Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 for UK stores

Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is a necessary step for UK stores still running the older platform, as official support for Magento 1 ended in 2020. The process requires careful planning to avoid data loss, broken functionality and extended downtime that can affect sales.

This guide outlines the main stages with specific actions for data transfer, theme and extension updates, expected performance gains and UK-specific issues such as VAT handling, carrier integrations and regulatory compliance that often cause problems during migration.

Why migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2

Magento 1 reached end of life several years ago, leaving stores without security patches or compatibility with newer PHP versions and payment gateways. Continuing to run it increases the risk of breaches and lost transactions. Magento 2 offers a more modern architecture with better separation of concerns, improved indexing and a modular approach that makes future maintenance easier.

For UK merchants, the upgrade brings native support for updated EU and domestic shipping rules, better multi-currency handling and improved checkout flows that can reduce cart abandonment. The migration is not trivial, but the long-term benefits in stability and speed usually outweigh the short-term effort.

Planning the migration project

Begin by auditing your current Magento 1 store. List all custom extensions, third-party integrations and modifications to the core. Identify which features are essential and which can be replaced by native Magento 2 functionality. Create a staging environment that mirrors your live store as closely as possible.

Decide on a cutover strategy. Many UK stores choose a phased approach: first migrate catalogue and customer data, then orders and finally enable the new storefront. Allocate time for thorough testing, especially around peak trading periods such as Black Friday or the January sales. Document every custom requirement so nothing is overlooked during the rebuild.

Data transfer process

Use the official Magento 2 Data Migration Tool to move catalogue, customers, orders and settings from Magento 1. The tool maps most standard entities automatically but requires configuration for custom attributes and tables. Run the tool in delta mode after the initial migration to capture any new orders or customer records created on the old store.

Export product images separately and upload them to the Magento 2 media directory. Verify that URLs for both products and categories are preserved or set up 301 redirects to prevent loss of search engine traffic. Customer passwords cannot be migrated directly; users will need to reset them on first login after the switch. Test a sample of orders to confirm that totals, taxes and shipping records transfer accurately.

Back up the Magento 1 database multiple times before starting. Run the migration on a development server first and compare record counts between systems to catch any omissions early.

Updating themes and custom code

Magento 2 uses a completely different frontend structure based on RequireJS, Knockout.js and a new XML layout system. Simply copying a Magento 1 theme will not work. Either purchase or develop a new responsive theme compatible with Magento 2 or use one of the blank themes as a starting point and apply your branding.

Review all custom modules. Many Magento 1 extensions have official Magento 2 versions; others must be rewritten. Pay particular attention to checkout customisations, as the Magento 2 checkout uses a different step-based architecture. Test thoroughly on mobile devices, as a large proportion of UK e-commerce traffic now comes from smartphones. Ensure the new theme meets current accessibility standards to avoid potential complaints or legal issues.

Performance gains after migration

Magento 2 typically loads product pages and category listings faster than Magento 1 because of its improved caching, better database indexing and full-page cache enhancements. The default Varnish configuration works more effectively, and static content deployment reduces server load.

UK stores often see quicker checkout processes and fewer server errors during traffic spikes. Database queries for layered navigation and search tend to execute faster. These improvements can lead to better conversion rates, although the exact gains depend on your catalogue size, server specification and the quality of the new theme. Measure performance before and after using tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights and WebPageTest to quantify the difference.

Common UK-specific pitfalls

UK merchants frequently encounter problems with VAT calculations when migrating. Different product categories may have varying rates, and the rules around digital goods and shipping charges change periodically. Always verify current requirements directly with HMRC rather than assuming the old settings will transfer correctly.

Carrier integrations for Royal Mail, ParcelForce, DPD and Hermes (now Evri) often need to be reconfigured or replaced with updated extensions. Postcode lookup services and address validation can break if the old APIs are no longer supported. Payment modules for popular UK providers must be updated to maintain PCI compliance and Strong Customer Authentication.

Ensure that the new store correctly displays prices including or excluding VAT according to your customer type (B2C versus B2B). Test the entire order process with sample UK addresses, including Northern Ireland postcodes which may have different rules. Failing to address these details can result in incorrect tax charges, delivery failures or customer complaints.

Testing, launch and post-migration tasks

Perform functional testing on every major user journey: browsing, searching, adding to basket, checkout and account management. Check order processing, email templates, invoice generation and integration with accounting software. Conduct user testing with a small group of existing customers to catch UX issues.

When ready to launch, switch DNS records to point to the new server and place the old store in maintenance mode. Monitor error logs and sales closely for the first few days. Set up redirects for any changed URLs and submit an updated sitemap to Google Search Console. After the migration, review and update all extensions to their latest compatible versions and establish a regular patching schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Can I run Magento 1 and Magento 2 at the same time during migration?

It is possible to run both systems in parallel for data syncing, but it requires careful database configuration and is not recommended for extended periods. Most stores complete the migration in a staging environment before cutting over to the new platform to avoid order and inventory discrepancies.

How long does a typical Magento 1 to 2 migration take?

The timeline varies widely depending on catalogue size, number of customisations and team experience. A straightforward store might take six to ten weeks, while complex setups with heavy custom development can require several months of planning and testing.

Will my SEO rankings be affected by moving to Magento 2?

Rankings can be preserved if you maintain the same URL structure or implement comprehensive 301 redirects. The improved site speed of Magento 2 can benefit SEO over time, but poor migration execution that creates broken links or duplicate content will cause temporary drops.

Do I need to rewrite all my Magento 1 extensions?

Many popular extensions now have official Magento 2 equivalents. Custom code usually requires rewriting because of architectural differences. Review each extension early in the project to determine whether it can be replaced by core functionality or needs redevelopment.

What should I do about customer passwords after migration?

Passwords cannot be transferred securely between the two versions. Customers will be asked to reset their password on their first login after the migration. Communicate this clearly in advance through email and notices on the old store to reduce support queries.