Hydrogen React in the App Router: take what you need, build the rest
Shopify components where they fit: custom UX where they don’t
Shopify Hydrogen is a full framework for headless. feelme.no needed more control over routing, caching, and Norwegian shopping flow than a full Hydrogen setup gave us. At the same time, we did not want to reinvent prices, money helpers, and cart utilities.
The solution was pragmatic: Next.js as the host, and Hydrogen React for selected building blocks. Things like money display and some cart helpers come from there. Navigation, server logic, content refresh, and merchandising we own ourselves.
That draws a clear boundary. Shopify owns the commerce model. Next.js owns the application. Hydrogen React is the glue where it saves time, without locking us to the full Hydrogen stack.
The tradeoff is that we keep versions and API contracts ourselves. The upside is that the store can evolve as a normal Next.js app, with Shopify where it actually adds value.
For feelme.no that was the right balance: faster delivery on commerce details, full freedom on experience and visibility.
Want the best of Shopify without swapping the entire platform? Eon AS has run Hydrogen React in Next.js in production, and can help you land the same balance.