework integrates with various plugins to enhance functionality, and its large community provides ample resources and support. It is especially suitable for you if you own a small to medium-sized business and want complete control over your store’s design and features.
Key Features: –
- Seamless WordPress integration
- Customisable themes and plugins
- Flexible payment gateway
2. Shopify
Shopify continues to dominate the SaaS Ecommerce market thanks to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set. Its simplicity makes it a go-to platform for SMBs like you that want a hassle-free, scalable solution. Shopify’s extensive app store provides everything from email marketing tools to shipping integrations. Additionally, Shopify offers 24/7 customer support and secure, reliable hosting.
Key Features: –
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Comprehensive app marketplace
- Advanced analytics and SEO tools
3. Wix
Wix started as a website builder but has evolved into a full-featured Ecommerce platform. With its drag-and-drop functionality, Wix is an excellent option for your business if you need to create a visually appealing online store affordably. It’s particularly appealing for entrepreneurs and small businesses that want their website to be launched faster-to-market.
Key Features: –
- Easy-to-use website builder with customisable templates
- Built-in Ecommerce features
- Affordable pricing plans
4. Big Cartel
Big Cartel focuses on helping artists, creators, and small businesses sell their products online. It’s ideal if you don’t need the advanced features of larger platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Big Cartel’s simple setup and streamlined interface are designed for quick launch of your online store having basic functionalities.
Key Features: –
- Ideal for small-scale sellers and creatives
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Limited features, but easy setup
5. Magento Commerce
Magento, now known as Adobe Commerce, is a robust open-source Ecommerce platform. It’s perfect for large enterprises with complex product catalogues and advanced needs. Magento offers a wide range of customisation options and supports large-scale stores, but it requires significant technical expertise to manage. With powerful features for inventory management, customer segmentation, and multi-channel selling, Magento is a preferred choice if you’re looking for scalability and control.
Key Features: –
- Enterprise-level solution
- Highly customisable with large developer community
- Excellent for large inventories and complex stores
- Requires hosting and technical management
6. SquareSpace
SquareSpace, known for its stunning design templates, is a great solution for businesses that want to create visually appealing online stores without much effort. Though traditionally a website builder, SquareSpace has introduced more advanced Ecommerce features, making it a solid choice if you’re looking for professional design and ease of management.
Key Features: –
- Beautiful, professionally designed templates
- Built-in SEO and Ecommerce tools
- Ideal for small businesses and creatives
6. Volusion
Volusion is a lesser-known SaaS Ecommerce platform that provides an easy-to-use solution for small and medium-sized businesses. Its main strengths lie in its intuitive dashboard, built-in SEO tools, and customer service. It is a great option for your business if you’re focused on tracking your sales performance and growth based on data insights.
Key Features: –
- User-friendly platform for SMBs
- Detailed analytics and reporting tools
- Built-in SEO features
Conclusion – Best Frameworks for Ecommerce Website Development
In 2025, the choice of an Ecommerce framework depends largely on the specific needs of your business. For SMBs looking for ease of use, Shopify and Wix offer fast setups with minimal technical complexity. For businesses seeking control and customisation, WooCommerce and Magento provide the flexibility to build unique, scalable stores.
Choosing the right platform can be the key to your online store’s success. So, consider factors like ease of use, scalability, customisation, and your target audience while selecting the best framework for ecommerce website in Australia.
Consulting with a development company having the expertise of latest ecommerce trends in Australia can guide you in selecting the best framework to meet your unique needs. It will ensure that your store is primed for growth in 2025 and beyond.