Is a simple online store design better than a complex one

Sahl Monday,21 Jul 2025

In the world of e-commerce, a storefront plays a fundamental role in the success or failure of a project, especially in the highly competitive Saudi market. When you first think about starting your store, you might think of creating a "luxurious" or "distinctive" store with a dazzling and complex design, but the truth is, simplicity is often the secret to success.
Let's explain why simple store design has become the preferred choice for many successful stores today.
1. Simplicity Means Clarity for the Customer
When a customer enters your store, they don't want to get lost. They want to find the product they're looking for, click, add it to their cart, and purchase without effort.
A simple design gives them this feeling: clear sections, easy navigation, and quick access to the product.
As for a complex design? It might make the customer feel like they need a map to know what to do!
2. Speed Is More Important Than Beauty
Did you know that most customers leave the store if the page loads more than two seconds?
A simple design without heavy elements ensures fast loading, which enhances visitor retention.
A quick store equals a pleasant experience, and customers will return.
3. Trust starts with simplicity.
A well-organized store conveys a sense of professionalism, which increases customer trust.
In Saudi Arabia, many customers are wary of new stores, and if they encounter a complex or disorganized storefront, they may hesitate to make a purchase.
But if your store is elegant and simple, it gives the impression that you care about details and understand customer needs.
4. Complicated design can lose sales.
Some store owners add animated images, lots of colors, and strange fonts to make the store look "luxurious," but this sometimes confuses customers,
making them leave the store even if they intend to make a purchase. A simple design, on the contrary, guides the customer step by step until they complete their order.
5. Even large companies prefer simplicity.
If you've noticed, many of the world's largest online stores (such as Amazon, Shein, Noon, etc.) have simple storefronts.
Why? Because they want the customer to focus on the product, not the design.
The goal is always: let the customer find what they want and buy quickly, without wasting their time.
6. What should you do if your current store is too complex?
If you feel you've fallen into the trap of complexity, don't worry. You can start making adjustments gradually:
• Reduce the number of colors
• Use clear, clean images
• Categorize products clearly
• Reduce unnecessary effects and animations
• Test the store yourself as if you were a new customer
7. A simple store doesn't mean boring
On the contrary, smart simplicity makes your store appear elegant and professional, and makes the customer experience smooth and comfortable.
And if you're planning to start your store today, be smart: Don't focus too much on "looks" and forget about the core functionality of your store.
Want to design a simple, professional store?
At Sahl, we design an online store to suit your taste, but with a smart, fast user experience that helps you sell more and makes your customers comfortable.
Your store starts here... Let us help you build it right from the first step.