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Andrew Rico
Shopify & AI Commerce Architect for brands ready to scale.
I plan and build Shopify and Shopify Plus stores: theme architecture, checkout, Functions, integrations and performance, for DTC brands and entrepreneurs.
Case studiesFictional scenarios exploring real buying challenges. No client engagements or measured results are represented.
Case studies
Premium home fragrance · Fictional scenario
Choosing a scent without smelling it
The challenge: A fictional home-fragrance store asks shoppers to compare scents, match a fragrance to their diffuser and decide when to replenish. The challenge is making those choices clear while preserving a calm, premium experience.
The challenge: A fictional jewelry store serves shoppers choosing for themselves or someone else. Size, material, gifting context and the choice between an appointment and direct checkout all shape confidence before a purchase.
The challenge: A fictional DTC lifestyle store has expanded its assortment and editorial content. As the catalog grows, overlapping categories, disconnected stories and mobile friction can make it harder to move from inspiration to a relevant product.
A clear picture of how your store is built today and what to fix first. Leave your email and I'll follow up (fixed price $1,500).
How I workFour steps, in this order
How I work
1
Audit
I review how your store is built today: theme, data, apps, integrations, checkout, speed and UX.
2
Architecture plan
I write down how the store should be built and why, before any code is written.
3
Build
I build the store on that plan and test it before launch.
4
Measure
After launch we track the agreed numbers and decide what to improve next.
Testimonials
FAQCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
How does pricing work?
Audits and builds are fixed-price, quoted up front. Sprints are priced per sprint and ongoing work is a monthly retainer. Current prices: audit $1,500, builds from $8,000, a two-week Plus & Checkout Sprint $4,500, and the Growth Retainer $2,500 a month for 20 hours.
How long does a project take?
It depends on the scope, and you get a timeline with the quote before work starts. An audit usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and a store build 6 to 10 weeks.
Do I need Shopify Plus, or is standard Shopify enough?
Many stores run well on standard Shopify. Plus adds checkout customization with Checkout Extensibility, custom apps built on Shopify Functions, and B2B at scale (every plan can use public Function apps and basic B2B). The audit is a good way to find out which plan fits your store.
Do you do design?
I focus on architecture and development. I can build from your designer's Figma files, work alongside your designer, or handle UX and layout myself using your brand guidelines.
Do you offer retainers?
Yes. The Growth Retainer is a set number of hours each month for CRO tests, new sections and features, speed work and maintenance. It's $2,500 a month for 20 hours.
What time zone are you in?
I'm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (US Eastern Time).
Shopify architecture notes, straight to your inbox
Practical notes on building Shopify stores that scale: architecture, speed, conversion and AI search readiness. Written for founders and growing DTC brands.
What I'm seeing across real Shopify builds
Fixes you can ship without a rebuild
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Let's plan your store
Send me a message about your store and I'll reply by email.
Hey 👋 I'm Charlie, Andrew's AI assistant. Questions about your Shopify store? Ask me anything.
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