CQL, a leading digital commerce agency and Shopify Platinum Partner, has acquired Riess Group, another Shopify Platinum Partner known for scalable omnichannel commerce solutions for brands including Warner Brothers Discovery, Stüssy, Perry Ellis, and Fashionphile. The move positions CQL as a premier agency for unified commerce, connecting digital and physical touchpoints to deliver seamless customer experiences across websites and point-of-sale (POS).

A Strategic Union in Shopify Commerce
Founded in 2006 with offices in the US and France, Riess Group brings 18 years of experience building Shopify-powered ecommerce and POS solutions. Mike Riess, Owner of Riess Group, will join CQL as VP of Unified Commerce and Managing Director of EMEA, guiding the combined agency’s unified commerce strategy.

“Unified commerce isn’t a trend—it’s the new standard. Consumers don’t think in channels. They expect one brand, one relationship, one frictionless experience,” said Dave Barr, CEO of CQL. “With Riess Group, we’re now the leading Shopify agency delivering that across every touchpoint for mid-market through enterprise brands.”

Mike Riess added, “The combination with CQL makes us the only scaled agency delivering unified commerce for mid-market to enterprise merchants. With growing demand for seamless retail experiences, we’re proud to lead these critical implementations.”

Implications for the Shopify Ecosystem
With only 12 Platinum Shopify agencies in the U.S., this merger of two top-tier partners reshapes the Shopify agency landscape. The union combines strategy, design, enterprise-level development, and POS expertise, creating a full-service solution for brands seeking cohesive experiences that span online and offline.

Kim Seabrook, Head of Enterprise at Shopify, noted, “More clients are asking for a complete solution integrating ecommerce, checkout, and POS. CQL and Riess Group together are uniquely positioned to deliver on that vision.”

The acquisition expands CQL’s capabilities in POS and unified commerce, enabling mid-market and enterprise brands to create inspired, end-to-end customer experiences while driving loyalty and growth across every touchpoint.