Executing a Next.js to Shopify migration for a high-growth medical business requires more than just moving products; it requires re-engineering complex healthcare workflows. When the UAE’s leading veterinary clinic outgrew their custom build, they needed a platform that combined Shopify’s retail power with deep medical integration.
The Challenge: Beyond Standard E-commerce
The client’s existing Next.js build provided flexibility but had become a “maintenance silo.” To scale, they needed to move to Shopify while maintaining a real-time sync with EzyVet, their pet management software.
1. Integrating EzyVet Medical Records
The core of this Next.js to Shopify migration was the customer account experience. Using Shopify’s Customer Account UI Extensions, we built a portal where pet owners can:
- View their registered pets.
- Access active prescriptions directly from EzyVet.
- Re-order medical supplies with a single click.
Pro Tip: Integrating medical APIs like EzyVet requires a secure middleware layer to ensure data privacy and HIPAA-style compliance.
2. UAE Phone Login via Cloudflare Workers
Standard email logins are a friction point in the UAE. As part of this Next.js to Shopify migration, we implemented a headless authentication flow. By leveraging Shopify’s OIDC and Cloudflare Workers, we enabled customers to log in using their UAE mobile numbers, significantly improving the mobile conversion rate.
3. Prescription Logic & Unlisted Products
To handle regulated products, we developed a logic-based gatekeeping system:
- Unlisted Products: Prescription items are hidden from public search.
- Metafield Validation: We use customer metafields to verify if a user has a valid prescription. If not, the “Add to Cart” button is hidden.
- Cart Attributes: This ensures that every order synced back to EzyVet contains the necessary clinical metadata.
4. Results: Doubling Google Impressions
The SEO impact of this Next.js to Shopify migration was immediate. By moving from a custom build to Shopify’s structured schema and optimized product feeds, the results were staggering:
- 2x Impressions: Within 14 days, Google Search Console showed a 100% increase in visibility.
- Google Shopping: The integration with Google Merchant Center allowed products to appear instantly in high-intent search results.
Technical Summary
| Feature | Tech Used |
| Migration | Next.js to Shopify Migration |
| Auth | Cloudflare Workers & OIDC |
| Clinical Sync | EzyVet API |
