eCommerce MasterPlan What Would You Do if you were embarking on a replatform in 2026? – with James Gurd
Mar 2, 2026
James Gurd, The Digital Juggler and Inside Commerce host with 20+ years in eCommerce, walks through replatforming in 2026. He covers building a proper business case, deciding when Shopify fits, mapping data flows to avoid integration chaos, hidden TCO pitfalls, and managing leadership alignment and team change. Practical, no-nonsense guidance for anyone planning a platform move.
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Client Said Replatforming Feels Unbearable
- James recalled a client saying they wouldn't willingly replatform repeatedly due to its pain.
- The comment came after Lily's Kitchen's replatform, illustrating how stressful repeated projects feel even to experienced teams.
Validate Platform Choices With Forensic TCO
- Double-check platform decisions by validating stage, contracts, and a full TCO before accepting a pre-made choice.
- James often finds teams picked Shopify without proper cost modelling or hidden lines like payments.
Get Leadership Buy‑In Before You Start
- Secure C‑suite and cross‑functional alignment and formal sign‑off before starting work.
- James says finance, ops and e‑commerce leads must all buy in to avoid nasty surprises like higher payments fees mid‑project.
