The rise of e-commerce has been transformative, but with that growth comes increased scrutiny, particularly regarding accessibility. For Shopify store owners, failing to comply with accessibility standards isn’t just a moral failing; it’s a legal and business risk. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025, now in full effect, significantly expands accessibility requirements across the EU, and similar legislation is emerging globally. This article explores six common accessibility mistakes impacting Shopify stores, the potential legal ramifications, and, crucially, actionable steps to mitigate those risks – all within the context of the evolving legal landscape of 2026.
The Rising Tide of EAA Compliance and its Impact on Shopify
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates accessibility for public sector bodies, products, and services, including online shops. It builds upon the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), currently WCAG 2.2, but with stricter enforcement and heavier fines. Failure to comply can result in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and, importantly, lost customers. The EAA’s reach extends beyond EU member states; businesses serving EU customers must adhere to its requirements.
"The EAA isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about ensuring everyone, regardless of disability, can access and use your online store effectively. Ignoring this is a costly mistake."
Many Shopify users assume that simply choosing a "responsive" or "mobile-friendly" theme is enough. This is a dangerous misconception. While responsiveness addresses display adaptation, it doesn't inherently guarantee accessibility. Accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities (visual, auditory, motor, cognitive) to use and understand your website.
Mistake #1: Relying Solely on Shopify Themes Without Accessibility Audits
Shopify offers a vast marketplace of themes, many marketed as "premium" or "modern." However, not all themes are created equal when it comes to accessibility. Many developers prioritize aesthetics over accessibility, resulting in themes with significant accessibility barriers.
- The Problem: Common issues include poor semantic HTML structure, insufficient color contrast, missing alt text for images, and keyboard navigation challenges.
- Shopify Workflow: Before launching a store, always conduct an accessibility audit of your chosen theme. Use browser developer tools to check color contrast ratios, test keyboard navigation, and use screen reader software (like NVDA or VoiceOver) to experience the site as a visually impaired user. Shopify's app store offers accessibility auditing apps (discussed later).
- Mitigation: If a theme is found to be inaccessible, consider either customizing it (which requires developer expertise) or selecting a demonstrably accessible theme. Some themes explicitly state WCAG compliance in their descriptions.
Mistake #2: Neglecting Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images
Alternative text (alt text) provides a textual description of an image for users who cannot see it. This is crucial for screen reader users and those with visual impairments.
- The Problem: Missing or generic alt text (e.g., "image.jpg") renders the image meaningless to users who rely on screen readers. Decorative images should have null alt text (
alt=""). - Shopify Workflow: When uploading images to Shopify, the admin panel provides a field for entering alt text. Be descriptive and contextually relevant. For example, instead of "shoe," use "red running shoe with white laces."
- Mitigation: Bulk image editing apps within the Shopify app store can automate alt text generation, though these often require manual review and refinement. Consider using AI-powered image recognition tools, but always verify the accuracy of the generated descriptions.
Mistake #3: Poor Color Contrast – A Major Barrier for Low-Vision Users
Color contrast refers to the difference in luminance between text and its background. Insufficient contrast makes it difficult for users with low vision to read content.
- The Problem: Many Shopify themes use color palettes that fail to meet WCAG 2.2's minimum contrast ratios (4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text).
- Shopify Workflow: Use a color contrast checker tool (many are available online) to verify that text and background colors meet accessibility standards. The Shopify theme editor allows you to modify colors, but be mindful of the impact on overall design.
- Mitigation: Prioritize clear, legible fonts and color combinations. Consider offering a high-contrast mode that users can toggle. Shopify apps can automate color contrast checks during theme development or content creation.
Mistake #4: Keyboard Navigation Issues – Limiting Motor Impaired Users
Many users navigate websites using only a keyboard, due to motor impairments or assistive technologies.
- The Problem: If a Shopify store’s navigation is not fully keyboard accessible, these users are effectively locked out. This includes issues with focus indicators (visual cues that show which element is currently selected) and the ability to access all interactive elements (buttons, links, form fields) using the Tab key.
- Shopify Workflow: Test your store's keyboard navigation thoroughly. Ensure that the focus indicator is clearly visible and moves logically through the site. Avoid keyboard traps (where a user cannot navigate away from an element using the keyboard).
- Mitigation: Review your theme's code (or hire a developer) to ensure proper keyboard navigation. Many Shopify accessibility apps include keyboard accessibility testing features.
Mistake #5: Complex Form Design – Frustrating for Users with Cognitive Disabilities
Online forms (for checkout, account creation, etc.) can be a significant barrier for users with cognitive disabilities, learning difficulties, or those using assistive technologies.
- The Problem: Confusing labels, unclear instructions, and excessive form fields can lead to errors and frustration.
- Shopify Workflow: Simplify your forms. Use clear and concise labels. Provide helpful error messages that explain how to correct mistakes. Break down long forms into multiple steps.
- Mitigation: Consider using form validation apps that provide real-time feedback and guide users through the process. User testing with individuals with cognitive disabilities can provide valuable insights.
Mistake #6: Over-Reliance on JavaScript and Lack of Graceful Degradation
Many modern Shopify themes rely heavily on JavaScript for functionality and visual effects.
- The Problem: If JavaScript is disabled or fails to load, critical functionality can break, rendering the site unusable. Users with certain disabilities may also have JavaScript turned off due to compatibility issues with assistive technologies.
- Shopify Workflow: Ensure your theme has graceful degradation – meaning that essential functionality remains accessible even without JavaScript. Provide alternative methods for completing tasks.
- Mitigation: Test your store with JavaScript disabled. Consider using progressive enhancement techniques – starting with a basic, accessible HTML structure and then adding JavaScript-based enhancements.
Key Takeaways
- The EAA 2025 and similar legislation are significantly raising the stakes for e-commerce accessibility.
- Simply using a "responsive" theme isn't enough; thorough accessibility audits are essential.
- Prioritize alt text for images, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and form design.
- Graceful degradation is crucial for users with JavaScript disabled.
- Ignoring accessibility isn’t just a legal risk; it’s a missed opportunity to reach a wider customer base.
Shopify Accessibility Apps & Resources
Several Shopify apps can aid in accessibility compliance:
- AccessiWare: Automated accessibility scanning and remediation.
- Accessio.ai: This AI-powered platform goes beyond overlays, fixing issues directly at the source code level for a more permanent and effective solution. It provides detailed reports and remediation suggestions, allowing for proactive accessibility improvements.
- OneAccessibility: Provides accessibility audits, remediation suggestions, and automated fixes.
- Accessibility Checker: Offers automated accessibility testing and reporting.
- Shopify's Accessibility Documentation: https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/topics/design/accessibility – A good starting point, but not a substitute for a comprehensive audit.
Next Steps
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Use a combination of automated tools and manual testing.
- Prioritize Remediation: Address the most critical issues first.
- Train Your Team: Educate your developers and content creators on accessibility best practices.
- Consider Accessio.ai: Explore AI-powered accessibility solutions for proactive and permanent fixes.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of evolving accessibility standards and guidelines.
By proactively addressing these common accessibility mistakes, Shopify store owners can not only mitigate legal risks but also create a more inclusive and welcoming online shopping experience for all customers – a win-win for both business and society.