In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, getting a customer to make their first purchase is only half the battle. The real key to long-term growth lies in encouraging them to buy again—and again. If you’re running a Shopify store, mastering customer retention isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

This guide explores practical, high-impact ways to increase repeat orders on Shopify and turn one-time buyers into loyal, returning customers.

 

Why Repeat Orders Matter More Than You Think

Many Shopify merchants pour their resources into customer acquisition. But what if you could grow your business without constantly chasing new customers? That’s where customer retention comes in.

Here’s why it matters:

-Acquiring a new customer is 5–7x more expensive than retaining an existing one.

-A 5% increase in retention can lead to 25–95% higher profits.

-Returning customers are 9x more likely to convert than first-time visitors.

-Loyal customers often spend 67% more than new customers.

So, how can you make your Shopify store a destination your customers keep coming back to?

 

1. Offer a Customer Loyalty Program

The easiest and most effective way to increase repeat purchases is to reward loyalty.

Why it works:

Customers love to feel appreciated. Loyalty programs that offer points, cashback, or exclusive perks for repeat purchases give them a reason to return.

How to do it on Shopify:

Use apps like Kangaroo Rewards to launch a branded loyalty program directly within your store. With Kangaroo, you can:

  • Reward points for every purchase

  • Incentivize actions like reviews, referrals, and social shares

  • Send automated reminders when points are expiring

  • Offer VIP tiers to reward your best customers

Pro tip: Make rewards feel achievable. If it takes 10 purchases to earn a $5 coupon, many customers won’t bother. Reward early and often.

 

2. Personalize the Customer Experience

A personalized shopping experience makes customers feel seen, valued, and understood. And that builds trust—and sales.

Strategies for Shopify:

  • Use customer data to recommend products based on past purchases.

  • Send personalized emails with product suggestions, birthday discounts, or cart abandonment reminders.

  • Tailor offers by customer segment: offer bulk discounts to high-volume buyers or first dibs on launches for VIPs.

Tools:

Apps like Kangaroo Rewards integrate seamlessly with Shopify (Rewrads, Engagement, Marketing Engine, Tiers, Gamification & more)  and help you tailor the experience for every shopper.

 

3. Make Post-Purchase Communication Count

The time after a customer buys is one of the best opportunities to bring them back.

What to send:

  • A “thank you” email with a discount on their next purchase

  • Order status updates to build trust and transparency

  • Product education or how-to guides to help them enjoy their purchase

  • A follow-up review request (which can be rewarded via your loyalty program)

Don’t ghost your customer after the sale. Stay in touch and show them they’re more than a number.

 

4. Implement a Subscription or Replenishment Model

If you sell consumable or repeat-use products (like skincare, supplements, coffee, pet food), subscriptions are your secret weapon.

Benefits:

  • Predictable revenue

  • Lower churn

  • Higher LTV (lifetime value)

Shopify apps:

Use tools like Recharge or Bold Subscriptions to add recurring orders to your Shopify store.

Combine this with your loyalty program to give subscribers points on every renewal!

 

5. Leverage Reviews and Referrals

Social proof builds trust—and trust leads to repeat business.

Review strategy:

  • Use tools like Kangaroo Review App to collect and display reviews.

  • Offer points through your loyalty program in exchange for reviews.

  • Highlight 5-star feedback on your product pages and emails.

Referral strategy:

Encourage happy customers to refer friends in exchange for points, discounts, or freebies. Referred customers are more likely to become repeat buyers themselves.

 

6. Simplify the Reordering Process

Make it ridiculously easy for a customer to order again.

Shopify tips:

  • Include a “Reorder” button in the customer’s account

  • Send reorder reminder emails when the customer may be running out

  • Enable 1-click checkout for returning customers

  • Show previously purchased items on the homepage or in their account

Remove friction, and you remove excuses not to come back.

 

7. Nail the Delivery and Unboxing Experience

The impression your brand leaves doesn’t stop at checkout. A smooth, on-time delivery and an exciting unboxing experience build anticipation for the next order.

Quick wins:

  • Use branded packaging to make the delivery feel premium

  • Include a thank-you note or small freebie

  • Provide easy access to reorder links via QR code or printed promo

  • Offer fast, trackable shipping and transparent return policies

Think of the post-purchase experience as your best marketing channel for future orders.

 

8. Use Win-Back and Re-Engagement Campaigns

Not every customer will return on their own. That doesn’t mean they’re lost forever.

What to do:

  • Create automated workflows that trigger if a customer hasn’t ordered in 30/60/90 days

  • Send a friendly check-in email (“We miss you!”)

  • Offer an exclusive one-time discount or bonus loyalty points to entice them back

With Kangaroo Rewards, you can set up win-back campaigns that combine email + loyalty incentives automatically.

 

9. Analyze, Optimize, Repeat

Retention isn’t a one-time project—it’s a process. Regularly track and tweak your strategy.

Key Shopify metrics to watch:

  • Repeat purchase rate: % of customers who placed more than one order

  • Customer lifetime value (CLV): Total value a customer brings over time

  • Churn rate: % of customers who stop buying after their first purchase

Test your loyalty offers, email flows, and upsells. Find what works—and double down.

Final Thoughts: Retention Is the Future of eCommerce

Customer retention on Shopify isn’t just about sending a few emails or offering discounts. It’s about building a long-term relationship with your customers—and making them feel like they belong.

By implementing even a few of the strategies above—and especially by launching a loyalty program like Kangaroo Rewards—you’ll create a flywheel of engagement, trust, and repeat revenue.

Your future best customer isn’t a new visitor. They’re the one who already bought from you—you just need to bring them back.

 

Want to see how Kangaroo Rewards helps Shopify brands boost retention and repeat orders?
Book a free demo today and start turning one-time shoppers into loyal fans.