Choosing the right product shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.
That’s why the Empire theme includes a built-in product compare feature—making it easier for customers to view key product details side-by-side before making a purchase decision.
Whether you’re selling electronics or engine parts, cosmetics or cardigans, supplements or scented candles, this feature brings clarity to complex product catalogs and empowers shoppers to compare options without leaving your store.
Let’s explore how product compare works and explore some of the best ways to use it across different industries and product types.
Electronics and tech stores: Compare specs at a glance
Shoppers buying technology want to feel confident they’re choosing the right model for their needs and budget. They need to weigh technical specifications like processor type, screen size, battery life, storage capacity, and connectivity options. This can be overwhelming—especially when multiple product pages are involved!
Empire’s product compare eliminates that friction by allowing users to select up to three products and see those specs side by side in a single, clean view. This not only makes technical comparisons easier but also keeps shoppers on your site longer and closer to checkout.
For the best results, we recommend using metafields to populate key specifications in a structured way. You can tailor the attributes shown for different product types—for example, displaying “Refresh Rate” for monitors and “Bluetooth Version” for headphones—so customers only see the most relevant data for what they’re comparing.
Health and wellness brands: Clarify ingredients and benefits
Supplements, vitamins, skincare products, and wellness kits often rely on nuanced differences in ingredients, dosage, certifications, or claims like “non-GMO” or “clinically tested.” Customers want to feel sure they’re picking the right formula for their health goals and preferences, but parsing that information across multiple product pages is tedious.
Product compare gives your store a way to surface those distinctions clearly and help shoppers make informed, confident choices. Customers can stack up benefits, compare usage instructions, or check which products are vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-friendly—all in one place.
We recommend using Shopify metafields to manage reusable data, such as shared ingredient lists or health benefit highlights. This creates consistency across products, makes editing easier, and allows for a more engaging and informative comparison table that builds trust with discerning shoppers.
Home and furniture retailers: Help customers weigh dimensions and materials
When shoppers are deciding between couches, dining tables, shelving units, or even lighting, they’re often looking at differences in size, material, color, and construction. Visual appeal plays a big role, but so does functionality—and choosing the wrong fit can lead to costly returns or disappointed buyers.
With Empire’s product compare, customers can evaluate measurements, materials, and finishes in a structured side-by-side format. It’s especially helpful for large-ticket items, where customers may need to visualize how something fits their space or matches existing decor.
We recommend using metafields to capture and display fields like “Width,” “Depth,” “Height,” “Frame Material,” and “Assembly Required.” Adding visual cues—such as icons or short descriptors—can make the comparison even more user-friendly and accessible, particularly on mobile devices.
Apparel and accessories: Showcase sizing and fit features
Fashion and apparel stores can also benefit from product compare, especially when shoppers are deciding between similar styles or trying to understand differences in fit, function, fabric, and care instructions. For example, a customer comparing two jackets might want to know which one is more water-resistant, made with sustainable materials, or has better insulation for winter.
Empire’s product compare allows you to highlight these practical and lifestyle-focused attributes so customers can narrow down choices based on their values and preferences.
For the best results, we recommend creating metafields for “Fit Type,” “Fabric Composition,” “Sustainability Details,” and “Care Instructions.” You can also include links to size guides or icons for eco-certifications to enhance the comparison experience without overwhelming it with too much text.
B2B and industrial suppliers: Highlight capabilities and key details
If you sell tools, parts, or other business-critical supplies, your customers aren’t casual browsers—they’re professionals who need to make fast, accurate decisions based on specific requirements. Empire’s product compare helps B2B buyers evaluate the products they need based on attributes like capacity, compatibility, durability ratings, and certifications.
For example, a customer comparing different power drills may want to review torque levels, voltage, battery life, warranty terms, and recommended use cases. Providing that information in a comparison view saves time and supports more confident bulk purchasing decisions.
We recommend using metafields to capture technical specs, industry-specific standards, and pricing tiers (such as “bulk discount” or “subscription pricing”). For frequently reused content—like compatibility charts or technical diagrams—metafields can streamline content management and ensure consistency across products.
Other Shopify themes can’t compare
Empire’s product compare is a powerful feature that brings clarity to crowded catalogs and confidence to your customers. No matter what you sell, the ability to compare products dynamically will reduce hesitation, lower bounce rates, and lead to more informed purchases.
And when you pair it with Shopify’s dynamic content tools like metafields, you unlock a system that’s flexible, scalable, and tailored to your store’s unique inventory.
Get started today: Try Empire in your Shopify store for free!
There’s no time limit to try the theme for free with your own products, brand colors, and customizations. Just a one-time payment when you publish the theme to your store!
