Two of Shopify’s Platinum level agencies are coming together as CQL acquires Riess Group to create a single partner for unified commerce. This deal brings Riess Group’s experience in point-of-sale implementation and omnichannel solutions into CQL’s portfolio of digital commerce services, positioning the combined organization to guide brands through every step of the customer journey.
Riess Group, founded in 2006 with offices in the United States and France, has built a reputation for delivering scalable Shopify implementations that connect online storefronts with in-store checkout systems. Their work for leading names in entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle has proven the power of combining Shopify’s ecommerce platform with robust point-of-sale integrations. By joining forces with CQL, those capabilities will now be seamlessly woven into an end-to-end offering that spans strategy, user experience design, enterprise-grade development, and ongoing support.
For CQL, this acquisition expands the agency’s ability to serve mid-market and enterprise clients seeking to collapse silos between digital and physical storefronts. Brands will be able to work with a single team that understands how to craft cohesive brand stories online, translate them into frictionless checkout experiences in retail locations, and leverage data from every touchpoint to personalize marketing and drive repeat business.
Under the new structure, Riess Group’s founder will take on a leadership role focused on unifying commerce operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His team’s deep expertise in point-of-sale hardware, software, and compliance rules will integrate with CQL’s existing strengths in Shopify Plus implementations, custom app development, and conversion-driven design.
Clients of both agencies can expect a period of smooth onboarding that preserves existing project roadmaps while layering in additional tools for real-time inventory management, customer loyalty programs and unified analytics dashboards.
Shopify has signaled strong support for the combined agency, noting that more merchants are asking for fully integrated experiences that bring website, checkout and in-store sales under one system. With two Platinum partners now operating as one, the agency is uniquely equipped to collaborate with Shopify’s own product roadmap and provide feedback on new features that will benefit joint customers.
KEY QUOTES:
“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. With Riess Group, we’re now the leading Shopify agency positioned to deliver that across every touchpoint for mid-market through enterprise brands. This acquisition supports our mission to be the go-to Shopify partner for unified omnichannel brand experiences.”
Dave Barr, CEO of CQL
“As the leader in Shopify POS, we’ve joined with CQL to become the only scaled agency delivering unified commerce for mid-market through enterprise merchants. The CQL team’s enterprise experience, sterling reputation in the Shopify ecosystem, and the leadership team’s proven track record were the reasons that our team is so excited to join forces. Shopify’s own enthusiasm to fill this gap was also an important factor. With demand for seamless retail experiences growing, our team is proud to lead the way on these crucial implementations.”
Mike Riess, Owner of Riess Group
“We’re excited to see CQL break new ground as a holistic agency – one that helps brands build beautiful, cohesive customer experiences that drive loyalty and growth across all touch points. More and more of our clients are asking for a complete solution that leverages our industry-leading ecommerce and checkout as well as point-of-sale in stores as a unified solution. We’re thrilled we have a partner who is designed to deliver against that vision.”
Kim Seabrook, Head of Enterprise at Shopify
